The efficacy and function of wild water chestnut

As we all know, wild water chestnut is a very common medicinal material with many years of history. It can also treat many diseases. Let us learn about the medicinal value of wild water chestnut.

[Other names] Water chestnut, water caltrop

[Source] Medicinal material source: the nuts of the wild water chestnut and the fine-fruited wild water chestnut of the family Trapa.

[Original form] Annual aquatic herb. Leaves are dimorphic, those floating on the water surface have petioles 5-10 cm long, with spongy air sacs that are long fusiform or lanceolate; leaves are usually rhombic or triangular rhombus, about 2-4 cm long and wide, with sharp teeth on the upper edge, broad cuneate at the base edge, entire, dark green and shiny above, light green and glabrous below; submerged leaves are pinnately finely lobed. Flowers white, axillary. The nut is triangular and very small, with sharp green thorns on its four or two corners. The two upper thorns extend upward, while the two lower thorns point downward. The fruit stalk is thin and short. The flowering period is July-August, and the fruit ripening period is October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Wild in water walls or field ditches. Grows wild in ponds.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The wild water chestnut fruit is flat triangular in shape with four corners. The two corners on both sides spread obliquely upward and are 2-3 cm wide. The front and back corners extend downward and are relatively sharp. The surface is yellow-green or slightly purple, and the shell is lignified and hard. The flesh is white and powdery. It has a faint smell and tastes sweet and slightly astringent. The fruit of the wild water chestnut is small, 1-2cm wide.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; neutral

【Meridian】 Spleen meridian; Stomach meridian

【Functions and indications】Nourishes the spleen and stomach; promotes the production of body fluids and quenches thirst; detoxifies and reduces swelling. It is used for spleen and stomach weakness, diarrhea, dysentery, summer heat and thirst, excessive drinking, sores and swellings.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 30-60g.

【Note】 Do not overeat to avoid abdominal bloating.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is an introduction to some relevant knowledge about wild water chestnut. Do you have a better understanding of it? I hope everyone can apply wild water chestnuts in their lives to serve our health.