What Are the Benefits and Effects of Rhubarb, Licorice, and Kansui Decoction?

Rhubarb, Licorice and Kansui Decoction is a common traditional Chinese medicine decoction. It has certain effects in reducing swelling and dissipating masses, relieving pain, and detoxifying, especially for snake venom. This decoction has a long history and has been circulated since ancient times. It also has good therapeutic and conditioning effects on urination and defecation problems. If you need to drink Rhubarb, Licorice and Kansui Decoction, it must be done under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Diuretic and Detoxifying: Edema is a disease that originates in the kidneys, manifests in the lungs, and is controlled by the spleen. Kansui, with a bitter taste, can descend and purge, and its root medicine mainly sinks and affects the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and other meridians related to the regulation of water and fluid metabolism. Therefore, it specializes in promoting water metabolism, diuretic, and detoxifying. It is often used for edema and fullness caused by excessive accumulation of water and dampness, as well as constipation and urination problems with solid symptoms.

2. Removing Phlegm and Removing Stagnant Fluids: When fluids stagnate, they can condense into phlegm and swelling. Phlegm and fluid retention are mainly attributed to the lungs and spleen. The spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the lungs store phlegm. Kansui, with a bitter and cold taste, can descend and purge heat. When used in the meridians of the spleen and lungs, it can regulate the source of phlegm and clear the storage of phlegm. It is considered an important medicine for removing phlegm and stagnant fluids.

3. Reducing Swelling and Dissipating Masses: This medicine has a bitter and sweet taste, cold nature, and toxicity. The bitter taste can descend and dry dampness, the cold nature can clear heat and purge fire, and the toxicity can attack toxins. Therefore, when applied externally, it has the effect of reducing swelling and dissipating masses, and can be used for various symptoms such as abscess and pain. It is mentioned in "Ben Cao Cong Xin" that it can be used to treat edema and swollen toxins by applying Kansui powder to the swollen area and drinking a strong decoction of licorice.

4. Relieving Pain and Calming Spasms: It excels in draining water and dampness from the meridians and channels to promote blood circulation. Its sweet taste can also help alleviate spasms and tension. Therefore, when applied externally to the affected area, it can relieve pain, especially suitable for those with numbness and pain caused by dampness and phlegm blocking the meridians. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records its effectiveness in treating numbness and pain by crushing it into a paste and applying it.

5. Detoxifying Snake Venom: This medicine is bitter, cold, and toxic. It can purge fire and detoxify, as well as attack toxins with toxins. Therefore, applying its powder externally can treat snakebites. "Essential of Chinese Herbal Medicine" states that Kansui can detoxify snake venom.