Lotus, the national flower of India, is also known as “Kamal” or “Padmini”. It is a sacred plant and a symbol of divine beauty and purity. All the parts of Lotus such as its leaves, seeds, flowers, fruit and rhizomes are edible and have been shown to have medicinal benefits.
In traditional medicine, dried Lotus flowers have been used to manage bleeding disorders, especially control the excessive loss of blood during heavy menstruation. It also helps in managing diarrhea by reducing the frequency of passing stool.
According to Ayurveda, applying the paste of Lotus petals or Lotus seed oil helps moisturise and rejuvenate the skin.
It must be kept in mind that excessive consumption of any part of Lotus - petals, flowers, seed etc. might cause digestive problems like flatulence and constipation[2-5][7-12].

What are the synonyms of Lotus?

Nelumbo nucifera, Abja, Aravinda, Padma, Kalhara, Sitopala, Pankaja, Podum, Padma Phool, Salaphool, Kamal, Kanwal, Tavare, Naidile, Tavaregedd, Tamara, Venthamara, Chenthamara, Senthamara, Komala, Pamposh, Tamarai, Thamaraipoo, Aravindan, Paduman, Kamalam, Sarojam, Kaluva, Tamarapuvow[1].

What is the source of Lotus?

Plant Based

Benefits of Lotus

What are the benefits of Lotus for Bleeding?

Modern Science View

In traditional medicine, Lotus has been used to manage bleeding disorders such as uterine bleeding. Moreover, it contains certain phytochemicals that have anticoagulatory property. This may be useful in managing blood-clotting problems by eliminating stagnated blood[5][10-12].

Ayurvedic View

Lotus helps to control bleeding in piles and heavy bleeding during menstrual cycle. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It checks the bleeding when taken internally. Lotus also helps with menstrual flow and reduces the amount of blood that is lost during each cycle.
Tips:
1. Take 2 teaspoons of dried Lotus flower.
2. Add to 500 mL water.
3. Boil for at least 10 -15 minutes and strain.
4. Drink it once or twice a day to manage bleeding disorders.

What are the benefits of Lotus for Diarrhea?

Modern Science View

Lotus may be useful in managing diarrhea due to its anti-enteropooling (prevention of accumulation of fluid in the small intestine) and antispasmodic property. It reduces the frequency of defecation, wetness of fecal matter as well as accumulation of fluid in the small intestine[5][8-10].

Ayurvedic View

Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Lotus during diarrhea helps to retain water or fluid in the body. This is due to its Grahi (absorbent) property and control the frequency of passing stool.
Tips:
1. Take 2 teaspoons of dried Lotus flower.
2. Add to 500 mL water.
3. Boil for at least 10 -15 minutes and strain.
4. Drink it once or twice a day to control diarrhea.

What are the benefits of Lotus for Indigestion?

Modern Science View

Lotus may be useful in managing digestive problems such as indigestion. This is due to the presence of alkaloids that has antispasmodic activity[5][3][10].

How effective is Lotus?

Insufficient evidence

Bleeding, Diarrhea, Indigestion

Precautions when using Lotus

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

Lotus may increase the risk of bleeding. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Lotus with anticoagulants, NSAIDS and anti inflammatory drugs[6].

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Avoid taking Lotus during Breastfeeding[5].

Patients with diabetes

Modern Science View

Lotus may decrease the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Lotus with antidiabetic drugs[5].

Patients with heart disease

Modern Science View

1. Lotus may have anti-arrhythmic activity. So it generally advised to monitor your heart rate while taking Lotus with anti-arrhythmic drugs[6].
2. Lotus may decrease the blood pressure. So it generally advised to monitor your blood pressure while taking Lotus with anti-hypertensive drugs[6].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Avoid taking Lotus during Pregnancy[5].

Side Effects

Modern Science View

1. Hypersensitivity
2. Flatulence
3. Constipation
4. Stomach distention[6].

Recommended Dosage of Lotus

Lotus Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.

How to use Lotus

1. Lotus root Chips
a. Preheat the microwave oven to 300- 325 F.
b. Peel off the skin of Lotus roots with a vegetable peeler.
c. Slice into thin roots.
d. Combine the sliced roots with 2 tbsp oil, black pepper, salt and sesame oil in bowl.
e. Mix well until all the pieces are evenly covered with oil and seasonings.

2. Lotus Seeds (dried) or Makhana
a. Take dried Lotus seeds or Makhana as per your requirement.
b. Roast them slightly in Ghee.
c. Take preferably before meals.

3. Lotus extract capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Lotus extract capsule.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can you eat raw Lotus root?

Modern Science View

Lotus roots cannot be eaten raw as it is bitter and astringent in taste. This is due to the presence of tannins in it. It can taste best in cooked form as cooking reduces its bitterness.

Q. Can you freeze Lotus root?

Modern Science View

Lotus root can be freezed and used for cooking without defrosting. It is a good practice to cut them in slices and then freeze them in the refrigerator.

Q. Is Lotus root a starchy vegetable?

Modern Science View

Lotus root is a form of tuber and has a dense, crunchy and a starchy texture. It is used in soups and stir fried dishes.

Q. Can you eat the Lotus flower?

Ayurvedic View

All the parts of the Lotus plant are used in Ayurvedic medicines. It acts as a tonic for the heart, liver and skin. It balances an aggravated Pitta and also reduces the symptoms of diarrhea and bleeding disorders. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.

Q. What are the two different types of Lotus?

Modern Science View

There are two types of Lotus: Kamal and Kumud. Kamal has pink or reddish-pink petals and is also known as 'Rakta Kamala'. Kumud has white petals and is known as 'Pundarika’ or ‘Sveta Kamala’.

References

1
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
2
Sasikumar D, Al-Hazimi A.Phytochemistry, pharmacological and therapeutic applications of Nelumbo nucifera.Asian journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Research.2013;1(2):123-136.
3
Bhardwaj A, Modi KP.A review on therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera (GAERTN): The sacred Lotus.International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research.2016;7(1):42-54.
4
Meht NR, Patel EP, Shah B, et al.Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus): A Review on Ethanobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.Indian J Pharm Biol Res.2013;1(4):152-167.
5
WebMD.Lotus: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
6
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
7
Balkrishnan A.Kamal.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya.Danik Bhaskar.2017.
8
Yi Y, Sun J, Xie J, et al.Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Lotus Root Varieties.Molecules,2016; 21(7):863.
9
Chen GL, Fan MX, Wu JL, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids from lotus plumule. Food Chem.2019;277:706-712.
10
Yang DH, Lou ZH, Cheng B, et al.Effects of lotus leaf on inflammatory factors and liver AdipoR2 expressions in rats with NAFLD induced by high-fat diet and high glucose. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2016;41(18):3406-3411.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.