Lotus Leaf-Slices

Lotus node comes from the lotus, a perennial aquatic plant related to the water lily. It grows throughout the tropical regions of Asia and the Middle East, with light green leaves and vibrant white flowers.

The leaves can grow extremely large at times, reaching more than 18 inches in diameter. They are typically collected in the summer and autumn, cleaned, then dried in the sun and cut into small pieces.
Based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf is slightly bitter, and mild, and is attributed to the Liver and Spleen meridians. The main functions of lotus leaf are to stop bleeding and invigorate the blood. As with most other parts of the lotus, lotus leaf is employed to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from hematemesis (vomiting with blood) and hematuria (blood in the urine) to metorrhagia and diarrhea. An active ingredient in lotus leaf, nuciferine, also helps to reduce muscle spasms. In addition, lotus leaf is sometimes used to treat dizziness and fevers.

Lotus leaf is considered extremely safe; the American Herbal Products Association has given it a class 1 rating, meaning that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately.

The typical dosage of lotus leaf is between 6 and 12 grams, boiled in water and drunk as a decoction. Large doses can be taken depending on the condition being treated.