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Lotus Seed
Nelumbo nucifera, LIAN ZI
The lotus seed, lian zi, is also
called lian mi (lotus seed) and lian shi (lotus fruit). A long lived water
lily characterized by the way that both the flowers and leaves stand up
above the water. When the flower has bloomed a seed pod is formed,
containing 20-30 small openings. In each of these openings is hidden a
single seed.
The outer shell of the seed is hard and black. When removed the seed is a
dusty red color. Inside this the flesh is pale yellow, plump and somewhat
powdery. It has a faint fragrance and slightly sweet flavor.
In the centre of the seed is a small green sprout, usually called the lotus
heart, its flavor is extremely bitter.
The flavor of the flesh- is sweet and astringent, its nature neither hot nor
cold. It helps promote a healthy spleen, helps stop diarrhea and improves
the heart and kidneys.
The flavor of the lotus heart is bitter, its nature cool. It eases
heartburn, stops bleeding and nocturnal seminal emission.
The flesh contains carbohydrate, raffinose, protein, oil, starch, calcium,
phosphorous and iron. The lotus heart contains many kinds of alkaloids,
glucoside, etc.
APPLICATIONS
1. LINGERING ILLNESS; WEAKNESS AFTER CHILDBIRTH; WEAKNESS ASSOCIATED WITH
OLD AGE OR OVERWORK. Take 30 grams of lotus seed flesh, 30 grams of brown
sugar, 30 grams of rice wine* and a hen's egg.
Add water and steam. Eat this every evening for one month. (*
Japanese sake may be used. Ed.)
2. PERSISTENT DYSENTERY. Take the flesh of the lotus seed and steam it till
cooked, then dry it in the sun and grind it into a powder. Three times a day
add 15 grams of this to some rice gruel.
3. STOMACH ULCERS DURING CONVALESCENCE DUE TO BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH.
Take 250 grams of lotus seed flesh, 6 grams of rice
wine* and 6 grams of lard. Mix together, cover and steam in a sealed
container. Divide into 3 parts and serve in the course of a day. Do this for
a month. (* Japanese sake may be used. Ed.)
4. URINE, BRIEF AND RED OR MUDDY. Take 180 grams of lotus seeds and 30 grams
of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and grind to a fine powder separately
then mix together. Place 3-6 grams in warm boiled water and serve. Do this 3
times a day.
5. SEMINAL EMISSION, WET DREAMS. Take 3 grams of lotus heart, cover with
water and simmer, then serve. Alternatively take equal portions of calcined
bird's sternum (hen's chestbone turned into charcoal) and lotus seed, grind
separately and mix together. Use 6 grams in boiling water and serve in the
morning and evening every day.
6. WEAK SPLEEN AND STOMACH AFTER ILLNESS; ATTACKS OF DIARRHEA. Take 120
grams of lotus seed flesh and 120 grams of rice. Separately stir-fry both
till yellow. Take both items plus 60 grams of tuckahoe (poria cocos) and
grind the lot to a powder. For use take 30-60 grams and mix it with a little
sugar and boiled water then serve. Do this daily, both in the morning and
evening.
7. HIGH BLOOD. PRESSURE. Take 1½ grams of lotus heart, place in the mouth
and chew, then drink some boiled water. Do this 3 times a day.
8. ANXIETY; MOUTH AND TONGUE SORE. Take 3 grams of lotus heart and 3 grams
of liquorice, add water, steam and serve. Do this twice a day, every day.
9. BLURRED VISION; EYES RED AND SWOLLEN; PHOTOPHOBIA CAUSING TEARS; EYE
STRAIN. Take 3 grams of lotus heart and 9 grams of chrysanthemum flowers.
Add water, steam and serve. Do this twice daily, in the morning and in the
evening.
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