Fruits and seedsAstringentSemen Euryales
Qian Shi (Euryale Seed)
芡實 · Qian Shi
Astringent herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Supplements kidney, secures essence, supplements spleen, relieves diarrhea, eliminates dampness, relieves vaginal discharge.
Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Semen Euryales |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 芡實 · Qian Shi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Astringent |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature kernel of Euryale ferox Salisb.(Nymphaeaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Astringent; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Kidney |
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What Is Qian Shi?
Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Astringent; Neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Kidney
Qian Shi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Semen Euryales
Botanical Origin
The dried mature kernel of Euryale ferox Salisb.(Nymphaeaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is full, even, powdery, without crushed powder, with endocarp.
Macroscopic Features
Sub-spherical, often broken into pieces. Externally has brownish-red endocarps, one end is yellowish-white and occupies about 1/3 of the whole kernel, with indented spotted hilum scar, after removing endocarp, appears white. Relatively hard texture, fractured surface is white, powdery. faint odor, tasteless.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Astringent; NeutralSpleenKidney
Traditional Functions
Supplements kidney, secures essence, supplements spleen, relieves diarrhea, eliminates dampness, relieves vaginal discharge. Apply to spermatorrhea, enuresis, frequency of urination, chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, gonorrhea, and vaginal discharge.
How Qian Shi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Qian Shi is classified among the Astringent herbs. It appears in 2 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Qian Shi are traditionally used for:
Frequent NocturiaLow LibidoPremature Ejaculation
Classical Formulas Containing Qian Shi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qian Shi? Are Ji Tou Mi, bran-fried Qian Shi and Lian Zi the same?
Official Qian Shi (芡实) is the dried ripe kernel of Euryale ferox. The pharmacopoeial name is Euryales Semen, also called foxnut or chicken-head seed. Bran-fried Qian Shi is fried until pale yellow: slightly warmer, stronger to fortify the Spleen, stop diarrhea and astringe. Lian Zi is lotus seed: fortifies the Spleen, stops diarrhea, benefits the Kidney and astringes essence, and also nourishes the Heart to calm the spirit—it is not Euryale. Grocery foxnut is the same plant as the decoction piece, but medicinal dose and pattern still need sorting. Write Qian Shi or Fu Chao Qian Shi.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Qian Shi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Qian Shi is sweet, astringent and neutral, enters the Spleen and Kidney channels, and acts to benefit the Kidney and secure essence, fortify the Spleen and stop diarrhea, and dry damp and stop discharge. It is used for seminal emission and slippage, enuresis and urinary frequency, chronic Spleen-deficiency diarrhea, cloudy urine and vaginal discharge. Sweet-astringent, neutral, supplementing while binding—suited to insecure Spleen-Kidney and damp turbidity with discharge or diarrhea, not to difficult stool or urine or food accumulation with fullness.
How do you choose raw versus bran-fried Qian Shi? Should it be soaked first?
Benefit the Kidney, secure essence, dry damp and stop discharge mostly with raw Qian Shi; chronic Spleen-deficiency diarrhea and weak transformation with bran-fried Qian Shi, warmer and easier to digest. The kernel is hard: crush it or soak before decoction; soak before porridge as well. First- or late-decoction is not required.
Learn More About Qian Shi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Qian Shi.
Read the Qian Shi Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
