What to Pair with Lotus Leaf for Optimal Weight Loss?
HiherbsOfficial
Unlocking the powerful fat-blocking and dampness-resolving properties of Lotus Leaf.
Table of Contents
Traditional Use and Lotus Leaf Ash Formula
“荷叶服之，令人瘦劣。今假病，欲容体瘦以示人者，一味服荷叶灰。”
In ancient China, during the Ming Dynasty, some court officials who wished to resign due to (feigned) illness sought out the famous physician Dai Sigong. He prescribed the Lotus Leaf Ash Formula to them, which would cause noticeable weight loss, thereby making it appear to others that their bodies were wasting away due to sickness. This account is documented in Zheng Zhi Yao Jue (A Key Text on Evidence-Based Treatment), proving the historical recognition of the leaf's slimming effects.
The Traditional Lotus Leaf Ash Formula
The preparation of Lotus Leaf Ash (He Ye Hui) involves scorching the lotus leaf until its exterior is burnt black and the interior is scorched yellow. This ensures the surface is partially carbonized while the inner layer retains some of its original aromatic properties. The resulting powder is then taken with rice water. Traditionally, this formula was used to clear summer-heat and resolve dampness, often treating yang type edema (swelling).
How Lotus Leaf Promotes Weight Loss
Lotus Leaf Alkaloid
The Lotus Leaf Alkaloid is key to its slimming activity. It effectively breaks down fat in the body, lowers the activity of Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase (enzymes related to liver function and metabolism), and inhibits the expression of fatty acid synthase. Crucially, it forms a powerful fat-blocking film on the human intestinal wall, preventing fat absorption and inhibiting fat accumulation.
Fiber and Digestive Support
Lotus leaf contains a large amount of fiber, which promotes large intestine peristalsis, aids bowel movements, and helps eliminate toxins. It offers a more potent laxative effect than typical high-fiber foods, naturally enhancing weight loss efforts.
Lipids and Metabolism Regulation
Additionally, flavonoids and alkaloids in lotus leaf help lower blood lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. Its aromatic compounds effectively dissolve fat and clear away grease and turbidity. Vitamins B1 and C further stimulate gastric secretion, aiding digestion.
Lotus leaf tea is highly recommended for office workers who sit for long periods, as well as individuals prone to edema, Spleen deficiency, or Qi deficiency, as its excellent dampness-resolving and diuretic effects naturally promote a slimmer physique.
Lotus Leaf Tea Recipes for Weight Loss
Simple Lotus Leaf Tea (荷叶茶)
Ingredients: 10–15g of dried lotus leaf, or double the amount of fresh lotus leaf.
Preparation: Decoct into a soup or brew as tea (can also be cooked into porridge). Continuous consumption for two to three months may lead to noticeable weight reduction.
Lotus Leaf and Cassia Seed Tea (荷叶决明子茶)
Ingredients: 3g Lotus Leaf, 6g stir-fried Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi), 3 dried Rosebuds.
Preparation: Steep with boiling water and consume as a daily tea substitute.
Lotus Leaf and Oolong Tea (荷叶乌龙茶)
Ingredients: 7g Oolong Tea, 3g Lotus Leaf, 1.5g Hawthorn (Shan Zha), 3g Water Plantain (Ze Xie), 3g Cassia Seed (Jue Ming Zi), 10g Gynostemma (Jiao Gu Lan), 2g Poria (Fu Ling).
Preparation: Steep with boiling water, or add 400ml water, bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Consume as tea.
Lotus Leaf and Hawthorn Drink (荷叶山楂饮)
Ingredients: 5g Dried Lotus Leaf, 10g Raw Hawthorn, 15g Raw Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), 3g Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi).
Preparation: Rinse all herbs. Place in a pot with 800ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 30 minutes over low heat. Add rock sugar (optional) until melted. Drink warm.
Mulberry, Lotus Leaf, and Bamboo Leaf Drink (桑荷竹叶饮)
Ingredients: 5g Lotus Leaf, 3g Light Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye), 5g Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye), 5g Fresh Dandelion, 2g Goji Berry, 5ml Lemon Juice, 1 tsp Honey, 1500ml Water.
Preparation: Rinse the herbs and place them with water in a pot. Boil over high heat, then simmer for 1 hour over low heat. Filter the liquid and let it cool. Stir in lemon juice and honey, then drink.
Incorporating lotus leaf into your routine, especially when paired with complementary herbs, is a natural and traditional way to support your weight management goals through resolving dampness and inhibiting fat absorption.
