Nelumbo Stamen, Lotus Stamen, Lian Xu 莲须
Lian Xu (TCM)Padma Kesara (Ayurveda)
Padma ge sar (Tibetan)
Descourtilz, M.E., Flore médicale des Antilles, vol. 8 (1829)
Illustrations of Indian Botany, Wight, 1840Botanical name:
Nelumbo nucifera
Parts used:
Stamen
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, dry. Sweet
Classification:
R. Astringents
Uses:
1. Astringes the Kidneys, Stabilizes the Essence:
-Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal Emission (TCM, Ayurveda)
-Enuresis, Leukorrhea
-regarded as Aphrodisiac in Ayurveda
2. Stops Bleeding: (TCM, Ayurveda)
-various types of Bleeding, Vomiting of Blood, Uterine Bleeding etc
3. Benefits the Heart:
-traditionally believe to strengthen the Heart and benefit complexion.
-stops excess dreaming
Dose:
Decoction: 1 ½–5 grams
Substitutes:
Lotus and Water Lily are very similar in use. In general the corresponding part of each plant can be used as a substitute.
Main Combinations:
1. Leukorrhea, Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Rose hip (Jin Yin Zi)
2. Spermatorrhea, Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Oyster shell (Mu Li)
3. Bleeding:
i. Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Lotus root (Ou Jie)
ii. Lotus stamen, Sandalwood, Mesua ferrea, Cyperus rotundus, Holarrhena, Ginger, Pomegranate rind (Bower Manuscript, Ayurveda)
4. Vomiting of Blood, Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Chinese Agrimony (Xiao He Cao)
5. Irregular Uterine Bleeding with signs of Blood Stasis, Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Dang Gui and Safflower (Hong Hua)
6. Reproductive tonic, Lotus Stamen Lian Xu with Withania, Asparagus root
Major Formulas:
Pushyanuga Churna (Ayurveda)
Cautions:
Not used in abdominal distention or constipation, or those with Urinary difficulty.