Lotus Flower – Medicinal value

Lotus Flower – Medicinal value

Lotus is one of the most important medicinal plants in Chinese medicine. In the medicines of the Orient the seeds of the lotus are taken as a supplement for increasing energy, vitality and to help with digestion. The root of the plant has by tradition been used in the treatment of a variety of respiratory complaints. Extraction of small amounts of juice from a raw and finely grated lotus root is a treatment for ailments associated with the lungs, which include asthma, tuberculosis and coughing spasms. 

The petals of the lotus have a common use in cooking dishes and in the preparation of perfumes. A tea prepared from the roots of the lotus strengthens the body and is a relief for excessive thirst. It is also capable of reducing inflammation and cleansing wounds. Tea made from lotus leaves is another provider of relief that includes colds, headaches, coughs, nose bleeds and diarrhoea. 

This source of tea has the ability to remove toxins from the blood stream, thereby strengthening the immune system. If the lotus leaves are new, then they are a source of various nutrients to the human body. Leaves can also be used in the lowering blood lipids and in the treatment of fatty liver. Lotus is helpful in controlling the burning sensation, due to its cold potency. 

The plant helps in improving the skin texture and complexion. It improves mental condition and regularizes the peristaltic movements. It treats urine related problems and maintains the body’s normal temperature. The leaf paste is applied to the body in case of fever and inflammatory skin conditions. The young leaves of lotus are taken with sugar to treat rectal prolapse. 

The leaves are also used in treating sunstroke, diarrhea, dysentery, dizziness and vomiting of blood. The stamens are mixed with jaggery and ghee to treat hemorrhoids. The leaves and flowers are useful in many bleeding disorders. Lotus flowers are prescribed to promote conception. The flower stalk, mixed with other herbs, is used to treat bleeding from the uterus. The petals alleviate thirst and inflammations while the seeds are powdered and mixed with honey to treat cough. Lotus, when taken with ghee, milk and gold, is considered a general tonic to promote strength, virility and intellect. Its flowers, seeds, young leaves and roots (rhizomes) are widely used in cuisines across the globe.

 Lotus petals are used for garnishing and the leaves are used for wrapping food. The distinctive lotus seed heads that resemble the spouts of watering cans are sold throughout the world for decorative purposes and dried flower arranging. Lotus rootlets are used in pickles, along with rice vinegar, sugar, chili and/ or garlic. The stamens are dried and made into a fragrant herbal tea. In Asia, lotus is popular with salads, prawns, sesame oil and coriander leaves. 

Spiritual Significance - The lotus flower, notes writer Share Siwek on the website of the Flower Essence Society, is symbolic in Hinduism and ayurvedic medicine, representing eternity, purity and divinity. In both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, many deities religions are depicted sitting on a lotus blossom or carrying a lotus. The lotus flower also is used to symbolize beauty, sensuality and sexuality; in the famed Indian love-making guide "The Kama Sutra," the most skilled woman at the art of love-making is called Padmini, which means "the lotus woman."