The Effects of Lotus Leaf Diet Supplement

The Effects of Lotus Leaf Diet Supplement
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Lotus leaf is a perennial aquatic plant native to the Middle East and Asia that is used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called He Ye, as a supplement for the digestive and circulatory systems. There is no known contraindication for using lotus leaf supplement, but you should always consult with your primary health practitioner before taking any new supplement.

Helps Digestion

Lotus leaf can be taken as a supplement by steeping the dry leaves in boiling water for a minimum of four hours to make a concentrated tea that you can drink thrice daily. Because lotus leaf is slightly bitter, it will have a positive effect on your digestion, as bitters trigger your body to produce more hydrochloric acid and bile, which help digest food and ease flatulence, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal."

Promotes Liver Health

Another effect that the bitter flavor of lotus leaf supplement has on your body is to prompt your liver to secrete more bile, which helps break down fats in your diet and serves as a liver tonic. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf supplement is thought to affect the liver and spleen meridians directly due to this property.

Invigorates Blood

Lotus leaf supplements can be used with other parts of the lotus plant, such as the flower, to invigorate your blood, according to Acupuncture Today. This has an overall beneficial effect on your circulatory system.

Helps Stop Bleeding

An important effect that lotus leaf has on your body is that it helps stop bleeding, and is used traditionally to treat conditions such as hematuria (blood in urine), hematemesis (blood in vomit) and metorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding).

Has Astringent Qualities

Because lotus leaf supplement is astringent, it can help ease diarrhea and also treat skin disorders such as leprosy and ringworm.

References

Article reviewed by KateH Last updated on: Dec 2, 2010

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