With the global rise in health and natural living trends, demand for herbal medicine has surged. Since the 2020s, the market has seen rapid growth, particularly in Asia and Western countries. Recently, a herbal medicine cooperative in Sichuan, China, announced plans to export approximately 200 million yen worth of Alisma orientale (Takusha) to Japan this year for use in pharmaceuticals and health supplements.
Known for its diuretic properties, Alisma is a key ingredient in many traditional Chinese and Kampo formulas such as Tokishakuyakusan, Goreisan, Hachimijiogan, and Choreito. It is also mentioned as a “superior-grade” herb in China’s ancient medical text, Shennong Bencao Jing, and has long been used to support health.
Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi is said to have used Alisma to relieve discomfort from his rich diet.
Today in China, Alisma is still popular in medicinal teas for weight loss and swelling relief. However, due to its strong cooling effect on the body, it is not recommended for people who are sensitive to cold, physically weak, or pregnant unless used under the guidance of a doctor or herbal medicine specialist.
近年来，随着健康和自然生活方式的普及，全球对中药材的需求持续上升。自2020年代以来，亚洲和欧美市场迅速扩张。最近，中国四川一家中药材合作社宣布，计划今年向日本出口价值约2亿日元的泽泻，用于药品和保健食品。
泽泻具有良好的利水作用，常被用于多种汉方和中药配方中，例如当归芍药散、五苓散、八味地黄丸、猪苓汤等。
在中国古代医学经典《神农本草经》中被列为“上品”，自古以来就用于维护健康。唐代诗人白居易据说也曾因饮食过于油腻而用泽泻调理身体。
在现代中国，泽泻依然是一种受欢迎的药膳茶，用于减肥和消除浮肿。不过，由于其寒凉性较强，体质虚寒、身体虚弱或孕妇应在医生或中医师的指导下使用。