Lotus Seed, Atractylodes, and Poria Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Tonifies qi and nourishes blood. Suitable for threatened miscarriage due to deficiency of both qi and blood, with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and a sensation of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy; or restless fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, a sallow or pale complexion, fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, dizziness, and palpitations during mid-pregnancy. The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Lotus Seed, Atractylodes, and Poria Decoction
Herbal Tea Name: Lotus Seed, Atractylodes, and Poria Decoction
Chinese Name: 莲子白术茯苓饮
Formula
30 grams of lotus seeds, 10 grams of Atractylodes macrocephala, 10 grams of Poria cocos, and 20 grams of rock sugar.Main Ingredients
How To Make
Wash the Atractylodes, dry it in the sun or in an oven, slice or chop it, place it in a clay pot, add water, and simmer for 30 minutes; strain to extract the liquid.Place the lotus seeds and Poria separately in a clay pot and soak in water for a short while. Split the lotus seeds open and remove the inner cores; once the Poria has softened, slice it. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour. When the lotus seeds and Poria are tender and the mixture has thickened, stir in the concentrated, strained Atractylodes decoction. Add rock sugar and dissolve it, then thicken the mixture with lotus root starch mixed with water to form a drink.
Efficacy
Tonifies qi and nourishes blood. Suitable for threatened miscarriage due to deficiency of both qi and blood, with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and a sensation of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen during early pregnancy; or restless fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, a sallow or pale complexion, fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath and reluctance to speak, dizziness, and palpitations during mid-pregnancy. The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Usage
Take in the morning and evening, or as a snack, divided into two servings.
Commentary
Lotus seeds (Lian-zi) stand as the primary (chief) herb; neutral and sweet, astringent in character, its action follows the Spleen, Kidney, Heart meridians, working chiefly to tonify the spleen, astringe the kidney and calm the spirit. Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai-zhu) serves as the deputy herb, bitter, sweet-warm in property, acting through the Spleen, Stomach meridians to tonify the spleen, dry dampness, promote urination and secure the exterior. Poria cocos complement it, working to drain dampness, strengthen the spleen and calm the spirit. Finally, rock sugar (Bing-tang) plays the envoy role, unifying the formula; its role is to moisten the lung and harmonize the formula and coordinate the herbs. United, the ingredients tonify qi and nourish blood, addressing the root disturbance of the blood and qi pattern.