Eleocharis, Water Chestnut, Bi Qi 荸荠
Bi Qi (TCM)
Eleocharis dulcisRoxburgh, W., Plants of the coast of Coromandel (1819)
Eleocharis dulcisBlanco, Flora de Filipinas. (1875)
Botanical name:
Eleocharis dulcis (syn. E. plantaginea, E. tuberosa)
Parts used:
Rhizome
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, moist. Sweet
Classification:
P. Clears Hot Phlegm
Uses:
1. Clears Phlegm and Heat, Resolves Stasis:
-Phlegm-Heat Cough
-Phlegm nodes and Scrofula
2. Clears Heat, Moistens Dryness:
-Thirst and Constipation from Heat and dryness
-especially Lung and Stomach Heat, or in the aftermath of Febrile diseases
-has been used for Dysentery
3. Benefits Yin:
-Wasting and Thirsting disorder
-Painful and obstructed Urine from Heat
-Uterine Bleeding from Heat and Yin deficiency
Dose:
Decoction: 30–120 grams
Of the Juice: 30–60 grams
Corrective:
1. Fresh Ginger (TCM)
Main Combinations:
1. Phlegm-Heat Cough, boil Water Chestnuts and Pear slices and drink the tea
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
Not used for Cold and weakness of the Stomach or Blood deficiency.