Category Archives: Herbs That are downward draining

These herbs will stimulate the expulsion of stool or lubricate the intestines to facilitate the movement of feces to be expelled. There are 3 different groups of downward draining herbs; Purgatives, moist laxatives and harsh expellants. Purgatives are usually bitter and cold having a strong heat clearing property and being used for constipation due to heat. Moist laxatives usually have a neutral property, are mild in nature and are often used for geriatric situation. Harsh expellants are only used in severe cases and will cause explosive diarrhea. These herbs are also used as diuretics as they will expel large amounts of water. Many herbs in this category are contraindicated during pregnancy or when accompanied by spleen and stomach deficiency.

Gan Sui

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Properties: BITTER, SWEET - COLD/TOXIC Dosage:1.5 – 3g.

Kan-sui Root Meridian KIDNEY, LUNG, LARGE INTESTINE POWDER 0.3-1g.

-drain downward, drives out congested fluid – fluid in chest and abdomen -general edema – causes water to be passed anally

-clear heat, reduce swellings – swollen-painful skin lesions


Da Ji

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Properties: BITTER, PUNGENT - COLD/TOXIC Dosage: 1.5 – 3g.

Peking spurge Root Meridian: KIDNEY, LARGE INTESTINE, LUNG

(Euphorbia) -drain downward, drive out congested fluids – fluid in chest, thick sputum

-reduce swelling, dissipate nodules – topically for red-swollen-painful toxic sores or scrofula

Da Huang

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Properties: BITTER - COLD Dosage: 3 – 12g.

Rhubarb Meridian:HEART, LARGE INTETINE, LIVER, STOMACH RAW = PURGING

Root -purge accumulations, clear heat from blood, invigorates blood

-drain heat/damp – Yang jaundice

-topically for burns, hot skin, skin lesions (combine with Shi Gao)