The source is from the ripe seed of the Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, family Nymphaeaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Hunan, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. It is collected in August and September, the seeds being taken out from the seed pod and the pericarp being removed, and then dried in the sun. The crude is broken into pieces for medicinal use.

Medicinal Properties: Sweet and astringent in flavor, mild in nature, and attributive to the spleen, kidney and heart meridians.

Actions: Benefit the kidney to preserve the essence, invigorate the spleen and relieve diarrhea, nourish the heart and tranquilize the mind.

Application
1. For poor nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea due to kidney-deficiency, it is often used in combination with Shayuanzi ( Semen Astragali Complanati), Longgu ( Os Draconis ), Muli ( Concha Osteae ), and Lianxu ( Stamen Nelumbinis), etc., such as Jinsuo Gujing Wan (Pill).
2. For poor appetite and chronic diarrhea due to deficiency of the spleen, it is usually used together with Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae ) , Fuling (Poria), Shanyao ( Rhizma Dioscoreae ), etc., such as Shen Ling Baizhu San (Powder).
3. For asthenia-dysphoria, palpitation and insomnia, it can be used in combination with Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae ), Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis), and Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae), etc.
In addition, it can also be used to treat metrorrhagia and metrostaxis and excessive leukorrhea, etc.

Usage and Dosage: 6 -15 g is used in decoction for oral use.

Notes: Lianxu ( Stamen Nelumbinis) is also a medicinal part. It is sweet and astringent in flavor, mild in nature and it has the actions of strengthening the kidney to stop seminal emission. It is indicated for seminal emission, spermatorrhea, leukorrhea, and frequent micturition, etc.