Introduction: According to the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, women are considered Yin. The physiological characteristics of women make them prone to "Yin essence deficiency." Lotus root is an excellent food for nourishing Yin, which is why there is a common saying, "A man cannot do without chives, and a woman cannot do without lotus root." What are the benefits of women eating lotus root? The Life Times interviewed Yang Li, a professor at the Graduate School of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, to explain for you.
Kidney Yin deficiency is mainly manifested as dizziness, soreness in the lower back, and a dry throat. If it progresses to a state of Yin deficiency transforming into fire, one may also feel a sensation of heat in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In such cases, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) primarily focuses on nourishing Yin and generating fluids to regulate the body. This is when eating more lotus root is appropriate.
For example, the osmanthus and glutinous rice lotus root, a nourishing and beautifying delicacy that was originally popular in the imperial court. Or stir-frying lotus root with wood ear fungus and adding a little goji berry can provide great auxiliary therapeutic effects for symptoms caused by Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, such as blurred vision, tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, and soreness in the lower back and knees.
Secondly, by preparing lotus root in different ways, it can also help treat many common female health issues.
Red Date, Brown Sugar, and Glutinous Rice Lotus Root
1. Menorrhagia (Excessive Menstrual Bleeding)
Clinically, menorrhagia caused by Qi deficiency and Blood heat is the most common.
When Qi is deficient and cannot control the circulation of blood, it can lead to excessive menstrual bleeding, with the blood being pale in color and thin in consistency, accompanied by symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. In this case, lotus root stewed with pork ribs is recommended, as it can both tonify Qi and stop bleeding.
If the menorrhagia is of the Blood-heat type, the menstrual blood will be dark in color and thick in consistency. The person may also show signs of internal heat due to Yin deficiency, such as hot palms and soles, and a tendency for gum bleeding. For this type, one should eat raw lotus root, which can be peeled and eaten directly or juiced to achieve the effect of cooling the blood and stopping bleeding.
2. Postpartum Blood Stasis
Eating raw lotus root around two weeks after childbirth can help clear the accumulated blood stasis in the abdomen. The vitamin K abundant in lotus root has the effect of constricting blood vessels and stopping bleeding.
New mothers who often eat lotus root can also increase their appetite and promote milk secretion. However, if the digestive function of the spleen and stomach is weak and there is loose stool, it should be cooked instead.
Spicy and Refreshing Lotus Root Slices
3. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge (Leukorrhea)
For yellow, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, you can take half a bowl of lotus root juice, 1-2 red cockscombs, boil them together, add brown sugar, and drink it twice a day.
4. Vexation and Insomnia
Women often take care of children, do housework, and work hard. Overexertion can easily lead to vexation and insomnia. In this case, you can try stir-frying lotus root with lily bulb to clear the mind and relieve vexation, effectively alleviating insomnia. You can also prepare some lotus root powder before bedtime to help with sleep.
5. Lung Dryness and Cough
As the saying goes, "The lotus plant is a treasure in its entirety, but autumn lotus root is the most nourishing for people." Lotus root itself has a moistening effect on the lungs. By juicing autumn lotus root and adding an appropriate amount of honey to drink, it is very effective for alleviating the common autumn symptoms of dry cough due to lung dryness and even coughing up blood.
Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup