Product Overview
Parts used: Dried receptacle
TCM category: Herbs that invigorate the BloodHerbs that stop bleeding
TCM nature: Warm
TCM taste(s): Bitter
Meridian affinity: Liver
Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera
Use of lotus receptacles (Lian Fang) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water and dry.
Dosage: 5 - 10 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Invigorates the Blood and breaks Stasis.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which lotus receptacles may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Hematuria Lochiorrhea Hematochezia
Common TCM formulas in which lotus receptacles are used*:
For heavy menstrual bleeding or the presence of blood in urine (haematuria) combine lotus receptacles with motherwort herbs (Yi Mu Cao).
Key TCM concepts behind lotus receptacles (Lian Fang)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lotus receptacles are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stasis in the case of certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.
Furthermore lotus receptacles are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that lotus receptacles tend to help people who have too much "cold" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much cold in their body are said to either have a Yin excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition lotus receptacles can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Lotus receptacles also taste Bitter. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like lotus receptacles tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing heat, drying dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such lotus receptacles are thought to target the Liver. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and body fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
