Library

[Lotus Stamen]
Sweet, astringent, warm, non-toxic. Contraindicated with Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma (Dihuang), Allii Cepae (Cong), and Allii Sativi Bulbus (Suan).
Invention: Lotus stamen clears the Heart and communicates with the Kidney. Due to its astringent flavor, it is a key herb for securing and retaining essence and qi. It is used in Guzhen Wan (Solidify True Pill) and Jushengzi Wan (Great Sesame Seed Pill) from *San Yin Fang*. However, it is suitable only for those with thin semen and frequent emission; it should not be used for those with uncontrolled Yuan Yang (Primordial Yang), as its astringent properties may cause harm by over-constricting. The lotus flower has similar properties to the stamen; only white flowers about to open are dried in the shade for medicinal use. Long-term consumption prolongs life and prevents hunger, hence it is used in Jin Cui Xian Wan (Advance Extract Immortal Pill).

[Lotus Pod]
Bitter, astringent, warm, non-toxic.
Invention: The lotus pod enters the Jueyin Liver channel and its function specializes in stopping bleeding. Therefore, for metrorrhagia, hematochezia, and hematuria, it is burned to ash and used. Although it can stop bleeding, it does not have the obstructive nature like Zonghui (Charred Palm Spathe Ash).

[Lotus Leaf]
Bitter, astringent, neutral, non-toxic.
Invention: Lotus leaf obtains the clear, ascending Qi of Zhen (Thunder/Shock). Thus, Jiegu (Zhang Yuansu) uses lotus leaf in Zhizhu Wan (Immature Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Macrocephala Pill), mixing it with cooked rice to form pills. Dongyuan (Li Gao) treats Leitou Feng (Thunderhead Wind) syndrome, characterized by swelling and pain in the head and face, nodules, aversion to cold, fever, resembling Shaoyang/Taiyang/Yangming syndromes where cold herbs should not be overused. Qingzhen Tang (Clear and Ascend Decoction) is used, composed of He Ye (Lotus Leaf), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), and Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), decocted and taken orally. Additionally, when acneiform eruptions turn black and invert due to external invasion of wind-cold, Wenren Gui uses He Ye combined with Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) to resolve stagnant Qi, allowing the eruptions to rise naturally. Furthermore, burning the leaf to ash and taking it alone can eliminate edema caused by Yang Water. When added to spleen-strengthening formulas, only the peduncle is used, called He Bi (Lotus Peduncle), because its flavor is stronger than other parts. Dai Yuanli stated that consuming lotus leaf makes one emaciated and weak, so it should not be taken long-term. Observing the method of Daoists shrinking silver using lotus leaf during smelting, the silver becomes lighter instantly; its dissolving power is unparalleled.

[Chinese Water Chestnut / Euryale Seed]
Common name: Jitou Shi (Chicken Head Fruit).
Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats damp-bi causing pain in the lower back, spine, and knees; tonifies the Middle Jiao; eliminates acute diseases; benefits essence and qi; and strengthens willpower.
Invention: Euryale seed grows in water but benefits the Spleen and promotes dampness drainage. The indications in *Bencao Jing* all relate to Spleen and Kidney diseases. It is suitable for spermatorrhea, turbid leukorrhea, and urinary incontinence.

[Water Caltrop]
Common name: Lingjiao.
Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
Invention: There are many varieties of Water caltrop (Jishi), but they all tend to stagnate Qi. Red varieties are draining, while white ones are tonifying; raw forms descend, while cooked ones ascend. They serve mainly as food and have little therapeutic value. Patients with malaria or dysentery should avoid eating them. Overconsumption causes abdominal fullness and distension. Ancient methods used She Xiang (Moschus) dissolved in water to counteract this. Modern people use Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum) ground into juice to guide the resolution, relying on their aromatic ability to dissipate stagnation.