百子櫃THE HUNDRED DRAWERS
Lotus seed
蓮子
strengthens the spleensupports the kidneyscalms the spirit補脾止瀉益腎固精改善脾虛腹脹、疲倦與失眠
The seed of the lotus, sold dried as ivory ovals, usually with the bitter green germ already removed. Soaked soft and simmered, they cook to a floury, gently sweet bite equally at home in tong sui and savoury pots.
TCM properties
Nature · neutral Flavour · sweet Meridians · spleen、kidney、heart
Traditional food therapy
In the tradition it is a steadying seed, used to strengthen the spleen, firm the kidneys and quiet the heart for sound sleep; the lotus-seed-and-lily-bulb pot is the classic calming tong.
Cautions: read first
- Astringent, so eat little of it if your stools are dry and hard or you are constipated, or it makes things worse
Preparation
Soak until soft. Take out the 蓮芯 (the bitter green germ) so the soup does not turn bitter, unless you want it there to clear heart fire.
Origin · Geo-authentic (道地) source
Xiangtan, Hunan (Xiang lotus) and Jianning, Fujian (Jian lotus)
Availability in Australia
Easy to find
