euryales semen

Euryales Semen, known as Qian Shi (芡实) in Chinese and commonly called Euryale Seed or Foxnut, is the dried ripe seed of Euryale ferox Salisb., a water plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. It is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its sweet, astringent, and neutral properties. The herb primarily acts to supplement the kidney and spleen, secure essence (jing), relieve diarrhea, eliminate dampness, and reduce abnormal vaginal discharge. It is indicated for conditions such as kidney deficiency with symptoms like nocturnal emission, frequent urination or enuresis; spleen deficiency with chronic diarrhea; leucorrhea due to dampness; and general weakness. Its mechanism of action is not fully elucidated by modern pharmacology but traditionally centers on tonifying organs and stabilizing bodily fluids through astringency[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The seeds are rich in starches, proteins, fats, vitamins (A, B1/thiamine, C), minerals (calcium, phosphorus), carotene and other nutrients[5]. Euryales Semen is typically administered orally as part of herbal decoctions or food therapy.

Other names

qian shifoxnuteuryale seed芡实seed of gordon euryale