Herb Stem (茎 jīng)

He Geng

Lotus stem · 荷梗

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. · Caulis Nelumbinis

Also known as: Lian Geng (莲梗)

He Geng (Lotus stem) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Lotus stem is a gentle, mild herb used in Chinese medicine primarily during summer to relieve heat-related symptoms like chest stuffiness, headache, and digestive upset caused by hot, humid weather. It helps move Qi through the chest and supports healthy digestion. It is also traditionally used for morning sickness and pregnancy-related discomfort.

Category Herbs that clear Summer-Heat (清热解暑药)
Therapeutic focus Summer wellness Digestive Health Pregnancy support Chest Comfort

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels entered

Spleen, Liver, Stomach

Parts used

Stem (茎 jīng)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what He Geng does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, He Geng is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Summer wellness Digestive Health Pregnancy support Chest Comfort

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that He Geng performs to restore balance in the body:

Clears Summer-Heat Regulates Qi and Widens the Chest Drains Dampness Harmonizes the Stomach Promotes Urination

How these actions work

'Clears Summer-Heat' means this herb helps the body cope with the effects of hot, humid summer weather. In TCM, Summer-Heat is a specific seasonal pathogenic factor that can cause symptoms like fever, heavy-headedness, thirst, and scanty dark urine. He Geng's bitter taste and neutral nature allow it to clear this summery heat without being harshly cold, making it a gentle choice for warm-weather complaints.

'Regulates Qi and widens the chest' refers to He Geng's ability to open up the chest and relieve feelings of stuffiness, tightness, and fullness in the upper body. The lotus stem is naturally hollow with open channels running through it, and TCM considers this structural quality to reflect its ability to unblock and move Qi through the chest and middle area of the body. This action is particularly useful when Summer-Heat combines with Dampness to create a heavy, congested feeling in the chest and stomach.

'Resolves Dampness' means He Geng helps the body process and clear excess moisture that accumulates internally, especially during humid summer months. This relates to its channel entry into the Spleen, which is the organ most responsible for fluid metabolism in TCM. When the Spleen is overwhelmed by Dampness, symptoms like loose stools, nausea, and a heavy sensation result.

'Harmonizes the Stomach' refers to He Geng's ability to settle the stomach, ease nausea, and reduce discomfort in the upper digestive area. Classical sources note it can be used for pregnancy-related nausea and unsettled fetal movement.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. He Geng is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why He Geng addresses this pattern

Summer-Heat with Dampness occurs when hot, humid seasonal weather overwhelms the body's ability to regulate temperature and fluids. The Spleen, which governs fluid transformation, becomes bogged down by Dampness, while Summer-Heat disturbs the Heart and consumes Qi and fluids. He Geng's bitter taste clears Summer-Heat, while its Spleen and Stomach channel entry allows it to resolve Dampness in the middle burner. Its unique Qi-regulating and chest-opening action directly addresses the characteristic chest stuffiness and oppression of this pattern. Its neutral temperature makes it safe for cases where the body's fluids are already compromised.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Feeling Of Chest Oppression

Stifling sensation in the chest from Summer-Heat and Dampness

Headaches

Heavy-headedness from Summer-Heat

Diarrhea

Loose stools from Summer-Heat damaging the Spleen

Nausea

Nausea and poor appetite from Dampness obstructing the middle

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where He Geng is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Summer Heat with Dampness

TCM Interpretation

TCM views heatstroke as an invasion of Summer-Heat, a seasonal pathogenic factor unique to hot, humid weather. Summer-Heat has two key characteristics: it consumes Qi and body fluids (causing fatigue, thirst, and scanty urine), and it often combines with Dampness (causing heavy-headedness, chest stuffiness, nausea, and loose stools). The Spleen and Stomach are particularly vulnerable because Dampness directly impairs their function. In mild cases, the focus is on clearing Summer-Heat and resolving Dampness; in more severe cases where Qi and fluids are depleted, tonification is also needed.

Why He Geng Helps

He Geng clears Summer-Heat through its bitter taste while its neutral temperature avoids further depleting the body's fluids. Its signature action of regulating Qi and opening the chest directly addresses the stifling chest oppression that is hallmark of Summer-Heat combined with Dampness. By entering the Spleen and Stomach channels, it helps restore normal digestive function that Summer-Heat and Dampness have disrupted. In the classical formula Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Wang's version), He Geng serves as a Deputy herb alongside Yin-nourishing ingredients, demonstrating its role as a key Summer-Heat clearing agent that also moves Qi.

