Strengthening the Spleen and Eliminating Dampness, Stopping Diarrhea and Leucorrhea
Mechanism of Action: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qian Shi is sweet, astringent, neutral in nature, and enters the spleen and kidney meridians to strengthen the spleen, boost energy, astringe fluids, and alleviate diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency with excess dampness.
- Spleen Deficiency Diarrhea: Symptoms include loose stools, poor appetite, fatigue; can be combined with ingredients like yam or lotus seeds for treatment.
- Leucorrhea Disorders: Increased white discharge due to dampness from spleen deficiency; often used with Bai Zhu or Fu Ling.
2. Nourishing the Kidneys and Securing Essence; Reducing Urination
Mechanism of Action: Qian Shi nourishes kidneys and secures essence to relieve symptoms such as nocturnal emissions or enuresis due to kidney deficiency.
Applicable Scenarios:
- Kidney Deficiency Nocturnal Emissions: Commonly seen in individuals with lower back pain or dizziness; often used alongside Jin Ying Zi (as in "Shui Lu Er Xian Dan").
- Frequent Urination/Enuresis in Children or Elderly due to insufficient kidney qi; can be paired with Sang Piao Xiao or Yi Zhi Ren.
II. Efficacy Confirmed by Modern Scientific Research
1. Antioxidant Properties & Anti-Aging Effects
Composition Basis: Contains flavonoids (like rutin and quercetin) and polyphenols that scavenge free radicals reducing oxidative damage.
Application Value:
- Delaying Organ Aging: May protect cardiovascular systems and liver through oxidative stress inhibition.
- Beauty Care Benefits: Can improve skin dullness/fine lines when added to skincare products.
2. Regulating Sugar-Lipid Metabolism
Research Findings: Animal studies indicate that Qian Shi extracts may enhance insulin sensitivity while lowering blood sugar levels along with total cholesterol/triglycerides.
Potential Application: Suitable for prediabetes or mild-to-moderate type II diabetes management but should not replace medication.
3. Enhancing Immunity
Mechanism of Action: Likely boosts immune cell activity enhancing disease resistance.
Applicable Scenarios:
For those recovering from illness/surgery needing immune support;
Daily care for individuals frequently experiencing colds/tiredness under suboptimal health conditions.
4. Anti-inflammatory & Gut Protection
Research Evidence: Active components inhibit intestinal inflammatory factors (such as TNF-alpha/IL-6), improving gut barrier function which may alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Application Suggestion: Can serve as functional food material for developing products targeting IBS/chronic enteritis.
III. Common Application Areas
1. Medicine Field
Classic Formulations: Used in Gui Pi Wan/Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan treating related deficiencies of spleen/kidney .
Modern Preparations: Developed into oral tablets/capsules/granules assisting treatments for diabetes/chronic diarrhea .
2. Food & Health Products
Health Foods: Made into Qian Shi powder/solid beverages/tablets focusing on "Strengthening Spleen/Kidney" & "Antioxidation".
Culinary Applications: Cooked porridge (Qian Shi Lotus Seed Porridge)/soup(Qian Shi Pork Rib Soup) suitable daily consumption for those with heavy dampness/spleen/kidney weakness .
3. Cosmetics Field
Skincare Additives: Utilizing antioxidant/moisturizing properties incorporated into creams/masks addressing dryness/aging issues."