Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, and Lean Pork Soup,From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Nourishes the heart and spleen. Suitable for nocturnal emissions caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen, characterized by symptoms such as nocturnal emissions upon exertion, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue in the limbs, a sallow complexion, palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness, with a pale tongue, thin coating, and a weak pulse.
the astringent action may seal pathogens inside; exercise caution while exterior pathogens or dampness-stagnation have not yet cleared
Commentary
The formula is led by lotus seeds as the sovereign herb; of neutral nature and sweet, astringent flavor, entering the Spleen, Kidney, Heart, it chiefly tonifies the spleen, astringes the kidney and calms the spirit, striking at the root of the condition. The ministerial support — lily bulbs (with slightly cold nature and sweet flavor, having Lung, Heart tropism, nourishes yin, moistens the lung and calms the spirit), and lean pork (nature neutral, flavor sweet, salty, channeled into the Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and tonifies the kidneys) — reinforces the sovereign’s main effect and coordinates the drug strength. Viewed as a whole, the formula addresses the heart-spleen presentation, treating both root and branch.