Also commonly used for

Diarrhea

Summer diarrhea from Dampness and Heat damaging the Spleen

Dysentery

Damp-Heat dysentery

Leukorrhea

Excessive vaginal discharge from Dampness

Urinary Tract Infection

Painful urination with heat signs (stranguria)

Feeling Of Chest Oppression

Chest stuffiness and Qi stagnation

Chronic Urethritis

Chronic intestinal inflammation with weakness

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered

Spleen Liver Stomach

Parts Used

Stem (茎 jīng)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for He Geng — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9-15g

Maximum dosage

Up to 30g in acute summer-heat conditions, under practitioner guidance. No specific toxicity ceiling has been documented.

Dosage notes

Use lower doses (9-10g) when employed as an envoy or guide herb in summer-heat clearing formulas, where its role is to direct other herbs to the chest and middle burner. Use higher doses (12-15g) when treating chest and epigastric fullness or dampness-related diarrhea as a primary herb. In the classical tradition, He Geng was sometimes measured by length (e.g. "seven inches" or "one to two chi") rather than by weight, reflecting its use as a whole stem segment. Fresh He Geng can be used at higher amounts than dried.

Preparation

No special decoction handling required. He Geng is simply decocted with other herbs in the standard manner. Fresh He Geng (Xian He Geng) is preferred in summer-heat formulas for its stronger aromatic, Qi-moving quality. It can also be steeped in boiling water as a simple tea.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with He Geng for enhanced therapeutic effect

Xi Gua
Xi Gua He Geng 6–15g : Xi Gua Cui Yi 30g

He Geng and Xi Gua Cui Yi (watermelon rind) together powerfully clear Summer-Heat and generate fluids. Xi Gua Cui Yi strongly clears heat and promotes urination, while He Geng adds Qi-regulating and chest-opening actions. Together they address both the heat and the Qi stagnation of Summer-Heat patterns.

When to use: Summer-Heat with thirst, scanty dark urine, chest oppression, and fatigue. This is the core pairing in Wang's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang.

Huo Xiang
Huo Xiang 1:1 (typically 6–10g each)

He Geng clears Summer-Heat and opens the chest, while Huo Xiang (Patchouli) aromatically transforms Dampness and harmonizes the middle burner. Together they address the dual pathology of Summer-Heat and Dampness more effectively than either alone.

When to use: Summer-Heat with prominent Dampness symptoms: nausea, chest and epigastric stuffiness, heavy limbs, and greasy tongue coating.

Huang Lian
Huang Lian He Geng 6–15g : Huang Lian 3g

He Geng gently clears Summer-Heat and regulates Qi, while Huang Lian (Coptis) strongly clears Heat and dries Dampness with its cold, bitter nature. The combination strengthens the heat-clearing action while He Geng prevents Huang Lian's cold nature from impeding Qi flow.

When to use: Summer-Heat with significant irritability, insomnia, or fever that requires stronger heat-clearing power. Both appear together in Wang's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature He Geng in a prominent role

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang 清暑益氣湯 Deputy

Wang Meng-Ying's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang from the Wen Re Jing Wei is the single most important formula featuring He Geng. It serves as Deputy (臣药), assisting the King herbs (Xi Yang Shen and Xi Gua Cui Yi) in clearing Summer-Heat while contributing its signature Qi-regulating, chest-opening action. This formula perfectly showcases He Geng's core clinical identity: clearing Summer-Heat and resolving chest stuffiness in Qi and Yin-depleted patients.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

He Ye
He Geng vs He Ye

He Ye (Lotus Leaf) and He Geng (Lotus Stem) come from the same plant and share the ability to clear Summer-Heat. However, He Ye has additional actions of raising clear Yang and cooling the Blood to stop bleeding, making it better for summer diarrhea with sinking Spleen Qi or for bleeding conditions. He Geng's distinguishing strength is its ability to regulate Qi and open the chest, making it the preferred choice when chest stuffiness and Qi stagnation are prominent symptoms.

Xiang Ru
He Geng vs Xiang Ru

Both herbs treat Summer-Heat conditions. Xiang Ru (Elsholtzia) is acrid and warm, and releases the exterior with diaphoresis while also promoting urination. It is best for Summer-Heat with exterior cold signs (chills, no sweating). He Geng is neutral and bitter, works internally to clear heat and regulate Qi in the chest and middle burner. It is better suited for interior Summer-Heat and Dampness without exterior symptoms.

