Lian Xu
English Name: lotus stamen
Pharmaceutical Name: Stamen Nelumbinis
Medica Category: Astringent Herbs
Properties: Lian Xu enters the Heart and Kidney channels; it is sweet and astringent in nature and neutral in temperature.
What is Lian Xu?:
The Chinese Herb Lian Xu is the dried stamens from the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertz.).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Lian Xu:
Lian Xu consolidates jing (essence) to reinforce the Kidney. It is stronger than Lian Xi (lotus seed) in its astringency, but without the tonic effects of that herb. Clinically, it is used to address spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, and various manifestations of the leakage of urine (as in the formula Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan—Metal Lock Pill to Stabilize the Essence).
Lian Xu clears the Heart and stabilizes shen (spirit) and stops excessive dreaming at night.
Lian Xu stops bleeding and treats such bleeding disorders as epistaxis, hematemesis, and profuse uterine bleeding.
–safety/clinical notes:
Contraindicated for persons with abdominal distention and constipation.