✵The article records the herb Lotus Rhizome Node—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical source: a single plant species, (1) Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.—with a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species; the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the herb; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Nodus Nelumbinis rhizomatis (Lotus Rhizome Node)
Pinyin Name: Ǒu Jié
English Name: Lotus Rhizome Node
Latin Name:Nodus Nelumbinis rhizomatis Properties and Flavor: Neutral in nature; sweet and astringent
Brief Introduction:Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis is the dried rhizome node of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used to cool the blood, arrest bleeding, and invigorate blood circulation to remove stasis. It is indicated for epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and abnormal uterine bleeding. It is commonly known as Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis, Lotus Rhizome Node, or Ǒu Jié.
Botanical Source: Standard herbal classics define Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis (Lotus Rhizome Node) as the dried rhizome node of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a species of the family Nelumbonaceae (formerly classified under Nymphaeaceae). This widely used species is described below:
(1) Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Botanical Description:Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a perennial aquatic herb of the family Nelumbonaceae (formerly classified under Nymphaeaceae) and genus Nelumbo. It is commonly known as sacred lotus or Lián. The rhizomes grow horizontally, are hypertrophic, and bear enlarged internodes containing numerous longitudinal aerenchyma cavities; fibrous adventitious roots arise from the outer surface. Leaves arise from nodes along the rhizome and emerge above the water surface; the petiole inserts centrally on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade, is thick and cylindrical, and bears scattered prickles. The leaf blade is circular, 25–90 cm in diameter, entire or slightly undulate; the adaxial surface is pinkish-green, while the abaxial surface exhibits radiating veins with one to two orders of forked secondary branches. Solitary flowers arise terminally on peduncles that are equal in length to or slightly longer than the petioles and bear scattered minute prickles. Flower diameter is 10–20 cm, fragrant, and varies in color from red, pink, to white. Petals are elliptic or obovate, 5–10 cm long and 3–5 cm wide. Stamens are numerous; anthers are linear, filaments are slender and inserted below the receptacle. Carpels are numerous and embedded within the enlarged receptacle; ovaries are elliptic, styles are very short. After flowering, the receptacle develops into a conical seedpod (receptacular fruit), 5–10 cm in diameter, bearing 20–30 apical pores, each containing one seed. The nut is elliptic or ovoid, 1.5–2.5 cm long; the pericarp is coriaceous, firm, and hard, turning dark brown to black upon maturity. Seeds are ovoid or elliptic, 1.2–1.7 cm long; the testa (seed coat) is reddish or whitish. Flowering occurs from June to August; fruiting occurs from August to October.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows naturally or is cultivated in marshes, ponds, lake margins, and paddy fields.
Growth Characteristics:Nelumbo nucifera prefers warm, humid climates. Seed germination begins when soil temperature exceeds 10 °C (50 °F); stem and leaf growth initiates above 15 °C (59 °F); optimal growth, flowering, and fruiting occur at 20–30 °C (68–86 °F); rhizome (lotus root) development is most vigorous at 25–35 °C (77–95 °F); growth ceases below 15 °C (59 °F). Optimal water depth is 5–10 cm during early growth, 20–30 cm during peak vegetative growth, and must never submerge the leaves.
The rhizomes are planted in the muddy substrate at the bottom of ponds or slow-moving water bodies, while leaves and flower stalks extend vertically to the water surface. A few centimeters of the floral peduncle project above the water to bear the flower. Mature plants typically reach up to 150 cm in vertical height and spread horizontally up to 3 meters. Leaf blades may attain 60 cm in diameter; flowers may reach 20 cm in diameter. Numerous cultivars exist, exhibiting flower colors ranging from snow-white to pale yellow and deep pink.
Propagation is achieved by seeds or rhizome division. Notably, lotus seeds possess extraordinary longevity—some viable seeds over 1,000 years old have been successfully germinated. Two ancient lotus seeds excavated from the Yangshao Culture site date back more than 3,000 years; however, due to their archaeological significance, they remain uncultivated.
