The Sacred lotus – Food or herb?
Sacred Lotus is a well known asian plant living in swamps and watery places. Purple Lotus flower is a symbol in tibetan buddhism which means wisdom, and part of the Om mani padme hum famous chant. All parts of Nelumbo nucifera including the lotus leaf, lotus flower, lotus stem and lotus rhizome is an edible food and traditional medicinal value and have been consumed by asian countries today and for thousands of years. There is a blue species of lotus in Egypt, egyptians worshiped and ate it too. For medicinal uses they made resin from the herb with special processes. The rhizome contain stratch similar to corn and potatoes. In the Orient people eat lotus rhizomes as an every day food. Starch is a great source of energy and lotus contain additional precious materials supports body health.
Sacred Lotus leaves has a wonderful action due to their high water repellence the name came form it’s own, called lotus effect. Water droplets cannot spread to cover the lotus leaves fully because of it’s perfect architecture. Drops stays there whole, and when they slipping down, catches dirt particles cleaning it’s surface. Lotus leaves inspired scientists about nanotechnological solutions for human uses for example clothes and there are a lot of ongoing self cleaning surface related development, thanks to Nelumbo nucifera.
In western scientific researches found lotus leaves antioxidant properties multiple times and antioxidative liver protective effects. As part of a traditional medicine mixture lotus leaf extract shown effective against hepatitis B. In China Purple Lotus leaves used to treat obesity. Anti Obesity effects of lotus leaves shown on animal studies. Among many fungi Candida Albicans has been killed by lotus. Anti candida effects approved by researchers.
In traditional medicines lotus leaf is a major antioxidant beverage. In the far east people drink it dried as a tea. The Chinese materia medica describes Lotus leaf as an anti-diarrheal, sunstroke relieve, treat fever and alleviate sweating. Helps painful urination problems, stops nose bleeding. Noticable sedative effects helps relieve stress.
