Lian Xu (Lotus Stamen)

Official Lian Xu (莲须) is the dried stamen of Nelumbo nucifera. The pharmacopoeial name is Nelumbinis Stamen. It is gathered on a clear summer day when the flower opens, then paper-covered and sun- or shade-dried. Lian Zi is the seed: fortifies the Spleen, stops diarrhea, boosts the Kidney to secure essence, and nourishes the Heart to calm the spirit—tonifying and astringent. Lian Zi Xin is the plumule: bitter-cold, clears the Heart and calms the spirit. He Ye clears summerheat, transforms damp, raises clear Yang and cools Blood. Lian Fang is the receptacle: transforms stasis and stops bleeding. Five parts of one plant, different actions. Write Lian Xu; do not swap in seed, plumule or leaf.

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Lian Xu is sweet, astringent and neutral, enters the Heart and Kidney channels, and acts to secure the Kidney and astringe essence. It is used for seminal emission and spermatorrhea, vaginal discharge, and frequent urination. Sweet-astringent-neutral: dedicated to binding, weaker as a tonic than lotus seed. Suited to Kidney-deficiency insecurity with leakage, not to uncleared damp-heat, difficult urination, constipation or abdominal distention.

The pharmacopoeia uses the dried stamen raw; wine- or salt-frying is not required. The flower part is light, so it goes in the pot or into pills and powders at a small dose. A faint aroma and an astringent taste mark the genuine article. Stamens should be intact; moldy clumps are unused.