From fertility to skin ageing: Know the health benefits of India’s national flower Lotus

Padam, Kamal, Nadru… Lotus is known by many names in Indian culture. It also holds a sacred position in Ayurvedic medicine because of its wide variety of health benefits. Indian cuisine considers Lotus as a delicacy for hundreds of years. The health benefits of lotus has become a topic of intense research in recent years.

According to a research paper published in National Center For Biotechnology Information , “All sacred lotus parts contain high bio-active compounds, and have been used for pharmacological purposes such as anti-oxidative, astringent, emollient, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-aging, anti-ischaemia, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, and hepatoprotective effects.”

The said research paper’s aim was to study the effect of lotus and its mixtures on phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and inhibitions of the key enzymes relevant to Alzheimer’s disease. So, it can be inferred that lotus also acts as a neuroprotective agent in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Nutrition expert Dr Aishwarya Fating also recently shared an Instagram post, outlining several health benefits of lotus plants, and gave an Ayurvedic insight on them.

“Lotus is one of the most cooling herbs in Ayurveda,” she wrote.

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5 health benefits of lotus

1. Lotus for fertility

According to Dr Fating, lotus is Garbha Sansthapak. Lotus seeds, popularly known as makhana or fox nuts, are known to help in conceiving. They are a rich source of vitamin B complexes which boosts sexual desire and serve as mood regulators. Lotus is also used to treat uterine bleeding.

2. Lotus promotes sexual wellness

Lotus seeds are excellent ‘Vrushyam Padmabijam’ or Aphrodisiac. They are known to increase sexual drive in both men and women. They promote blood circulation to the reproductive parts and ensure sexual wellness. Lotus seeds are also helpful in nourishing sperm in males.

3. Lotus promotes fetal growth

Lotus is known to promote growth of the fetus or ‘Garbha Vruddhi’. It is a storehouse of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B, sodium, zinc, folic acid and manganese. It is also rich in proteins and fiber. A pregnant woman can enjoy lotus delicacies such as Makhana kheer, Makhana chaat, Lotus stem curry, and Lotus stem fry.

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4. Lotus is a beauty herb

Ayurveda describes lotus as varnya, which translates to a beauty herb. Due to its richness in antioxidants, it delays skin-aging. Lotus reduces spots and adds glow to your face. Lotus extracts are also said to be an important ingredient in Kumkumadi Tailam, an Ayurvedic facial oil which works wonders for the skin.

5. Reduces pitta and brings calm

Lotus has sheet (cold) gunna and potency. It reduces Pitta and body heat. Lotus is also known to have a calming effect. Keeping lotus flowers in a pot at home can bring you serenity and help calm down anger.