Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the functions and benefits of soaking lotus seed embryos in water?

Jul 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the efficacy and benefits of泡水 (steeping in water) with莲子心 (the heart of the lotus seed) mainly include clearing heat from the heart, assisting in lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, providing antioxidant effects, and relieving dry mouth. 莲子心 (lotus seed heart) is cold in nature and should not be consumed for prolonged periods or in large quantities, as it may cause deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach function or a cold body constitution should consume it cautiously. Extra care should also be taken during a woman's menstrual period, and it is best to avoid consumption altogether.

Generally, the effects and benefits of lotus seed heart steeped in water mainly include clearing heart fire, assisting in lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, providing antioxidant effects, and relieving dry mouth. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing Heart Fire

Lotus seed heart is bitter in taste and cold in nature. Drinking lotus seed heart water can directly clear excessive heart fire and alleviate symptoms such as irritability, mouth ulcers, and a red, sore tongue caused by excessive heart fire. During hot and dry seasons or when emotional excitement causes upward flare of heart fire, drinking lotus seed heart water can quickly relieve internal heat and bring a refreshing and comfortable feeling.

2. Assisting in Lowering Blood Pressure

Lotus seed heart contains effective ingredients such as nuciferine, which can help dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, thereby assisting in lowering blood pressure to some extent. People with mildly elevated blood pressure can, under medical guidance, consume lotus seed heart water in moderation as part of their daily health regimen.

3. Improving Sleep

The alkaloid components in lotus seed heart have a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping to relax tense nerves, relieve anxiety, and improve problems such as insomnia, frequent dreams, and difficulty falling asleep. Drinking a moderate amount of warm lotus seed heart water before bedtime helps relax the body and mind and improves sleep quality.

4. Antioxidant Effects

Lotus seed heart contains various antioxidant substances that can effectively remove free radicals in the body, reduce damage to cells, and delay cellular aging. Long-term moderate consumption of lotus seed heart water can, to some extent, provide antioxidant effects and delay aging.

5. Relieving Dry Mouth

Lotus seed heart water can stimulate saliva production, alleviating dry mouth and throat caused by insufficient body fluids or excessive internal heat. It is especially suitable for people who often stay in dry environments or speak frequently, helping maintain oral moisture.

Lotus seed heart is cold in nature and should not be consumed for long periods or in large quantities, as it may cause coldness in the spleen and stomach, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Those with weak spleen and stomach or a cold body constitution should consume it cautiously, and women should be particularly cautious during menstruation, preferably avoiding consumption altogether. Additionally, lotus seed heart water cannot replace medical treatment for diseases. If serious health problems exist, timely medical consultation and adherence to professional treatment plans are recommended.

Related Articles

View All
Can patients with gallstones eat lotus seeds?
In general, patients with gallstones can eat lotus seeds, provided they do so in moderation. In daily consumption, it is important to ensure that the lotus seeds are thoroughly cooked and softened, avoiding raw or undercooked seeds to prevent indigestion and gastrointestinal discomfort. The germ (lotus seed heart) should be removed before eating, as it is cold in nature and bitter in taste; excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Portion control is essential—eating 10 to 15 seeds per serving is recommended.
avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
View Full Answer
Is drinking water infused with plumulae (lotus seeds) effective for neurasthenia?
If the symptoms of neurasthenia are mild, mainly manifested as irritability, insomnia, and emotional restlessness, the effect of lotus seed embryo in clearing the mind and calming the nerves may help soothe emotions and improve sleep. In such cases, moderate consumption might alleviate discomfort and provide some support for physical regulation. However, its effectiveness is limited for more severe symptoms or other types of neurasthenia.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Can泡 water with lotus seed heart (liánzǐ xīn) help reduce internal heat?
Under normal circumstances,泡 water with lotus seed embryos (Lianzi Xin) has a certain effect in reducing internal heat, although the effectiveness may vary from person to person, and attention should be paid to the method and amount of consumption. Lianzi Xin refers to the green embryo found in the center of the lotus seed; it has a bitter and cold taste. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes it has the function of clearing heart fire and balancing liver fire. Components such as liensinine and isoliensinine contained in Lianzi Xin are commonly used to alleviate discomfort caused by excessive internal heat.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Does steeping lotus seed embryos in water help with hypertension?
In general, soaking lotus seed embryos in water may have a certain auxiliary effect on hypertension, but it cannot replace medication. It should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, when brewing, it is advisable to combine it with mild ingredients such as a small amount of chrysanthemum to neutralize its cold nature. In daily life, cultivating a low-salt and low-fat diet, combined with regular exercise and routine blood pressure monitoring, is more conducive to the management and control of hypertension.
avatar
Dr. Yang Ziqi
View Full Answer
Can pregnant women drink water infused with lotus seed embryos?
Under normal circumstances, pregnant women can drink water infused with lotus seed embryos, but it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities. This is because lotus seed embryos are bitter and cold in nature, and excessive consumption may irritate the stomach and intestines of pregnant women, causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Frequent gastrointestinal discomfort during pregnancy may affect nutrient absorption, which could adversely impact the growth and development of the fetus.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can drinking water infused with lotus seed embryos clear heat and detoxify the body?
In general, drinking water infused with lotus seed embryos can help clear heat and detoxify the body, but it is not recommended to consume it in large quantities. When drinking lotus seed embryo water, one should pay attention to controlling the amount consumed, as its nature is bitter and cold. Excessive consumption may easily damage the spleen and stomach's yang energy, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially for individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, who should consume it cautiously. Additionally, clearing heat and detoxifying the body should not rely solely on drinking lotus seed embryo water.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can drinking water infused with lotus seed embryos help with weight loss?
In general, drinking lotus seed plumule tea may aid in weight loss, but it should not be considered a primary method for this purpose. When using lotus seed plumule tea as an auxiliary weight-loss measure, consumption should be controlled to avoid excessive intake that may harm the stomach and spleen; individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should be particularly cautious. Moreover, weight loss should rely on a scientifically balanced diet, reduced intake of high-calorie and high-fat foods, and regular physical exercise.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can drinking lotus seed heart steeped in water help fight aging?
Under normal circumstances, drinking water infused with lotus seed embryos can have a certain anti-aging effect. However, lotus seed embryos are cold in nature, and long-term or excessive consumption may affect the function of the spleen and stomach. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should consume them cautiously to avoid discomfort such as abdominal distension and diarrhea. When using lotus seed embryos to make infused water, it is important to maintain moderation and not rely on it as the primary method for anti-aging.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.