☯ TCM Properties
Strengthens the Spleen and Stops Diarrhea; Benefits the Kidneys and Secures Essence; Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Spirit; Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lian Zi (lotus seed) is a neutral, sweet-astringent herb that simultaneously nourishes and consolidates. It tonifies the Spleen and Kidney, calms the Heart, and astringes to prevent abnormal leakage of body fluids. Common indications include chronic diarrhea from Spleen deficiency, spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia from Heart-Kidney disharmony. Because lotus seed functions also as a food, it is one of the safest and most gentle herbs for long-term use.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae) is a large aquatic perennial herb rooted in the mud of ponds and slow-moving waters, with a stout, creeping, jointed rhizome bearing internal air canals. The peltate leaves are emergent, held above the water on long stout petioles up to 2 meters tall; the lamina is nearly circular, 30 to 80 cm in diameter, with a waxy, water-repellent upper surface and prominently radiating veins. Flowers are solitary on long peduncles, fragrant, 15 to 25 cm across, with many pink or white petals surrounding numerous yellow stamens and a flat-topped, perforated, obconic receptacle. As the receptacle enlarges in fruit, it becomes spongy, brown and showerhead-like, with each circular pit containing a single ovoid, hard-shelled nutlet about 1 to 1.5 cm long. The mature seed (kernel) collected in autumn, with the green embryonic plumule removed or retained, constitutes Lian Zi in Chinese medicine.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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