Chinese Herb Lian Zi, Semen Nelumbinis, Lotus Seed, Nelumbo

Lian Zi
Semen Nelumbinis
Lotus Seed
Nelumbo

This herb enters the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen channels and its taste is sweet and astringent. 

It astringes the kidney by holding on to our vital essence or in Chinese medicine our Jing.  It astringes the spleen, while also supporting the deficient qi of the spleen, which inturn treats symptoms of diarrhea. 

Of particular interest during the summer is that Lian Zi nourishes the heart, one of the organs of the summertime, and calms the spirit. Palpitations with anxiety, irritability, and insomnia are symptoms that might lead me to use this herb.

Lotus Seed is especially useful for a lack of communication between the Heart and Kidneys.  This can show up as symptoms of the nervous system not being able to quiet or get out of the fight or flight mode.

During the time of hot and humid weather, our bodies are affected, especially the heart, which can lead to agitation, restlessness, and insomnia. The inner core of the lotus seed is cooling and thus calms these symptoms while also lowering blood pressure by dilating the vessels.