Alisma
Other names : Water plantain, Alisma, Alisma Plantain d'Eau, Alismatis Plantago, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale, Alisma orientale, Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale, Alismatis Plantago, American Water Plantain, Asian Water Plantain, Llanten de Agua, Mad-Dog Weed, Plantain, Plantain d’Eau, Rhizoma Alismatis, Ze Xie.
Alisma is a water plant found throughout the marshlands of Asia. Also known as the Oriental water plantain, alisma stands approximately three inches in height and 1-2 inches in diameter, with raised fibrous roots that are tuberous in appearance. It has a slight odor and a slightly bitter taste. The roots are used in herbal remedies, and are prepared by soaking the rhizome in water, they cutting it into thick slices and drying it in the sun. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.
Special Precautions of Alisma
- Alisma may be UNSAFE and toxic. The fresh rootstock is thought to be poisonous.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Water plantain may be UNSAFE for anyone, including pregnant and breast-feeding women. Do not use it.
- Because alisma is used to promote urination, it should not be taken by patients who are dehydrated or have difficulty retaining fluid. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with alisma. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking alisma or any other herbal product or supplement.
- Be careful not to confuse water plantain with other plantain species such as buckhorn plantain.
Benefits and uses of Alisma are
Many of alisma's uses center around the urinary system. It is often used by obese people to help remove water weight, or by people who have urinary infections or difficulty urinating. It is also used to help the prostate gland function properly and to improve urinary function.
