1. Description

1.1 What is a lotus?

The lotus (botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, Egyptian bean; Chinese Pinyin: Lian, Simplified Chinese: 莲), is a species of perennial, aquatic, flowering, fruit-bearing, herbaceous plant in genus Nelumbo in the sacred lotus family, Nelumbonaceae. The flowers are white, pink, deep red, gold or yellow, lavender (usually a mixture of them), 10 – 20 cm in diameter, with varied numbers of petals. The lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves as well as it rhizomes (roots) can all be used for food. The plant can grow up to 150 cm tall. Native to tropical Asia and extensively cultivated in Asia, habitats of lotus include muddy waters, ponds, swamps, water gardens and lakes. Characteristics of lotus include intolerance for shade and wind, great versatility and deep root and rhizomes.

Some simplified Chinese names for lotus flower include:
莲花, 水芙蓉, 藕花, 芙蕖, 水芝, 水华, 泽芝, 中国莲.

1.2 How does lotus flower taste?

Fresh lotus flower petals has a soft texture with a flavor that is mild-tasting, slightly sweet and bitter.

1.3 How is lotus flower used in traditional Chinese medicine?

The flower of lotus is considered to be bitter and sweet in nature and to be associated with the heart and liver meridians. It is used as hemostatic, dampness-dispelling drug and carminative in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as haematemesis.

2. Uses, Health Benefits of Lotus Flower & Medical Formulas

2.1. Better Weight Management

Overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI), or weight-to-height ratio, greater than or equal to 25 and lower than 30, and obesity is defined as having a BMI equal to or greater than 30. According to a study that analysed data collected from 188 countries around the world, approximate 2.1 billion people (about 30% of the world’s population), are either obese or overweight (Marie 2014). Besides genetic influences, a major reason for overweight is the excess calories stored and a low level of physical activity. Lotus flower contain rich fiber which provide us with a feeling of fullness and we can eat less without feeling hungry.

2.2 Promote Metabolism

Lotus flower also contain water-soluble Vitamin B1 (thiamin, or thiamine), the vitamine is a coenzyme consumed by the body to transform food for energy to back all the body activities. Signs of Vitamin B1 deficiency include chronic diseases such as beriberi, brain abnormalities, digestive abnormalities and neurological disorder. Thus, diets rich in Vitamin B1 could help to promote metabolism and stop a number of diseases from formation.

2.3 Boost Metabolism

Lotus flower also contains biotin, or Vitamin B7, a water-soluble vitamin which is essential for metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, nerve, digestive and cardiovascular functions. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include skin inflammation, hyperesthesia, anorexia and anemia. A normal and healthy metabolism can not only produce energy needed for body functions, but it also help cleanse and get rid of waste and toxins that have built up in our body through normal bowel movement, perspiration, and urination.

2.4 Secure Immunity

Lotus flower is rich in Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid). Vitamin C play a key role in boosting our immunity, it affects several parts of the human immune system. For example, studies have shown that supplementation of vitamin C will improve antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity.

2.5 Lowers LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol comes in two forms: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the unhealthy kind of cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the healthy kind of cholesterol. Chronic high LDL cholesterol can damage the arteries, leading to development of heart diseases, and increase the risk for a stroke. Lotus flower contains a high level of Vitamin B3 nicotinic acid (or Niacin) which has been used since the 1950s to treat high cholesterol. Studies show that nicotinic acid can lower levels of LDL cholesterol by 5%-20% and meanwhile increase the level of the good HDL cholesterol.

2.6 Sedative

[CTM Formula] A decoction of calomelas and lotus flower can be used to mitigate restlessness, agitation and thirsty in infants.

2.7 Hemostatic

[CTM Formula] Dried lotus flower is powdered and taken orally with wine to treat haematemesis.

2.8 Skin Health

[CTM Formula] Smashed lotus flower is applied externally to treat eczema, a skin inflammation condition that is also known as dermatitis.

The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.

The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.

Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net ;. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.

List of reference

Marie, Ng 2014 Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. The Lancet Volume 384, No. 9945, p766–781, 30 August 2014.