Pei Lan
He Geng vs Pei Lan

Both herbs resolve Summer-Heat and Dampness. Pei Lan (Eupatorium) is aromatic and primarily transforms turbid Dampness with its fragrant nature, especially for mouth-related symptoms like sweet sticky taste and bad breath. He Geng focuses more on regulating Qi and opening the chest. For chest stuffiness as the dominant symptom, He Geng is preferred; for nausea with a turbid, greasy coating, Pei Lan may be more appropriate.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing He Geng

He Geng is sometimes confused with other parts of the lotus plant. The leaf (He Ye) shares similar but not identical properties and is far more commonly used. He Geng specifically refers to the petiole (leaf stalk) or peduncle (flower stalk), not the leaf blade itself. It can also potentially be confused with the lotus rhizome node (Ou Jie) or the receptacle stalk. The key distinguishing feature of authentic He Geng is its nearly cylindrical shape with surface prickle marks, longitudinal grooves, and multiple hollow air channels visible in the cross-section. The alias "Lian Geng" (莲梗) is sometimes used interchangeably.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for He Geng

Non-toxic

He Geng is classified as non-toxic. It contains small amounts of alkaloids such as roemerine and nornuciferine, along with flavonoids, asparagine, resins, and tannins. At standard dosages, these compounds present no toxicity concerns. The herb has a long history of use as both food and medicine with no reports of adverse effects.

Contraindications

Situations where He Geng should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

People with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold (cold constitution with weak digestion) should use with caution, as He Geng's bitter, cooling nature may further weaken digestive function.

Caution

Those with excessive urination or loose stools from Qi deficiency (rather than dampness or heat) should use with caution, as He Geng promotes water movement and may worsen these symptoms.

Caution

Avoid excessive dosage. Although the herb is mild and food-grade in nature, large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

He Geng is traditionally considered safe during pregnancy and is in fact used in Chinese medicine to harmonize the Stomach and calm a restless fetus. Classical sources note its use for pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness) and fetal restlessness. The closely related part He Di (lotus leaf base) is similarly indicated for stabilizing pregnancy. However, as with any herb used during pregnancy, it should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Breastfeeding

No specific contraindications for breastfeeding have been documented. He Geng is a mild, food-grade herb from the lotus plant, which is widely consumed in Asian cuisines. At standard dosages, it is unlikely to cause problems during breastfeeding. One traditional application (promoting milk flow) actually supports its compatibility with lactation. Nevertheless, breastfeeding mothers should consult a practitioner before regular use.

Children

He Geng is a mild, non-toxic herb and can be used in children at appropriately reduced dosages, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose depending on age and body weight. It is most commonly indicated in pediatric cases of summer-heat patterns with chest stuffiness or mild diarrhea. For very young children, it is usually given as a diluted decoction or tea.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with He Geng

No well-documented drug interactions have been established for He Geng specifically. The herb contains small amounts of alkaloids (roemerine, nornuciferine) that are structurally related to aporphine alkaloids found in greater concentrations in lotus leaves. In theory, high doses could have mild additive effects with sedative medications, but this has not been clinically confirmed at standard He Geng dosages. As a precaution, patients on multiple medications should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking He Geng

When taking He Geng for summer-heat or dampness conditions, avoid greasy, heavy, and excessively cold or raw foods that can obstruct the Spleen and worsen dampness. Light, easily digestible foods are preferred. Mung bean soup, rice porridge, and fresh fruits like watermelon complement He Geng's summer-heat clearing effects. Avoid excessive alcohol, which generates dampness and heat.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the He Geng source plant

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae) is a large perennial aquatic herb that grows in ponds, lakes, marshes, and flooded fields. The plant produces thick, creeping rhizomes (lotus root) rooted in mud, from which arise long petioles (leaf stalks) and peduncles (flower stalks) that can extend well above the water surface.

The petioles used as He Geng are nearly cylindrical, typically 20–60 cm long and 8–15 mm in diameter when dried. The outer surface has longitudinal grooves and numerous small prickle-like protrusions. Internally, the stalk has a characteristic hollow structure with multiple air channels of varying sizes running through it, a feature described poetically by the Song dynasty scholar Zhou Dunyi as "open and straight within, neither trailing nor branching" (中通外直，不蔓不枝). The large peltate leaves are 60–90 cm in diameter, and the showy flowers are white to pink, solitary, fragrant, and 10–25 cm across.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where He Geng is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Summer to autumn (June to September), collected at the same time as lotus leaves. The prickles are scraped off, then the stalks are cut into segments and sun-dried, or used fresh.

Primary growing regions

Nelumbo nucifera grows throughout China in both wild and cultivated settings, found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and paddy fields. It is widely distributed from south to north. Major lotus-producing regions include Hubei (especially the Honghu Lake area), Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Fujian, and Shandong provinces. There is no single dominant dao di (terroir) region for He Geng specifically, as it is a byproduct of lotus cultivation, but the traditionally renowned lotus regions of Hubei and Jiangxi are considered to yield high-quality material.

