Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Notebook

Euryale ferox

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Avoid in cases of constipation or digestive disorders, as the seed is traditionally considered astringent and may worsen these issues. Not recommended in cases of urinary retention or diagnosed urinary disorders without the advice of a healthcare professional. Consult a qualified practitioner before any prolonged use, especially in combination with other plants or treatments. Raw seeds are not consumed: they must always be cooked before any food or traditional use.

Decoction — Dried seed (Qian Shi)

Traditional decoction of Euryale seeds

Dried and crushed seeds are gently boiled in water for thirty to forty minutes, often combined with other tonic seeds such as lotus. The preparation, once filtered, was drunk warm or incorporated into broth. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Porridge or soup — Hulled seed

Fortifying convalescence porridge

Hulled seeds are cooked at length with rice or other grains until a smooth porridge is obtained, traditionally served to weakened or elderly individuals. Jujubes or lotus seeds were sometimes added. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Ground dried seed

Powder for culinary preparations

The dried seed is ground into fine powder, then incorporated into broths, cakes, or traditional Asian pastries, with a nutritive rather than strictly medicinal purpose. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

← Back to profile