Stone Lotus Seed
- Chinese
- 石莲子
- Pinyin
- Shi Lian Zi
- Latin
- Semen Nelumbinis
Known in TCM as Shi Lian Zi (石莲子), this bitter, cold herb enters the Heart and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Heat and eliminates Damp-Heat; opens the Stomach for Heat-toxin dysentery with an inability to eat or drink, most often applied for dysentery and urinary tract infection. Modern research has identified Alkaloids among its active constituents.
Part used: Seed
Also Known As
Latin: Semen Nelumbinis | Pinyin: Shi Lian Zi | Chinese: 石莲子
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and eliminates Damp-Heat; opens the Stomach for Heat-toxin dysentery with an inability to eat or drink
- Clears the Heart and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction from Damp-Heat
Classical References
- Distinguished in materia medica from standard Lian Zi as the over-mature seed that has fallen into pond mud and hardened into a black, stone-like shell, acquiring a bitter, cold character used for Heat and Damp-Heat rather than deficiency tonification
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Alkaloids and phenolic compounds shared with other Nelumbo nucifera seed tissues
Studied Effects
- No dedicated pharmacological studies isolating the aged, blackened seed form; phytochemistry inferred from broader Nelumbo nucifera seed research
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen and Stomach Cold-Deficiency
Cautions
- Bitter and cold; do not confuse with or substitute for standard Lian Zi (Semen Nelumbinis), which is sweet, neutral, and tonifying rather than Heat-clearing
Conditions
- Dysentery Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Urinary Tract Infection Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stone Lotus Seed used for?
Stone Lotus Seed is traditionally used to Clears Heat and eliminates Damp-Heat; opens the Stomach for Heat-toxin dysentery with an inability to eat or drink, Clears the Heart and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction from Damp-Heat. Research has investigated its effects on: No dedicated pharmacological studies isolating the aged, blackened seed form; phytochemistry inferred from broader Nelumbo nucifera seed research.
What are other names for Stone Lotus Seed?
Stone Lotus Seed is also known as Nelumbo nucifera (aged seed), Aged Lotus Seed, Nelumbinis. In TCM: 石莲子 (Shi Lian Zi); Semen Nelumbinis.
Is Stone Lotus Seed safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Stone Lotus Seed during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Stone Lotus Seed?
Stone Lotus Seed should not be used in: Spleen and Stomach Cold-Deficiency. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.