Euryale seed belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, primarily cultivated in China's wetland regions. Its fruit ripens during autumn and winter. After harvesting, remove the husk to extract the seeds, which are then washed and consumed.
Ancient pharmacopoeias describe water chestnuts as a "grain-vegetable delicacy that keeps infants youthful and extends longevity in the elderly." Characterized by "tonifying without being overpowering" and "moisturizing without causing greasiness," they are an ideal autumn tonic.
Functions and Indications
Water chestnuts primarily tonify the kidneys and spleen, treating nocturnal emissions, urinary incontinence, and diarrhea.
Glass nuts are sweet, astringent, and neutral in nature. They enter the Spleen and Kidney meridians. Functions include tonifying the spleen to stop diarrhea, benefiting the kidneys to secure essence, and dispelling dampness to stop leukorrhea. Indicated for nocturnal emissions, frequent urination, chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, cloudy urine, and vaginal discharge.
Spleen Tonification & Diarrhea Relief
Primarily treats lumbar and knee arthralgia, nocturnal emission, cloudy urine, vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence, and loose stools.
Anti-Aging Properties
Water chestnuts contain abundant starch, providing substantial caloric energy. They also contain various vitamins and carbohydrates.Click the blue text to learn more anti-aging tips: How to nourish blood and promote beauty for women with qi and blood deficiency
Clinical Application
Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis
15g each of Euryale seed, prepared rehmannia root, and Chinese rosehip; 12g each of raspberry, epimedium, and cistanche;Schisandra chinensis, Cornus officinalis, and Hedgehog skin 10g each, Prepared Polygonum multiflorum 30g. Adjust dosage based on symptoms. Decoct and take orally. Effective for treating chronic prostatitis caused by kidney yang deficiency.
Treatment of Male Disorders
31g each of Cynomorium, Euryale seed, Tribulus terrestris, Lotus filament, and Rosa laevigata fruit; 21g each of calcined dragon bone and calcined oyster shell; 15g each of Anemarrhena rhizome and Phellodendron bark. Decoct in water, one dose daily.
Treatment for Leukorrhea
White Atractylodes rhizome, Atractylodes lancea rhizome, Coix seed, and Chinese yam, each 30g; Euryale seed and cuttlefish bone, each 15g; Eucommia bark 10g; Rubia root 8g. Adjust dosage according to symptoms. Treated 60 cases of leukorrhea, with 45 cases achieving complete recovery.
Selection of Euryale Seed
Euryale seeds are nearly spherical, some broken into small pieces. Intact seeds measure 5-8mm in diameter. The surface features a reddish-brown inner seed coat, with one end yellowish-white (about 1/3 of the seed) bearing a dimpled scar where the seed coat was removed. The inner layer is white. The seeds are relatively hard with a white, powdery fracture. They are odorless and bland.
The finest quality exhibits no musty, sour, or sulfurous odors. Optimal specimens feature intact, plump, uniform grains with a white, powdery cross-section free of debris or impurities, dry bodies, and no insect damage. Southern water chestnuts (round variety) are particularly prized.
Storage of Euryale Seeds
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place to prevent insect infestation.
Methods of Consuming Euryale Seeds
The dark purple (or dark red) color indicates fully matured euryale seed kernels. After removing the skin, the kernels appear powdery white and require prolonged simmering over low heat.Yellow seeds indicate immature nuts that cook quickly. To maximize health benefits, simmer lotus seeds thoroughly until tender, chewing slowly and thoroughly.