When fresh lotus root is in season, there is a folk saying, "The lotus plant is a treasure in itself, but autumn lotus root is the most nourishing for people." Traditional Chinese medicine holds that raw lotus root is cooling in nature, clearing heat and relieving vexation, making it especially suitable for people who get pimples due to "blood heat." After being cooked, its nature changes from cool to warm, and it has the effects of nourishing the stomach, nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen, replenishing qi, and nourishing blood. It is an excellent food for health supplementation, particularly for those with a weak spleen and stomach, or insufficient qi and blood, who experience dry skin and a dull complexion. The nodes between the sections of the lotus root are a valuable medicinal ingredient, known for strengthening the spleen and whetting the appetite, nourishing blood, and stopping bleeding, as well as improving one's complexion.
Lotus root is divided into three types: red-flowered, white-flowered, and variegated. Red-flowered lotus root is slender, with a coarse, brownish-yellow skin. It is high in starch, low in moisture, sticky but not crisp, and is suitable for soups. White-flowered lotus root is plump, with a delicate, smooth, silvery-white skin. Its flesh is crisp, juicy, and sweet, making it best for eating raw. Variegated lotus root has a pinkish hue, a rough skin, is high in starch, and is best eaten cooked.
Two recommended herbal remedies featuring lotus root as the main ingredient for improving complexion
Fresh Lotus Root Juice: Use an appropriate amount of fresh lotus root, wash it, peel it, and juice it. Take 2 tablespoons at a time, three times a day. Rock sugar can be added according to personal taste. This is suitable for those with facial acne.
Wheat, Jujube, and Lotus Root Soup: 250g lotus root, 75g wheat, 12g licorice root, 5 red dates, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Wash the wheat and soak it in water for 1 hour. Then, place the wheat, licorice root, and red dates in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil. Add the lotus root and simmer over low heat until tender. Season with salt. This soup has the effects of replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and calming the mind. It is especially suitable for people with insomnia, irritability, and a poor complexion.
Tip: To prevent the lotus root from turning brown, you can soak the peeled root in clean water with a little vinegar for 5 minutes. When stir-frying lotus root shreds, do not use a cast-iron pan to avoid it turning black. If you add a little water while stir-frying, the lotus root will stay whiter.