Lotus Plumule

Lotus Plumule (lian zi xin, 莲子心), also known as Plumula Nelumbinis, refers to the young cotyledon and radicle of ripe seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, which is more commonly known as Sacred Lotus. In China, this plant can be found in provinces such as Hunan, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other southern parts of China.

Many wild animals feed on this plant, and fish find refuge in the underwater stalks of Lotus. In Buddhist, Hindu and Ancient Egypt culture, many consider the Lotus Flower to be a symbol of divinity and transcendence. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lotus Plumule falls under the category of ‘Herbs that clear Heat, purge fire and clear summer Heat’. Such herbs can clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as Internal Heat in TCM. Most herbs in this category have both antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Cold in nature, Lotus Plumule can help individuals with too much Heat in their body, such as those experiencing a yang excess or a yin deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance. Bitter in taste, Lotus Plumule can cleanse the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. In particular, Lotus Plumule targets the Heart and the Kidneys.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Lotus Plumule has the following health benefits.

Lotus Plumule can clear Heart-fire and calm one’s Spirit. This herb can thus relieve symptoms caused by Heart-fire, such as delirium, restlessness, confusion, insomnia and irritability, stress and aid your mental health management. It can also be used to alleviate thirst.

With the ability to stop bleeding and astringe jing (essence), Lotus Plumule can also be used in powdered form to treat hematemesis, tongue ulcerations and spermatorrhea.

Recent studies have suggested that Lotus Plumule contains polysaccharides with significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may thus fight signs of ageing and prevent chronic illnesses. Also, Lotus Plumule contains an organic compound called neferine, which has been found to kill and hinder the spread of Lung cancer cells.

The recommended daily dosage of Lotus Plumule is 1.5 – 3g, when used as a decoction. Alternatively, Lotus Plumule is also commonly consumed in other forms such as powder.

Lotus Plumule and its supplements, such as pills and powder, can be found in herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Lotus Plumule should not be used by individuals experiencing abdominal masses, constipation or excess Cold.

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Lotus Plumule to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Lotus Plumule:

• Herb name (Chinese): 莲子心
• Herb name (Pin Yin): lián zǐ xīn
• Herb name (English): Lotus Plumule
• Herb name (Botanical): Plumula Nelumbinis
• Origin of species: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
• Part(s) of herb used: Young cotyledon and radicle of ripe seed
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Hunan, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other southern parts of China
• Taste(s) & Properties: Bitter; Cold; Administrates the Kidney and Heart Meridians
• Actions: Helps to promote sleep; Eases conditions associated with seminal and vaginal discharge

Chen, S., Li, X., Wu, J., Li, J., Xiao, M., Yang, Y., … & Cheng, Y. (2021). Plumula Nelumbinis: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and safety. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 266, 113429. [Accessed on 14th July 2023]

Jiang, Y., Liu, R., Liu, M., Yi, L., & Liu, S. (2018). An integrated strategy to rapidly characterize non-targeted benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Plumula nelumbinis ethanol extract using UHPLC/Q-orbitrap HRMS. International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 432, 26-35.[Accessed on 14th July 2023]

Zheng, J., Tian, W., Yang, C., Shi, W., Cao, P., Long, J., … & Sun, P. (2018). Date on identification of flavonoids in Plumula nelumbinis by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and antioxidant activity from 13 habitats in China. Data in brief, 21, 321-327. [Accessed on 14th July 2023]