Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a member of the Nelumbonaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia, and South Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and seeds have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sacred Lotus
Scientific Name	Nelumbo nucifera
Plant Family	Nelumbonaceae
Genus	Nelumbo
Species	nucifera
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia, South Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Common Name: Sacred Lotus
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Indian Lotus
Plant Family: Nelumbonaceae
Genus: Nelumbo

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1.5 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface pale white, bearing prominent stomatal bands along midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are white to pale pink, arranged in solitary at the apex of the stem, actinomorphic, with 4-5 sepals and 4-5 petals, each petal bearing a distinct central vein and a marginal ridge.
Stems: Elongated, herbaceous, cylindrical stems with smooth, glabrous surfaces, exhibiting an erect growth habit and a branching pattern of alternate and opposite arrangement.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a mild anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a calming diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Astringent: Commonly referenced as a cooling astringent, for surface-level applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Saponin: A group of glycosidic compounds commonly found in roots, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moist but well-drained soil. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.