Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alisma, also known as Alisma orientale or "water plantain," has a longstanding role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is commonly included in herbal formulas aimed at promoting urination and resolving "dampness," which in TCM theory relates to fluid retention, edema, and sometimes urinary tract issues. Alisma is often used in combination with other herbs for conditions described as "urinary difficulty" or to "clear heat" from the urinary tract, which some practitioners interpret as supporting kidney health or addressing symptoms that may overlap with what biomedicine defines as kidney infections.

However, there is little direct scientific evidence that supports the use of Alisma for treating kidney infections (pyelonephritis) as understood in Western medicine. Most available studies focus on its diuretic properties and possible anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects, but clinical trials in humans are lacking. Laboratory studies have shown that extracts from Alisma rhizome can increase urine output in animal models, and there are preliminary indications of antimicrobial effects in vitro. Nevertheless, these findings do not directly translate to efficacy in treating kidney infections, which are caused by bacterial pathogens and often require antibiotics.

In summary, the use of Alisma for kidney infection is primarily justified by traditional use in TCM, rather than by robust clinical research. Evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific condition is limited to historical practice, with minimal scientific validation.

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