Use of Gan Sui (kansui roots) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Dig out the root, peel off the skin, and dry it

Dosage: 1 - 3 grams in decoction, 0.5 - 1 grams as a powder

Main actions according to TCM*: Relieves water retention and congestion of Fluids. Cools swellings and reduces inflammation when applied topically. Strong purgative, driving water and Food Stagnation out though the stool.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Gan Sui may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Ascites Edema Sores Abcesses Constipation

Contraindications*: This herb is traditionally considered incompatible with Liquorice (Gan cao). This herb should not be used by pregnant women nor by those that are Deficient

Common TCM formulas in which Gan Sui is used*

Key TCM concepts behind Gan Sui's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gan Sui belongs to the 'Cathartic herbs that drain downward' category. The herbs in this category are those whose main purpose is to treat constipation. They're called 'cathartic' because they have an especially strong effect and should only be used for severe intestinal blockage or gastrointestinal swelling.

Furthermore Gan Sui is Cold in nature. This means that Gan Sui typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Gan Sui can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Gan Sui also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Gan Sui tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Gan Sui is thought to target the Spleen, the Kidney, the Large intestine and the Lung. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Large Intestine receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.