Nelumbinis Semen
Aliases：Ǒu Shí (Lotus Root Fruit); Shuǐ Zhī Dān (Water Mushroom Elixir); Lián Shí (Lotus Fruit); Lián Péng Zǐ (Lotus Pod Seed); Lián Ròu (Lotus Kernel Flesh).
Lián Zǐ (Lotus Seed) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried ripe seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a plant of the Nymphaeaceae family. It is not only a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, but also a well-known medicinal and edible substance.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the spleen and stops diarrhea; arrests leukorrhea; benefits the kidneys and astringes essence; nourishes the heart and calms the mind.
Indications
Spleen deficiency with diarrhea: Used for chronic diarrhea and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency. Leukorrhea: Used for thin, clear vaginal discharge due to dual deficiency of the spleen and kidneys. Spermatorrhea and seminal emission: Used for spermatorrhea and involuntary seminal emission due to kidney deficiency with insecurity.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. Antihypertensive and hypoglycemic effects. Anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury effects. Sleep improvement and laxative effects (moistens the intestines and relieves constipation). Antitumor effects. Blood glucose regulation: Lotus seed polysaccharides have the potential to regulate blood glucose levels.
Ingredients
Nutritional Components: Rich in starch, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. Active Components: Including flavonoids (such as quercetin, hyperoside, rutin), alkaloids (such as nuciferine, liensinine), as well as polysaccharides, proanthocyanidins, and others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 6–15g; or prepared in pills or powder.
Contraindications
Contraindicated or use with caution in patients with dry stools or constipation: Due to its astringent properties, it may worsen constipation. Contraindicated in patients with abdominal distension and food stagnation. Not suitable for excessive consumption in individuals with a cold-deficiency constitution. Should not be consumed together with cold-nature foods such as turtle and crab.
Selected Formulas
For spermatorrhea and seminal emission due to kidney deficiency with insecure essence gate (Yifang Jijie, Jinsuo Gujing Wan) Take Shayuanzi (Astragalus complanatus seed) together with Qianshi (Euryale seed) and Longgu (Dragon bone). Make into pills and take. For leukorrhea due to spleen deficiency (empirical formula) Take Shayuanzi with Fuling (Poria) and Baizhu (Atractylodes). Decoct in water or make into pills/powder and take. For spleen-kidney deficiency with thin leukorrhea, soreness and weakness of lower back and knees (empirical formula) Take Shayuanzi with Shanzhuyu (Cornus fruit), Shanyao (Chinese yam), and Qianshi. Decoct in water and drink. For chronic diarrhea and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency (Heji Ju Fang, Shenling Baizhu San) Take Shayuanzi with Dangshen (Codonopsis), Fuling, and Baizhu. Make into powder and take. For restless vexation, palpitations, and insomnia due to heart-kidney disharmony (empirical formula) Take Shayuanzi with Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed), Fushen (Poria with pine root), and Yuanzhi (Polygala). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Lotus Seed Congee: Can be cooked together with polished round-grained rice, dried longan aril, and red dates. Lotus Seed Soup: Stewed together with snow fungus (Tremella), lily bulb, and goji berries. Nourishing Soup: Can be stewed together with black-boned chicken, pork ribs, or other ingredients. Fresh Consumption: Fresh lotus seeds can be eaten raw after removing the bitter core (green embryo).
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe seed kernel (or Dried ripe seed).
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, and protect from moisture, mold, and insects.
