Treatments With Lotus Leaves

Compiled by the Weekly Lotus leaves have long been used to refresh the body, relieve flu and lose extra weight Many are aware that lotus leaves have been used to wrap some food sold at traditional markets to keep them fresh, or to cover rice or fried rice dishes at many restaurants. They have also learned about medicinal properties of many parts of the lotus, particularly its seeds, bitter germs, seedpods and roots. Still, few know about the benefits of lotus leaves. In traditional Vietnamese medicine, lotus leaves are considered to be bitter and mild, and good for the heart, liver and stomach. Lotus leaves are therefore used to cure sunstroke, diarrhea and rheumatism, relieve dizziness and stop bleeding. Contemporary studies show that, aside from the aforementioned remedies, lotus leaves can also be used to reduce unexpected weight and prevent arteriosclerosis because the leaves have exclusive alkaloids and flavonoids. They can help detoxify the body against the toxic properties of certain mushrooms. Remedies Prepare porridge with a little rice; when the porridge is boiling, add a fresh lotus leaf onto it; simmer the porridge until it has a greenish color. Eat the porridge during the day, with or without a little white sugar, to refresh the body in summer days, facilitate digestion and relieve fatigue. Or, prepare porridge with a little rice, two lotus leaves and a little rock sugar. Eat the porridge regularly to accelerate urination, eliminate fats, improve blood circulation, and prevent high blood pressure and strokes. The porridge is highly recommended for the elderly. Simmer lotus leaves, kim ngân hoa (Flos Lonicerae japonicae), watermelon rind, gourd (Luffa cylindrica) rind and bamboo shoots. Drink the solution twice a day to refresh the body, boost the function of the lungs, and relieve headache, coughing and blurred vision. Prepare a drink with sliced, fresh lotus leaves and five jujubes. Drink it during the day like drinking tea. This drink can help relieve fever for both children and old people. Squeeze seven lotus leaves and seven lotus roots; add a little warm water and honey. Drink the solution when it is still warm, twice or thrice a day, to boost the blood and refresh the body. Soak dried lotus leaves in boiled water and drink it during the day instead of drinking tea for two to three months. This drink can help lower the cholesterol level in the blood and lose extra weight. Boil a drink with a little dried (or fresh) lotus leaves and dried sn tra (Crataegus monogyna). Drink it during the day to boost appetite and digestion, lower the cholesterol level in the blood and protect the liver. The drink can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and reduce unexpected weight.