Gorgon Fruit (Qian Shi), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb, is generally recognized for its effects in benefiting the kidneys and consolidating essence, strengthening the spleen to stop diarrhea, and dispelling dampness to arrest vaginal discharge. It is also used to treat conditions such as kidney qi insecurity, spleen deficiency, and kidney qi insufficiency. If discomfort arises, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly.

1. Benefiting the Kidneys and Consolidating Essence:  

Qian Shi has a sweet and astringent nature and typically enters the Kidney channel. It is known for its ability to benefit the kidneys and consolidate essence. Clinically, it is often used to treat soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, seminal emission, and slippery essence caused by insecure kidney qi. Additionally, it consolidates the kidneys and reduces urination, making it effective for treating incomplete urination or pediatric enuresis due to insecurity of the kidney origin.

2. Strengthening the Spleen to Stop Diarrhea:  

With its astringent property, Qian Shi can converge and has the functions of invigorating the spleen, dispelling dampness, and binding the intestines to stop diarrhea. It is thus effective in strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, applicable to conditions such as sallow complexion, epigastric stuffiness with reduced appetite, intestinal gurgling with loose stools, excessive dampness pouring downward, and chronic diarrhea or dysentery caused by spleen deficiency.

3. Dispelling Dampness to Arrest Vaginal Discharge:  

Qian Shi benefits the kidneys to consolidate and restrain, supports the spleen in transportation, dispels dampness, drains turbidity, and arrests vaginal discharge. It is used to treat cloudy urine resembling rice-washing water due to kidney qi insufficiency and unresolved dampness, as well as yellowish, thick, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat pouring downward. It also addresses clear and profuse vaginal discharge resembling a continuous stream due to dual deficiency of the spleen and kidneys, coldness in the lower origin, and loss of restraint in the dai (belt) channel.

Patients are advised to use Qian Shi under the guidance of a physician. During treatment, maintaining healthy dietary habits is recommended, favoring a light diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits while avoiding spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, black pepper, or mustard, which may interfere with the herb’s efficacy.