Lotus seed
For Chinese dietary therapy, Lotus seed (莲子) is a food of Neutral nature and Sweet · Astringent flavor. Classic in sweet soups and congee, traditionally associated with Spleen, Kidney, and Heart.
Traditional energetics
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet · Astringent
- Affinity
- Spleen · Kidney · Heart
- Direction of Qi
- Astringent · stabilizes
- Season
- Autumn
- Group
- Seeds
How tradition reads it
Classic in sweet soups and congee, traditionally associated with Spleen, Kidney, and Heart.
Classic synergy with Chinese yam and jujube in congees that settle digestion and calm the mind; tradition moderates it with marked constipation.
In the kitchen
Pre-soaked and slow-cooked in soups, porridge, and fillings.
Hard to find; cooked chestnut works as a study approximation.
Current nutrition note
A seed rich in starch and plant protein with a very low fat profile.
Precautions
Remove the bitter central germ for a milder taste; cook until tender.
Recipes with this food
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