In traditional Chinese garden design, lotus ponds accompanied by winding bridges over water constitute a classic scenic motif. This aesthetic principle is widely applied across China—in public parks, ornamental waterscapes, wastewater purification systems, and container cultivation. Lotus rhizomes (lián ǒu) and seeds (lián zǐ) are nutritionally rich and consumed both raw and cooked. Rhizomes are processed into starch (lotus root powder), candied products, and other foods. Lotus seeds exert a mild sedative effect and are commonly used in soups or confections for nourishment. Petals and young leaves are also edible. All plant parts possess medicinal applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Characteristics of the Herb: The herb consists of short cylindrical or slightly fusiform segments, enlarged at the nodes, 2–4 cm in length and approximately 2 cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-gray or grayish-brown; nodes are conspicuously swollen and bear numerous residual fibrous roots or circular root scars; occasionally, dark reddish-brown scale remnants are visible. Longitudinal striations mark the surfaces at both ends of the nodes. The herb is lightweight and hard, resistant to fracture. The transverse section reveals 7–9 large, round, centrally arranged aerenchyma cavities of varying sizes. It is odorless or possesses a faint aroma; taste is sweet or slightly sweet and astringent.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Hemostasis: shortens the time of blood clotting.
Medicinal efficacy: Hemostasis (to arrest bleeding) and removal of blood stasis. It is indicated for hematemesis (spitting blood), hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hematuria (blood in urine), hematochezia (passing blood in stool), bloody dysentery, uterine bleeding, etc.
Administration of Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis (Ǒu Jié):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis (Ǒu Jié)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 9–15 grams; (2) Internally: water decoction, 3–5 qian (approximately 9–15 grams), fresh juice extraction, or powdered form; (3) Internally: water decoction, 10–30 grams; fresh herb juice extraction—60 g of fresh herb yields juice for oral administration with water, or preparation into powder.
✵The article records the herb Lotus Rhizome Node—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical source: a single plant species, (1) Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.—with a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species; the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the herb; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Ǒu Jié
Botanical Source: Standard herbal classics define Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis (Lotus Rhizome Node) as the dried rhizome node of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a species of the family Nelumbonaceae (formerly classified under Nymphaeaceae). This widely used species is described below:
Ecological Environment: The plant grows naturally or is cultivated in marshes, ponds, lake margins, and paddy fields.
The rhizomes are planted in the muddy substrate at the bottom of ponds or slow-moving water bodies, while leaves and flower stalks extend vertically to the water surface. A few centimeters of the floral peduncle project above the water to bear the flower. Mature plants typically reach up to 150 cm in vertical height and spread horizontally up to 3 meters. Leaf blades may attain 60 cm in diameter; flowers may reach 20 cm in diameter. Numerous cultivars exist, exhibiting flower colors ranging from snow-white to pale yellow and deep pink.
In traditional Chinese garden design, lotus ponds accompanied by winding bridges over water constitute a classic scenic motif. This aesthetic principle is widely applied across China—in public parks, ornamental waterscapes, wastewater purification systems, and container cultivation. Lotus rhizomes (lián ǒu) and seeds (lián zǐ) are nutritionally rich and consumed both raw and cooked. Rhizomes are processed into starch (lotus root powder), candied products, and other foods. Lotus seeds exert a mild sedative effect and are commonly used in soups or confections for nourishment. Petals and young leaves are also edible. All plant parts possess medicinal applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Characteristics of the Herb: The herb consists of short cylindrical or slightly fusiform segments, enlarged at the nodes, 2–4 cm in length and approximately 2 cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-gray or grayish-brown; nodes are conspicuously swollen and bear numerous residual fibrous roots or circular root scars; occasionally, dark reddish-brown scale remnants are visible. Longitudinal striations mark the surfaces at both ends of the nodes. The herb is lightweight and hard, resistant to fracture. The transverse section reveals 7–9 large, round, centrally arranged aerenchyma cavities of varying sizes. It is odorless or possesses a faint aroma; taste is sweet or slightly sweet and astringent.
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