lian zi

莲子·Semen Nelumbinis

Lotus Seed

About lian zi

Lian Zi (莲子) is the lotus seed, recorded as Semen Nelumbinis. It is sweet and astringent in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Heart, Spleen and Kidney channels.

Names

Pinyinlian zi
Chinese莲子
Latin NameSemen Nelumbinis
English NameLotus Seed
Japaneserenshi·renshin
Koreanyeonja

Classification

Channels
Spleen, Heart, Kidney
Flavour
Sweet, Astringent
Temperature
Neutral
Part used
Seed
Family
Nymphaeaceae
Species
Nelumbo nucifera
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Strengthens the Spleen and stops diarrhea

  • Weak Spleen Qi with chronic diarrhea or loose stools and a poor appetite

Tonifies the Kidneys and secures Jing

  • Unstable, deficient Kidneys with premature ejaculation or spermatorrhea
  • Vaginal discharge, or excessive bleeding from the uterus

Nourishes the Heart and calms the Shen

  • Palpitations, anxiety, irritability and insomnia of a deficient type
  • Heart and Kidneys failing to communicate, with Yin of both depleted, so that Kidney water no longer checks Heart Fire

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 6-18g; Tincture: 2-4ml6-18 g2-4 ml

Cautions