Qian Shi or Makhana

Following are the details of the multi-purpose plant:

 Parts of plant used: Dried kernels of ripe seeds

 Category of TCM : Herbs that stabilize and bind

 TCM nature: Neutral

 TCM taste(s): Sweet

 Meridian affinity: Spleen and Kidney 

 Naturally Occurring Components: Starch, protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, thiamine, carotene, vitamin C, nicotinic acid, phosphorus

 Scientific name: Euryale ferox

 Other popular names: Fox nut, Gorgon nut, Makhana, Gordon Euryale

Importance of Makhana in Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM)

 Stability and Binding Agent: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foxnut or makhana seeds are belong to the category of herbs of plants are have naturally occurring ‘ Stabilizing and binding’ properties. This  special category of Chinese  herbs are used for treating abnormal discharges and also displacement of organs. There are also conditions including diarrhea, discharge from a man’s or woman’s private parts. While makhana or Gorgon nuts can be used to treat symptoms,  it must also be kept in mind that any underlying problem or deficiency also needs to be taken care of for a holistic solution.

 Fox nuts or makhana find a lot of use in traditional Chinese medicine or TCM as they are neutral in nature. This essentially translates in the ability of this multi-purpose seed to create a balance and harmony in the human body. Popularly known as Yin ( Cold) and Yang ( Hot), the balance of the two is important for optimal human body functioning. Many human beings create imbalance in the body by eating either too much hot food or too much cold food. Fox nuts being neutral in nature do not disrupt the body balance. Therefore, even if sometimes, one ends up having excess, the human body is able to tolerate that. 

 The TCM medical practitioners consider fox nut of a “ sweet and sour taste” and believe that the fiber rich nut also aids in digestion. It also helps to detoxify the body 

Managing Diseases through TCM

A number of diseases are being cured since thousands of years through the traditional Chinese medicinal system. There are millions of people who still believe in the efficacy of TCM as its uses natural herbs and plants for treating diseases and maintaining the body health. Also there are no side effects of TCM since it creates a positive balance in the body through energies. 

Primary conditions or symptoms for which foxnut seeds may be prescribed by TCM doctors

 Leukorrhea

 Diarrhea

 Premature Ejaculation

 Urinary infections

 Spermatorrhea

 Vaginal Discharge

Common Traditional Chinese Medicines formulation in which foxnut seeds are used

 Fox nuts are widely used for treating  kidney deficiency

 Fox nuts or Gorgon nuts are also used to treat people with symptoms of leukorrhea, seminal emissions. Some practitioners may combine foxnut seeds with Lian Zi and Cuscuta Seeds or Tu Si Zi. 

 Fox nuts are also combined with Cherokee rose fruits or Jin Ying Zi for treating nocturnal emissions and urinary incontinence. 

 Gorgon nuts or Makhanas are also used for treating blood deficiency . Practitioners in some parts of China use fox nut seeds with gingko nuts to treat disease like vaginal discharge etc.

 TCM practitioners also combine foxnut seeds  with lotus stamens and Cherokee rose fruits to treat kidney deficiencies.

Forms used in Traditional Chinese Medicine :

Plants and herbs are processed and used in different forms in TCM.. These include :

 The whole plant or  herb, 

 Capsules

 Tablets 

 Rubs

 Syrup

 Essential oils

 Ointments

 Salves

 Teas

Makhana or fox nuts, are popularly used in the seed or kernel form and sold in bulk in China. They are then be used and processed in the form of powder and flakes. The only negative of use in TCM is that normally there are no standardization processes and the components of the end product may vary between batches and producers.

Future of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Even though the TCM system is not standardised, however a lot of people and countries also believe in the efficacy of this medicinal system. Countries including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, United States of America, the European Union,  have witnessed an increase in demand of such medicines. Now this medicinal method is accepted globally and gradually is gaining much more popularity than was 2- 3 decades ago.  

TCM gains edge over the western medicinal counterpart due to the fact that in this traditional system, the focus in on prevention, maintaining balance of the mind and body, so that diseases can be avoided. On the other hand, western medicine, despite all the advances, has been unable to focus more on the prevention and now increasingly are following suit. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) market has been developing fast since the latter part of the 9th century.. According to some estimates, during  2010, the output value of medicines were nearly RMB 300 plus billion . The global market has been expanding with almost at a rate of nearly 25%. It is also estimated with the combined demand in China and also other countries, the market for TCM will be around USD 80 billion by 2025.
All the above factors also gives an interesting and very positive demand for makhana or Qian Shi.