Euryales Semen
Aliases：Jī Tóu Mǐ (Chicken Head Rice), Jī Tóu Shí, Yàn Huì Shí, Cì Qiàn Shí, Sū Qiàn Shí
Qiàn Shí (Gorgon Fruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is a commonly used herb for securing essence, arresting leukorrhea, and reducing urination. It is the ripe kernel of Euryale ferox Salisb., a plant of the Nymphaeaceae family. As its fruit resembles a chicken's head, it is commonly known as “Chicken Head Rice” in folk medicine.
Efficacy & Actions
Benefits the kidneys and secures essence, tonifies the spleen to stop diarrhea, and removes dampness to arrest leukorrhea.
Indications
Used for spermatorrhea, seminal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, and soreness of the lower back and knees due to kidney qi instability; chronic diarrhea and dysentery, sallow complexion, and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency with dampness; and turbid urine and leukorrhea (either thin and clear or yellow and thick) due to spleen-kidney deficiency.
Modern Pharmacology
Blood Glucose Regulation: Studies indicate that different varieties of Qiàn Shí (such as Sū Qiàn) show potential in alleviating diabetes and its complications, possibly through modulation of insulin resistance and diabetic cardiomyopathy pathways. Anti-aging and Antioxidant Effects: Flavonoids and cyclic peptides in Qiàn Shí contribute to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Anti-myocardial Ischemia: Research suggests it has protective effects against myocardial ischemia. Anticancer Activity: Related studies indicate potential anticancer effects.
Ingredients
Qiàn Shí mainly contains the following classes of compounds: sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, lipids, and abundant starch, protein, and fat, along with vitamins B₁, B₂, C, and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 9–15g. May also be prepared in pills, powder, or porridge.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of damp-heat: Not suitable for conditions such as seminal emission, turbid urine, frequent urination, leukorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, or difficult urination/defecation due to damp-heat, as it may retain pathogens and worsen symptoms. Contraindicated in those with difficult urination or defecation; use with caution in cases of food stagnation. Contraindicated during external contraction illness (e.g., common cold) and postpartum period.
Selected Formulas
Jīn Suǒ Gù Jīng Wán (from Yi Fang Ji Jie) Ingredients: Qiàn Shí combined with Lotus Seed (Lián Zǐ), Lotus Stamen (Lián Xū), and Oyster Shell (Mǔ Lì). Efficacy: Secures the kidneys and astringes essence. Indications: Spermatorrhea and seminal emission due to kidney instability. Yì Huáng Tāng (from Fu Qing Zhu Nü Ke) Ingredients: Qiàn Shí combined with Phellodendron Bark (Huáng Bǎi) and Plantago Seed (Chē Qián Zǐ). Efficacy: Clears heat, resolves dampness, and astringes leukorrhea. Indications: Yellow, thick leukorrhea due to damp-heat. Shuǐ Lù Èr Xiān Dān (from Ren Cun Tang Jing Yan Fang) Ingredients: Qiàn Shí paired with Cherokee Rose Fruit (Jīn Yīng Zǐ). Efficacy: Benefits the kidneys, secures essence, and tonifies the spleen to stop diarrhea. Indications: Spermatorrhea and seminal emission due to kidney instability, and chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency.
Daily Consumption
Qiàn Shí and Poria Congee: Take 15g of Qiàn Shí and 10g of Poria (Fú Líng). Crush them and cook in water until soft and mushy. Add an appropriate amount of washed rice and continue cooking into a congee. This helps benefit the kidneys, secure essence, and strengthen the spleen. Qiàn Shí and Goji Berry Eye-Nourishing Congee: Take 25g of Qiàn Shí and 10g of Goji Berries (Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ). Cook with half a bowl of polished rice until thick, sweet, and aromatic. Suitable for spring consumption to strengthen the spleen and nourish the eyes. Qiàn Shí and Lotus Seed Congee: Cook Qiàn Shí with Lotus Seed (Lián Zǐ) and glutinous rice. This congee helps strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, secure the kidneys, and astringe essence. Daily Chewing: Take 20–30 cooked Qiàn Shí kernels daily, chew slowly and thoroughly in the mouth. Long-term adherence may help strengthen the spleen and consolidate the kidneys.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe kernel.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture, insects, and rodents.