In the summer, it is undoubtedly the best time to eat lotus stems. Lotus stems are the connecting parts of lotus, containing substances such as diosgenin and tannins, which have high medicinal value. Lotus stems and lotus are similar in taste and function, but lotus stems are particularly effective in stopping bleeding.
Medicinal properties: Dried lotus stems are short cylindrical in shape, about 2 to 4 centimeters long and about 2 centimeters in diameter. The surface is yellowish-brown to grayish-brown, with a slightly swollen central section and numerous residual root hairs and root scars. Sometimes, dark reddish-brown scale leaf remnants can be seen. The surface of the residual internodal sections at both ends of the stem has longitudinal grooves, and the cross-section has smaller round holes in the center, surrounded by about 8 larger holes. The stem is light and hard, and difficult to break. It has no odor and a slightly bitter taste. The best quality is a stem that is blackish-brown in the middle, white at both ends, dry, and free from root hairs and soil.
Taste and nature: Bitter and slightly astringent, neutral.
① "Rihuazi Bencao": Cold.
② "Gangmu": Astringent, neutral, non-toxic.
③ "Bencao Huiyan": Bitter and astringent in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
④ "Gangmu Shiye": Lotus stem powder is slightly bitter in taste, neutral in nature.
Meridian affinity: "Bencao Cuoyao": Enters the Hand Shaoyin, Foot Yangming, and Foot Jueyin meridians.
Functions and indications: Stops bleeding, disperses stasis. Used for treating coughing blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, blood in urine, blood in stool, bloody dysentery, and excessive menstrual bleeding.
① "Yaosing Lun": Decoction of lotus stem juice is used to treat uncontrollable vomiting of blood, including bleeding from the mouth and nose.
② "Rihuazi Bencao": Resolves feverish toxins, dissipates stagnant blood, and relieves postpartum blood congestion. Combine with processed Rehmannia root, grind into juice, and mix with hot wine for consumption along with urination.
③ "Diannan Bencao": Treats excessive menstrual bleeding and cold turbid blood.
④ "Gangmu": Has the ability to stop coughing blood, spitting blood, blood in urine, blood in urine, bloody dysentery, and excessive menstrual bleeding.
⑤ "Gangmu Shiye": Lotus stem powder can tonify the diaphragm, nourish the waist and kidneys, harmonize blood vessels, disperse stagnant blood, and generate new blood. It is especially beneficial for postpartum and those who vomit blood.
⑥ "Bencao Zai Xin": Cools and nourishes the blood, promotes water circulation, and regulates menstruation.
Dosage and administration: Internal use: Decoction, 3-5 qian (9-15 grams); Or grind into juice or use as a powdered form.
