Natural Herb Library

Lotus Seed

Chinese
莲子
Pinyin
Lian Zi
Latin
Semen Nelumbinis
Botanical illustration of Lotus Seed, Nelumbo nucifera, showing seedpod, pale peeled kernels, dried Lian Zi material, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Lian Zi (莲子), this sweet and astringent, neutral herb enters the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen. Traditionally, it tonifies the Spleen and binds the intestines; treats chronic diarrhea and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency, most often applied for diarrhea, leukorrhea, and insomnia. Modern research has identified Flavonoid among its active constituents.

Part used: Seed

Also Known As

Nelumbo nucifera Nelumbinis

Latin: Semen Nelumbinis | Pinyin: Lian Zi | Chinese: 莲子

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet, astringent
Temperature
neutral
Channels
Heart, Kidney, Spleen

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Tonifies the Spleen and binds the intestines; treats chronic diarrhea and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency
  • Tonifies the Kidney and secures Essence; stabilizes leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation from Kidney instability
  • Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit; treats irritability, palpitations, and insomnia from Heart-Kidney disharmony

Secondary Actions

  • Widely used as a food-medicine in tonic soups and congee

Classic Formulas

  • Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
  • Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin (Clear the Heart Lotus Seed Drink)

Classical References

  • Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica, c. 200 CE) lists lotus seed among the upper-class tonics
  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) describes its role in tonifying the Spleen, securing Essence, and nourishing the Heart

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Flavonoid C-glycosides and O-glycosides
  • Alkaloids (neferine, nuciferine, liensinine)
  • Polysaccharides
  • Phenolic acids

Studied Effects

  • Strong free-radical scavenging activity demonstrated in DPPH and nitric oxide assays
  • Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anticancer activity reported across multiple studies
  • Investigated as a functional food ingredient for chronic disease prevention

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Cautions

  • Excess Heat, constipation, or abdominal distension due to its astringent, binding nature

Classic formulas that use Lotus Seed

Herbs are rarely taken alone in Chinese medicine. These formula pages show what this herb does inside a classic prescription and which pattern that prescription is chosen for.

Added for a specific picture Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang 补中益气汤 Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction The lifting formula. For Spleen qi so weak that things sag: exhaustion, a weak voice, shortness of breath, sweating on effort, a dragging feeling in the belly, prolapse, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, and a low fever that comes with tiredness. It tonifies the qi and then two light herbs carry it upward. Deputy herb Shen Ling Bai Zhu San 参苓白术散 Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder The formula for chronic loose stools from a weak, damp Spleen. For the person who is tired and pale, eats little, bloats, has loose stools or diarrhea that drags on for months, and slowly loses weight. Gentle enough for children and the elderly, with food-grade herbs doing most of the work.

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lotus Seed used for?

Lotus Seed is traditionally used to Tonifies the Spleen and binds the intestines; treats chronic diarrhea and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency, Tonifies the Kidney and secures Essence; stabilizes leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation from Kidney instability, Nourishes the Heart and calms the Spirit; treats irritability, palpitations, and insomnia from Heart-Kidney disharmony. Research has investigated its effects on: Strong free-radical scavenging activity demonstrated in DPPH and nitric oxide assays; Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anticancer activity reported across multiple studies.

What are other names for Lotus Seed?

Lotus Seed is also known as Nelumbo nucifera, Nelumbinis. In TCM: 莲子 (Lian Zi); Semen Nelumbinis.

Is Lotus Seed safe during pregnancy?

Lotus Seed is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider before use.