Lián Xū (莲须) — Lotus stamen
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Lián Xū (莲须) — Nelumbo nucifera — is known in English as Lotus stamen. It belongs to the category of herbs that stabilise and bind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Lián Xū as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Lián Xū |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 莲须 |
| Latin name | Nelumbo nucifera |
| English name | Lotus stamen |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, astringent |
| Channels entered | Heart, Kidney |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Stabilises the Kidneys and secures the Essence
- Astringes and reduces excessive discharge
Indications
- Seminal emission and spermatorrhoea
- Vaginal discharge from Kidney deficiency
- Frequent urination and urinary incontinence
- Uterine bleeding of a deficiency pattern
4. Key formulas containing Lián Xū
Lián Xū is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Lotus stamen contains flavonoids and alkaloids. Research is largely preclinical; in TCM it is valued for its securing, astringent action within Kidney-deficiency formulas.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Lián Xū in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Because it is astringent, it is not used where there is Damp-Heat, acute infection or constipation, as securing herbs can retain a pathogen.
Pattern contraindications
Avoid in acute Damp-Heat discharge, which requires clearing before any astringent is introduced.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Lián Xū at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Lián Xū within tailored formulas for Kidney-deficiency patterns with leakage of fluids.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
