Lotus plant is known as Nelumbo nucifera and belongs to genus Nelumbo. Lotus is national flower of India. It is also known as water lily. Lotus is an aquatic plant and grows in tropical regions of Asia, Australia and Vietnam. It is commonly grown in water gardens.

The roots of this plant grow on the soil of pond and leaves float on the top of water surface. The stems are long and thick. Stems of Lotus Flower have found their place in Indian cuisine and are used in curries and pickles.

Seeds of lotus flower are puffed and known as fox nut or makhana. These seeds are used to make snacks and sweet dishes.

Ayurvedic Properties and Health Benefits of lotus flower

The health benefits of lotus flower are explained by Ayurveda acharyas as follows.

कमलं शीतलं वर्ण्य मधुरं कफ़पित्तजित् |

तृष्णादाहास्रविस्फ़ोटविषविसर्पनाशनम्  ||

Lotus flower is sweet to taste and normalises kapha and pitta. It acts as body coolant. This flower is light to digest and improves the moistness and stickiness of tissues. Its use as face pack improves skin glow and enhances colour. Texts of Ayurveda praise the immense effectiveness of lotus in diseases like skin rashes, burning sensation of skin, boils and herpes.

Usually the roots, flower, stem and seeds are used for medicinal purpose.

Medicinal Properties of Lotus Flower

To Enhance the Complexion of Skin: The paste of this flower is applied on scars and marks. It enhances complexion and improves the skin colour

To reduce boils and skin rashes: Application of lotus flower paste reduces burning sensation of skin, boils and herpes eruptions.

Reduces Insomnia and Anxiety: Ayurvedic preparations which are made using lotus plant parts help to strengthen brain, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Strengthening of Digestive system: Use of this plant parts help to reduce nausea, vomiting, excess thirst, diarrhoea and dysentery.

Purification of Blood: Lotus flower plant helps to purify blood and it also alleviates diseases which are caused due to impure blood. Diseases like amoebic dysentery, menorrhagia, haemorrhoids (piles), herpes, boils, skin allergies and burning sensation in skin are caused due to vitiation of rakta or blood.

Strengthens the Uterus: Herbal preparations of lotus plant help to stop missed abortion or habitual abortions. They strengthen the uterus and prevent miscarriages. It is very good herb to be used in female infertility. (Click here for Ayurvedic remedy for PCOS/PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Diseases )

Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds or Makhana

Texts of Ayurveda explain the immense health benefits of lotus seeds as follows.
पद्मबीजं हिमं स्वादु कषायं तिक्तकम् गुरु |

विष्टम्भि वृष्यं रूक्षं च गर्भासंस्थापकं परम् ||

The seeds of lotus plant act as body coolant and are sweet to taste. They are heavy to digest and may cause constipation. But they are very good aphrodisiacs and help to improve erectile dysfunction, low sperm count and low sperm motility. Hence these seeds are used in Vajikarna Therapy preparations to improve sexual function of men.

These seeds can be added to diet as they supply plenty of important nutrients.

Health Benefits of Lotus Stem and Roots

Lotus stem recipes are very popular in North India. The fresh stems and also dried versions of this aquatic plants are used in many recipes.  Lotus stem and root are store house of vitamins and minerals. The vitamin C is abundant in stem and help to boost the immune system. It helps to fight viral infections. Lotus roots contain essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper and iron . These help to improve haemoglobin level and improve skin health and its texture. Both roots and stems contain plenty of fibres which help to eliminate constipation by regularising the bowel movement.