What are the functions and benefits of lotus seeds and lily bulbs?

Generally speaking, lotus seeds and lily bulbs are common ingredients that are both edible and medicinal. Their functions and benefits mainly include calming the mind and improving sleep, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, nourishing the spleen and stopping diarrhea, nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production, and regulating emotions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Calming the Mind and Improving Sleep: Lotus seeds affect the heart, spleen, and kidney meridians, and can nourish the heart and calm the mind, thus alleviating conditions such as restlessness and insomnia with frequent dreams. Lily bulbs affect the heart and lung meridians, and can clear the mind and calm the nerves, improving symptoms like irritability and insomnia. When used together, their effects in calming the mind are enhanced, helping relieve anxiety and tension, making them suitable for individuals with poor sleep quality.

2. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough: Lily bulbs have the function of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, effectively alleviating dry cough due to lung dryness and hemoptysis caused by chronic cough. Although lotus seeds primarily strengthen the spleen, they can also support nourishment of the lungs. When combined, they moisturize the lungs, alleviating discomfort caused by lung dryness, making them suitable for consumption during autumn or in dry climates.

3. Nourishing the Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea: Lotus seeds have a sweet and astringent taste with a neutral nature, and can nourish the spleen and stop diarrhea, improving conditions such as loose stools caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach and loss of appetite. Although lily bulbs primarily focus on moistening the lungs, their mild nature does not harm the spleen and stomach. When consumed together, they can nourish the body while helping restore the function of the spleen and stomach and enhancing their digestive capacity.

4. Nourishing Yin and Promoting Body Fluid Production: Lily bulbs can nourish yin and promote body fluid production, relieving symptoms such as dry mouth and throat and irritability caused by yin deficiency. Lotus seeds can benefit the kidneys and help retain essence, assisting in nourishing the body's yin fluids. Working together, they replenish the body's yin fluids and improve symptoms experienced by individuals with yin deficiency.

5. Regulating Emotions: The heart-nourishing effect of lotus seeds and the mind-clearing function of lily bulbs can jointly regulate emotions and relieve emotional disturbances such as irritability and anger caused by mood swings. Regular consumption can help maintain emotional calmness and enhance emotional stability.

It is also important to consume these ingredients in moderation and choose them appropriately according to one's individual constitution to better exert their beneficial effects.