Not only is lotus seed a delicious and nutritious food, but it is also a valuable medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here, we present eight simple remedies using lotus seeds.
According to ancient documents, lotus seeds (Lian Ruo) are sweet, astringent (helping to tighten and seal), and neutral (neither hot nor cold). They are effective in treating nocturnal emissions, wet dreams, diarrhea, insomnia, indigestion, bloating, poor appetite, and thirst due to high fever and dehydration.
The recommended dosage is 6-12g per day, either as a decoction or in powdered form.
1 – Remedy for Insomnia:
Daily, cook lotus seed porridge and consume it in the afternoon or evening, preferably using fresh lotus seeds.
2 – For Children with Prolonged Diarrhea, Weakness, and Poor Appetite:
Use dried lotus seeds and roasted white rice in equal amounts (about 150-200g each), grind into a powder, and give 6-8g on an empty stomach daily.
3 – For Women Prone to Miscarriage:
Take 1kg of lotus seeds (removing the outer shell and heart) and 5kg of fresh yam (2kg if dried), roast both until golden, grind finely, and form pills with glutinous rice flour the size of longan seeds. Consume 10 pills on an empty stomach twice daily.
4 – For Children Experiencing Heat and Thirst:
Use 20g of lotus seeds, 2 stalks of water hyacinth, and 2 slices of fresh ginger, boil in one bowl of water thoroughly, and use this as a substitute for tea.
5 – Remedy for Nocturnal Emissions and Cloudy Urine:
Roast 100g of lotus seeds (removing the shell and heart) and 20g of white fungus (available at traditional medicine stores), grind into a powder, and take with water just before bedtime, one teaspoon at a time.
6 – Remedy for Hemorrhoids:
Take 50g of lotus seeds, soak in alcohol until dry, roast until golden, and cook with the tail end of a pig’s intestine (about 15-20cm) thoroughly. Add a pinch of salt and consume in the morning, every few days. After five doses, you will see results.
7 – Remedy for Anemia, Poor Sleep, and Poor Appetite:
Stew lotus seeds with pork belly and consume weekly.
8 – Nourishment for New Mothers or Those Regulating Menstrual Cycles:
Select a small chicken (about 400-500g), remove the intestines, and fill the stomach with lotus seeds, coix seeds (Job’s tears), and glutinous rice, each in a handful (cleaned), then sew it up. Cook until tender and consume every 2-3 days.
Physician Vương Thừa Ân – Cultural and Artistic Eating Practices
