Use of Xue Lian (snow lotus ) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect the herbs during June and July, remove impurities, wash and dry.
Dosage: Use 500 grams of sake to soak 50 grams of snow lotus. Take 30 - 50 grams of the final product.
Main actions according to TCM*: Warms the Kidney to invigorate the Yang. Dispels Wind-Dampness. Activates Blood to unblock the Meridians
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Xue Lian may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Back pain Knee pain Impotence Irregular menstruation Leukorrhea Vaginal discharge Arthralgia Rheumatoid arthritis Abdominal pain Convulsions
Key TCM concepts behind Xue Lian's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Xue Lian belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.
Furthermore Xue Lian is Warm in nature. This means that Xue Lian tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Xue Lian can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Xue Lian also tastes Bitter and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Xue Lian tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Xue Lian is thought to target the Spleen, the Kidney and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Xue Lian
Studies on mice and rats found that crude ethanolic extract of Snow Lotus possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity and support the rationale behind the traditional use of these plants in inflammatiory conditions.1
The antifatigue effect of the tissue culture of Saussurea involucrata. (TCSauI) was investigated in mice on swimming time, hepatic glycogen content, serum lactic acid content, serum urea-nitrogen, and serum lactate dehydrogenase. Evidence was found that TCSauI indeed has antifatigue activity.2
Sources:
1. Gokhale, AB; Damre, AS; Kulkami, KR; Saraf, MN (2002). "Preliminary evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of S. Lappa, A. Speciosa and A. Aspera". Phytomedicine. 9 (5): 433–7. doi:10.1078/09447110260571689.
2. Jing Ming Jia & Chun Fu Wu (2008) Antifatigue Activity of Tissue Culture Extracts of Saussurea involucrata., Pharmaceutical Biology, 46:6, 433-436, DOI: 10.1080/13880200802055909
Use of Xue Lian as food
Xue Lian is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Snow lotus wine.