Lotus Seeds
莲子 · Liánzǐ
Nelumbo nucifera
Family: Nelumbonaceae · Part used: Ripe seed · Origin: Xiangtan, Hunan, China
Nature
Neutral
Flavor
Sweet, astringent
Meridian
Spleen, Kidney, Heart
From the flower that rises unstained from the mud, the lotus seed gathers astringent and spirit-calming virtues. It secures the spleen against chronic diarrhea, the kidney against leakage, and the heart against restlessness. The Xiangtan 'white lotus' — skinless, coreless, ivory-white — is the premium grade for sweet soups.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Strengthens the spleen and stops chronic diarrhea
- •Secures kidney essence
- •Nourishes the heart and calms the spirit
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Chronic diarrhea from spleen deficiency
- •Excessive leukorrhea
- •Frequent urination
- •Insomnia and palpitations
- •Poor appetite during recovery
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–15 g in decoction, or 20–30 g simmered in sweet soups and congee for 40+ minutes until silky.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Lian Zi Bai He Sweet Soup
Lotus seeds 30 g + lily bulb 20 g + rock sugar — the calming evening dessert soup.
Si Shen Tang
Lotus seed + chinese yam + poria + euryale seed — the classic spleen-strengthening quartet.
🔬 Modern Research
Lotus seed alkaloids (liensinine) and polysaccharides are studied for calming, glycemic, and antioxidant effects.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with constipation or abdominal bloating. The bitter green germ (lian zi xin) is a separate heat-clearing herb — remove for tonification.
