Essential Facts About Sacred Lotus Seeds
Names
- Sanskrit: Padma, Pankaj, Pankaja, Kamala, Kanval, Svetakamala
- Hindi: Kamal, Kanwal
- Botanical: Nelumbo Nucifera Nelumbium Speciosum
- Other names: Indian Lotus, Bean Of India, Sacred Lotus
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
- Guna (qualities): Laghu (light), Snigdha (Unctuousness), Picchila (lubricous)
- Virya (action): Sheeta (cold potency)
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Madhura (sweet)
- Dosha (constitution): Balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Habitat
Sacred lotus seed’s distribution is fairly wide for an Ayurvedic ingredient. It can be found in India (particularly the central and northern regions), as well as Indochina and East Asia. There are also some locations in the Caspian Sea where it can be found as well.
Description
Sacred lotus seed is derived from the lotus plant. While its roots are planted underwater in the soil, its leaves float on the water.
Parts Used
In Ayurvedic medicine, numerous parts of the lotus flower may be used, although use of the seeds is particularly common.
Nutrients
Sacred lotus seeds are high in protein, as well as amino acids. Additionally, they contain unsaturated fats, zinc, iron, and numerous vitamins.
Medicinal Uses of Sacred Lotus Seeds
Sacred lotus seeds serve a variety of purposes in Ayurvedic medicine. Their natural cooling properties can aid in many health conditions, as can their astringent and bitter properties.
The following are some of the more common medicine uses:
Reducing Fever
The cooling effects of the seeds often help to lower fevers. In general, the seeds can treat burning conditions and sensations in the body. The effect they have on fevers is also similar to a calming effect they have on chest problems and inflammatory conditions as well.
Improving Eye Health
The seeds are often made into a powder before being consumed. When this powder is combined with honey, it can assist in the treatment of conditions affecting the eyes.
Helping During Pregnancy
The sacred lotus flower’s seeds have also traditionally been used to ensure a safe pregnancy. Additionally, they have a generally positive effect on uterus health.
Usage and Dosage of Sacred Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds can be made into a powder and combined with a carrier, such as honey. However, they may also be added to boiling water. This is common when used to improve health in pregnant women. The combination of the water and seeds is allowed to sit for two hours, after which point it is filtered. When adding lotus seeds to water, the ratio should be four parts water, one part seeds. People with high Pitta may also wish to add some sweets to the water before consuming it, or take PIOR Living’s Chyawanprash, since it contains sacred lotus seed as well as a number of other ingredients that work to balance the doshas.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
