Lotus Seeds
莲子 · Liánzǐ
Nelumbo nucifera
性味
Neutral
味
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.
🌿 功效
- •Strengthens the spleen and stops chronic diarrhea
- •Secures kidney essence
- •Nourishes the heart and calms the spirit
📖 用法用量
6–15 g in decoction, or 20–30 g simmered in sweet soups and congee for 40+ minutes until silky.
🔬 现代研究
Lotus seed alkaloids (liensinine) and polysaccharides are studied for calming, glycemic, and antioxidant effects.
⚠️ 禁忌
Avoid with constipation or abdominal bloating. The bitter green germ (lian zi xin) is a separate heat-clearing herb — remove for tonification.
