Natural Herb Library

Lotus Leaf

Chinese
荷叶
Pinyin
He Ye
Latin
Folium Nelumbinis
Botanical illustration of Lotus Leaf, Nelumbo nucifera, showing whole peltate leaf, underside attachment, dried He Ye material, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as He Ye (荷叶), this bitter, neutral herb enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen. Traditionally, it clears Summerheat and raises clear Yang; treats Summerheat-Dampness with diarrhea and a heavy, foggy sensation in the head, most often applied for diarrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and obesity. Modern research has identified Nuciferine among its active constituents.

Part used: Leaf

Also Known As

Nelumbo nucifera Nelumbinis

Latin: Folium Nelumbinis | Pinyin: He Ye | Chinese: 荷叶

TCM Properties

Taste
bitter
Temperature
neutral
Channels
Heart, Liver, Spleen

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Clears Summerheat and raises clear Yang; treats Summerheat-Dampness with diarrhea and a heavy, foggy sensation in the head
  • Cools Blood and stops bleeding; used for hematemesis, epistaxis, and abnormal uterine bleeding, especially when charred (He Ye Tan)

Secondary Actions

  • Traditionally used as a food-medicine tea to support digestion during hot, humid weather

Classic Formulas

  • Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Augment the Qi Decoction)

Classical References

  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) describes He Ye for raising clear Yang and cooling Summerheat
  • Charred lotus leaf (He Ye Tan) documented in later materia medica as a hemostatic for various bleeding disorders

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Nuciferine and N-nornuciferine (aporphine alkaloids)
  • Flavonoids
  • Triterpenoids

Studied Effects

  • Nuciferine reduces high-fat-diet-induced weight gain and liver triacylglycerol levels in animal models
  • Extracts inhibit dietary lipid and carbohydrate absorption and accelerate lipid metabolism
  • Investigated for antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects consistent with traditional food-medicine use

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Cautions

  • Spleen and Stomach Cold-Deficiency with loose stools; excessive use may weaken digestive Qi

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lotus Leaf used for?

Lotus Leaf is traditionally used to Clears Summerheat and raises clear Yang; treats Summerheat-Dampness with diarrhea and a heavy, foggy sensation in the head, Cools Blood and stops bleeding; used for hematemesis, epistaxis, and abnormal uterine bleeding, especially when charred (He Ye Tan). Research has investigated its effects on: Nuciferine reduces high-fat-diet-induced weight gain and liver triacylglycerol levels in animal models; Extracts inhibit dietary lipid and carbohydrate absorption and accelerate lipid metabolism.

What are other names for Lotus Leaf?

Lotus Leaf is also known as Nelumbo nucifera, Nelumbinis. In TCM: 荷叶 (He Ye); Folium Nelumbinis.

Is Lotus Leaf safe during pregnancy?

Lotus Leaf is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.