qian shi

芡实·Euryales

euryale seed

About qian shi

Qian Shi (芡实) is the seed of euryale, a water lily, recorded as Semen Euryales. It is sweet and astringent in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Spleen and Kidney channels.

Names

Pinyinqian shi
Chinese芡实
Latin NameEuryales·Semen Euryales
English Nameeuryale seed·Euryale Seeds
Japanesekenjitsu
Koreankeomin

Classification

Channels
Spleen, Kidney
Flavour
Sweet, Astringent
Temperature
Neutral
Part used
Seed
Family
Nymphaeaceae
Species
Eurayle Ferox
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Strengthens the Spleen and stops diarrhea

  • Long-standing loose stools or diarrhea when Spleen Qi is weak; mild enough for children
  • Chronic diarrhea from internal Damp building up when the Spleen's transport is weak

Secures the Kidneys and astringes Jing

  • Weak Kidney Qi failing to hold: spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, bedwetting, and frequent or uncontrolled urination

Drains Damp and stops vaginal discharge

  • Vaginal discharge from deficiency or from Damp-Heat
  • White, watery discharge of Spleen-deficient type; for yellow discharge it is combined with herbs that clear Heat and dry Damp

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 8-30g; Tincture: 2-4ml8-30 g2-4 ml

Cautions