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TCM Treasures Lotus root
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SIMPLIFIED Chinese: 藕 Pinyin: ǒu
Lotus root is one of the most popular foods in summer for its crispy and sweet taste. It also is a valuable herb in TCM to benefit digestion and relieve bleeding problems.
An emperor in the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) had diarrhea after eating too many hairy crabs. No medicine prescribed by royal doctors relieved the symptoms, so the emperor’s father traveled in disguise among ordinary people to find a cure.
He was surprised to see a bunch of lotus root nodes quickly sold out at a TCM pharmacy. The pharmacist told him that the lotus root nodes were a perfect medicine for diarrhea that prevailed at the time.
The father invited the pharmacist to treat his son. The emperor followed the advice to drink fresh juice from lotus root nodes for days, and quickly recovered.
Tannin and asparagine in lotus root nodes are effective for relieving diarrhea.
Raw lotus root is a “cold” herb that helps reinforce energy, nourishes nerves, dispels pathogenic heat, moves bowels, removes blood stagnation and stops bleeding. Cooked lotus root is mildly “warm.” It can help benefit the digestive system, relieve diarrhea, nourish blood and perfect skin.
Lotus root nodes have functions similar to lotus root, while being more effective in stopping bleeding.
Lotus root is suitable for most people, but women who have given birth should not eat lotus root earlier than two weeks after delivering the baby.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Ginger and lotus root juice
Juice 90g fresh lotus root and 10g ginger together. Divide into three portions and drink separately.
Benefits: Lotus root can help dispel pathogenic heat and relieve thirstiness, while ginger can help relieve vomiting.
Lotus root and white gourd soup
Chop 500g lotus root and 100g white gourd. Cook soup with pieces, filter, drink.
Benefits: Helps dispel pathogenic heat and relieves urinary bleeding.
Lotus root paste
Mix 12g lotus root powder with a little cold water. Stir, pour into boiling water, then stir until thick. Eat as meal.
Benefits: Recommended for diarrhea, bleeding stool or weak digestive system.
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