Quality indicators

Good quality dried He Geng should be long, thick, and firm. The outer surface should be a light brownish-yellow colour with visible longitudinal grooves and small prickle bases. The cross-section should be light pinkish-white, showing multiple clearly defined air channels of varying sizes. The herb should be lightweight, break easily and cleanly, and produce a fine powder dust when snapped. The aroma should be faint and the taste mild. Avoid material that is dark-coloured, musty, muddy, broken into small fragments, or contaminated with soil or other plant debris.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe He Geng and its therapeutic uses

Ben Cao Zai Xin (《本草再新》)

Original: 通气消暑，泻火清心。

Translation: "Unblocks Qi and dispels summer-heat, drains fire and clears the Heart."

Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu (《随息居饮食谱》) by Wang Shixiong

Original: 通气舒筋，升津止渴。霜后采者，清热止盗汗，行水愈崩淋。

Translation: "Unblocks Qi, relaxes the sinews, promotes fluid production, and stops thirst. Those harvested after the first frost clear heat, stop night sweats, promote urination, and treat uterine bleeding and stranguria."

Xian Dai Shi Yong Zhong Yao (《现代实用中药》)

Original: 为收敛药。用于慢性衰弱的肠炎、久下痢、肠出血。妇人慢性子宫炎、赤白带下、男子遗精或夜尿证。又为解毒药。

Translation: "It is an astringent medicine. Used for chronic weakened enteritis, prolonged dysentery, intestinal bleeding, women's chronic uterine inflammation with vaginal discharge, and men's seminal emission or nocturia. It also serves as a detoxifying agent."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of He Geng's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

He Geng first appeared as a named medicinal substance in the Qing dynasty text Ben Cao Zai Xin (《本草再新》, "New Revision of the Materia Medica"). Before that, although the lotus plant was extensively documented in earlier materia medica works, its petiole (leaf stalk) was not singled out as a distinct drug. This is because the lotus plant, as the saying goes, yields "nine medicines from one plant" (一莲出九药): leaf, leaf stalk, flower, stamen, seed, seed embryo, receptacle, rhizome, and rhizome node each have distinct properties.

He Geng's physical structure played into its classical understanding. Its hollow, tube-like interior with multiple air channels was seen as a natural signature of its ability to "unblock Qi and open the chest" (通气宽胸). The Song dynasty Confucian scholar Zhou Dunyi described the lotus stalk in his famous essay Ai Lian Shuo (《爱莲说》) as "open and straight within" (中通外直), and later physicians drew on this image to explain how He Geng could free the flow of Qi through the middle burner. In the Warm Disease (Wen Bing) tradition, He Geng became valued as a gentle aromatic guide herb for summer-heat formulas, used to help other herbs reach the middle burner and chest. The Shi Bing Lun (《时病论》) by Lei Feng included He Geng as an envoy herb in a formula for heatstroke with loss of consciousness.

Culturally, ancient Chinese literati used fresh lotus stalks as drinking straws for wine, creating the elegant "bi tong bei" (碧筒杯, "green tube cup"). A large fresh lotus leaf with its stalk was placed over a stand, wine was poured into the leaf, and the drinker would sip through the hollow stalk, imparting a delicate lotus fragrance to the drink.

Modern Research

3 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of He Geng

1

Comprehensive Review: Chemical Profiling of Nelumbo nucifera and Potential for Drug Development (Review, 2017)

Sharma BR, Gautam LNS, Adhikari D, Karki R. Phytotherapy Research, 2017, 31(1), 3-26.

This systematic review catalogued 243 natural compounds from different parts of the lotus plant, belonging to chemical groups including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and steroids. The review found substantial evidence for a broad range of pharmacological activities across the whole plant. Note: this study covers the entire N. nucifera plant, not the petiole specifically.

PubMed
2

Research Advances in Traditional and Modern Use of Nelumbo nucifera: Phytochemicals, Health Promoting Activities and Beyond (Review, 2019)

Chen G, Zhu M, Guo M. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2019, 59(sup1), S189-S209.

A comprehensive review that systematically examined both traditional and modern uses of different parts of Nelumbo nucifera, documenting at least 255 chemical constituents and summarising evidence for anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and antiviral activities. The petiole (He Geng) was noted to contain alkaloids including roemerine and nornuciferine.

3

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Nelumbo nucifera (Review, 2015)

Paudel KR, Panth N. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 2015, 789124.

This review confirmed that the main bioactive constituents of lotus are alkaloids and flavonoids, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, antiviral (including anti-HIV), and hepatoprotective activities across various plant parts. The leaf and related structures were found to contain aporphine alkaloids with notable biological activity.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.