Lotus Petiole
- Chinese
- 荷梗
- Pinyin
- He Geng
- Latin
- Petiolus Nelumbinis
Known in TCM as He Geng (荷梗), this bitter, neutral herb enters the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Summerheat and regulates Qi in the Middle Burner; relieves chest and epigastric stuffiness from Summerheat-Dampness, most often applied for abdominal distension, diarrhea, and leukorrhea. Modern research has identified Flavonoids among its active constituents.
Part used: Leaf stalk
Also Known As
Latin: Petiolus Nelumbinis | Pinyin: He Geng | Chinese: 荷梗
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Summerheat and regulates Qi in the Middle Burner; relieves chest and epigastric stuffiness from Summerheat-Dampness
- Unblocks Yang Qi and opens the chest, complementing Lotus Leaf's Summerheat-clearing action with a stronger Qi-regulating effect
Classical References
- Used alongside He Ye in later Qing-dynasty Summerheat formulas for chest stuffiness with diarrhea or turbid vaginal discharge
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids (shared with other Nelumbo nucifera plant parts)
Studied Effects
- Limited part-specific pharmacological study; phytochemical profile overlaps with other Nelumbo nucifera tissues studied for antioxidant and lipid-regulating activity
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Spleen and Stomach Cold-Deficiency with loose stools
Conditions
- Abdominal Distension Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Diarrhea Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Leukorrhea Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lotus Petiole used for?
Lotus Petiole is traditionally used to Clears Summerheat and regulates Qi in the Middle Burner; relieves chest and epigastric stuffiness from Summerheat-Dampness, Unblocks Yang Qi and opens the chest, complementing Lotus Leaf's Summerheat-clearing action with a stronger Qi-regulating effect. Research has investigated its effects on: Limited part-specific pharmacological study; phytochemical profile overlaps with other Nelumbo nucifera tissues studied for antioxidant and lipid-regulating activity.
What are other names for Lotus Petiole?
Lotus Petiole is also known as Nelumbo nucifera, Lotus Stem, Nelumbinis. In TCM: 荷梗 (He Geng); Petiolus Nelumbinis.
Is Lotus Petiole safe during pregnancy?
Lotus Petiole is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.