Sacred Lotus – Lotus Flower - and Medicinal Value of Lotus Plant

The botanical name for the Indian lotus plant is Nelumbo nucifera. American lotus is Nelumbo lutea. In India, the lotus plant is also known by the names Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, or Bean of India. The colorful flowers of lotus plant whose color ranges from white to rosy-pink are considered divine and sacred by many societies in Asia. You just need look at the art and literature of Asians to see how serious the lotus flower is taken by people in Asian.

Lotus plants grow in the mud of ponds and lagoons. Lotus plant grows for up to 20 feet or more depending on the depth of water. Usually, lotus grows in company of other water plants such as lilies. The Chinese says that if you see a lotus growing, you will never forget it - lotuses grow out of the dirty mud pure and clean, like morning dew from outer space or water in springtime from a flower creek.

All parts of a lotus plant, from leaves to the roots, have many uses as follows:

1. The roots or rhizomes can be cooked into savory dishes
2. The flowers are divine and sacred to Buddhist, Baha’i and Hindu religions.
3. Lotus flowers are used as vegetables
4. Lotus seeds can remain capable of growing for hundred of years and are also edible. Seeds can be made into flour for making bread, cakes and sauces.
5. Lotus disc-shaped leaves are used as vegetables and can as well be consumed raw.
6. Lotus disc-shaped leaves are used as wrapper as in lotus rice dish
7. The stems can be peeled and cooked
8. Lotus petals are used as garnish to add flavor to food
9. Male stamens from lotus can be used as an alternative to teas.
10. Lotus flowers are used in decoration

Lotus root is sweet and delicious. Lotus root is usually consumed as a fruit and can as well be sliced and steamed to serve as a dessert. Lotus plant contains the following ingredients:

1 Calcium

2 Carbohydrates

3 Copper

4 Energy

5 Fibers

6 Fluoride

7 Folate

8 Iron

9 Magnesium

10 Manganese

11 Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Sodium

12 Proteins

13 Sugars

14 Vitamins A

15 Vitamins B1

16 Vitamins B2

17 Vitamins B3

18 Vitamins B6

19 Vitamins C

20 Water

The Chinese have for centuries used the entire lotus plant as medicine for treating several diseases. Among the diseases treated by lotus include the following:

1. Diarrhea
2. Fever
3. Fungus infections
4. Ringworms
5. Leprosy
6. Skin infections
7. STDs* - gonorrhea and syphilis
8. Hemorrhoids
9. Dysentery
10. Cholera
11. Diabetes
12. Smallpox
13. Vomiting
14. Snake bites
15. Arthritis
16. Coughs
17. Anti-aging

Other than the amazing beauty of lotus, you can grow lotus in your garden for medicinal and food benefits as already mention earlier. To grow the lotus plant, all one need is to construct a small pond in your backyard and to purchase some lotus seeds you’re your store. The bad seeds are separated from the good seeds by dipping them in warm water. The good seeds will sink while the bad seeds will float in warm water. The seeds are usually put in fresh water which is changed every day until the seeds have germinated. Once the seeds have germinated, each seedling is planted in a pot/can filled with soil. Then top the soil with warm water. When the leaves start shooting up and are about 2 to 3 inches above the soil, replant them to your pond. Lotus tips are very sensitive to bruising, so, maximum care must be taken when transferring them.

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