Rhizoma Alismatis
Source
The stem tuber of Alismci orientale (Sam.) Juzep., family Alismataceae.
Characteristics
The stem tuber somewhat spheroidal, yellow-white when the coarse 
cortex
is removed, with transverse annular node remnants on which there are numerous
scars of fibrous roots; umbilical stem remnants appearing at the upper
end and several tubercular bud remnants at the lower. Cross section showing
white, granular or farinaceous, with numerous small pores. Sweet and bland
in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to kidney and urinary bladder
channels.
Indication
Promote diuresis to eliminate dampness from the lower-jiao and expel heat:
For dampness-retention syndrome, such as edema, dysuria, diarrhea and
leucorrhagia, used together with Poria and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae;
for jaundice of dampness-heat type, used together with Herba Artemisiae
Seopariae and Poria; for dizziness due to the retention of phlegm used
with Rhizoma Atractylodis 
Macmeephalcie
together, recently used for otogenic dizziness; for stranguria of heat
type and urinary stone origin, used together with Herba Desmodii Styracifoill;
for syndrome of kidney-fire excess manifested as dizziness, flushed face
and hectic fever. used together with Radix Rehmanniae and Cortex Moutan
Radicis. Recently also used for hyperlipemia, cirrhotic ascites and fatty
liver.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Protective against hyperlipemia and fatty liver in experimental animals.
2. Its decoction exerts a diuretic effect.
3. Increasing coronary flow in rabbits.
4. Decreasing the level of blood sugar.
Administration Decoction: 6-15g.