Qiàn Shí (芡实) — Euryale / Foxnut
On this page
1. Overview
Qiàn Shí (芡实) — the seed of Euryale ferox, also known as foxnut, gorgon fruit or makhana — is a sweet, astringent, neutral Chinese herb used to tonify the Spleen and Kidney while astringing leakage of Essence and fluids. It is a food-grade herb commonly used in congees and soups across East and South Asia, where it is valued for its gentle tonification of the digestion without producing dampness. In TCM it is most commonly prescribed for chronic diarrhoea, leukorrhoea (vaginal discharge), spermatorrhoea, urinary incontinence and Kidney-deficient enuresis — particularly when Spleen Qi deficiency is the root pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Qiàn Shí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 芡实 |
| Latin name | Semen Euryales / Euryale ferox |
| English name | Foxnut, gorgon fruit, makhana |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, astringent |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Kidney |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
| Dosage | 10–15 g, decocted; 30–60 g in food-grade preparations |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Spleen and stops chronic diarrhoea — for loose stools with Spleen Qi deficiency, particularly when accompanied by undigested food. Often combined with Shan Yao and Bai Zhu.
- Stabilises Kidney Essence — for spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation arising from Kidney deficiency with leakage of Jing.
- Astringes Damp leukorrhoea — for chronic vaginal discharge with Spleen Qi deficiency and Damp; classical use in modern gynaecology.
- Resolves urinary incontinence and frequent urination — for Kidney Qi deficiency with cold-pattern frequent urination, particularly in older adults and children with enuresis.
4. Key formulas
- Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan — the classical formula for stabilising Kidney Essence; Qian Shi combines with Lian Zi, Long Gu and Mu Li to retain Jing.
- Yi Huang Tang — for yellow leukorrhoea with Spleen Damp; Qian Shi astringes while other herbs clear Damp-Heat.
- Shui Lu Er Xian Dan — pairs Qian Shi with Jin Ying Zi for general Kidney astringency.
- Commonly added to Shen Ling Bai Zhu San-type Spleen-tonifying formulas for chronic loose stools.
5. Cautions
Qian Shi is exceptionally well tolerated as it is a food-grade herb. Caution in patients with constipation (its astringent action may aggravate), and in acute infection (the astringent quality may trap pathogens). Safe in pregnancy.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Qian Shi as part of pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas, particularly for chronic loose stools, women's health complaints with leukorrhoea, and Kidney-Jing-leakage patterns. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
