In the hot summer, many people love to eat lotus seeds because of their tender texture, sweet taste, and the benefits of tonifying the kidney, nourishing the heart, calming the mind, and clearing heat and agitation. So, can lotus seeds help to eliminate dampness?
Can Lotus Seeds Eliminate Dampness?
They have some effect.
In traditional Chinese medicine, dampness comes from factors such as humid climate and meat consumption. Excessive dampness can easily damage the yang energy, and it can be regulated through diet and daily routine.
Lotus seeds have a neutral nature and sweet taste. They have the effects of nourishing the heart, calming the mind, tonifying the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and stopping diarrhea. They are suitable for symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, nocturnal emission, and restlessness and insomnia caused by deficiency. Lotus seeds can invigorate the spleen and promote diuresis, thereby having a certain effect in eliminating dampness.
How Effective is Lotus Seed in Eliminating Dampness?
The effect is average when used alone.
For those with excessive dampness, digestive dysfunction is common, with symptoms such as loose stools, abdominal distention, and loss of appetite. When lotus seeds are consumed together with foods that invigorate the spleen and eliminate dampness, such as Chinese yam, fox nut, tangerine peel, adzuki beans, and coix seed, the effect of eliminating dampness is enhanced. Lotus seed and fox nut porridge is a common medicinal food that can tonify the kidney, strengthen the spleen, and eliminate dampness, making it a good choice for those with excessive dampness.
Can Those with Excessive Dampness Eat Lotus Seeds?
Yes, they can.
Lotus seeds contain vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and other nutrients. They have the effects of tonifying the kidney and nourishing the heart. Due to their spleen-invigorating and diuretic effects, consuming lotus seeds will not worsen the condition of those with excessive dampness. On the contrary, it is beneficial for the treatment of their condition. Therefore, those with excessive dampness can eat lotus seeds. Cooking porridge with foods such as fox nut, Chinese yam, coix seed, and adzuki beans along with lotus seeds can enhance the spleen-invigorating and dampness-eliminating effects.
Precautions when Eating Lotus Seeds
1. Do not consume in excess.
Lotus seeds contain amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients. Moderate consumption can tonify the kidney, nourish the essence, and calm the mind. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Do not consume overnight.
Soaking lotus seeds in water will extract various active ingredients. Prolonged soaking may affect the medicinal effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them on the same day.
3. Those with constipation should avoid consumption.
Lotus seeds have astringent properties and can cause constipation. Consumption by those with constipation may worsen the condition and hinder recovery.
What Can be Eaten with Lotus Seeds to Eliminate Dampness?
Lotus Seed and Chinese Yam Porridge
Ingredients:
50g lotus seeds, 30g Chinese yam, 50g glutinous rice, 30g coix seed, 30g white sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash and soak the lotus seeds, Chinese yam, glutinous rice, and coix seed. Remove the lotus seed core.
2. Use a clay pot and add the lotus seeds, Chinese yam, glutinous rice, and coix seed. Cook for 1.5 hours.
3. Add the white sugar and cook for a while before serving.
Lotus Seed and Fox Nut Porridge
Ingredients:
100g lotus seeds (without core), 100g fox nut, 50g fresh lotus leaf, 50g glutinous rice.
Instructions:
1. Wash the glutinous rice and fox nut. Soak them in cold water for 2-3 hours, then drain.
2. Wash the lotus seeds and soak them in cold water until soft. Remove the lotus seed core.
3. In a pot, add about 2000ml of cold water. Put in the lotus seeds, fox nut, and glutinous rice. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice and fox nut are cooked and the lotus seeds are soft. Add rock sugar to taste and simmer for a while. Serve hot.
Lotus Seed and Coix Seed Porridge
Ingredients:
75g coix seed, 75g glutinous rice, 25g lotus seeds, 50g rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash the lotus seeds and soak them until soft. Remove the lotus seed core. Wash the coix seed and glutinous rice.
2. Fill a pot with water and add the coix seed and glutinous rice. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the lotus seeds and simmer until the coix seed and glutinous rice are half-cooked. Add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Continue to simmer for a while and serve.
