Common Name Standardized: sacred lotusOther: East Indian lotus, Hindu lotus, oriental lotus Botanical Name Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.Plant Family: Nymphaeaceae Synonyms Nelumbium speciosum, Nymphaea nelumbo Overview Also known asNelumbo nucifera, Sacred water lotus, Pink Lotus, East Indian Lotus, Nelumbium speciosum(Willd.), Sacred Lotus, Sacred Water Lily, Bean of India, Bunga Telpok,Ch'Ieh, Chieh Fen, Chinese Arrowroot, and Egyptian Bean.Plant Family: NymphaeaceaeIntroductionThe Sacred water lotus has been used in the Orient as a medicinalherb for well over 1,500 years, and is also an important religious,artistic, and folklore icon. It was brought to India from Egypt, whereit was associated with the sun: the lotus, like the sun, opened in themorning and closed at night. It was also associated with the god Horus,who was often depicted sitting or standing on the lotus, like Brahma andthe Buddha after him. In Egypt the flower was blue and white, and wasseen as a flower of resurrection, and used in funeral rights anddepicted in the artwork in tombs. In India it represents birth andrebirth; Brahma was born seated on a lotus flower. All of parts of theplant may be used.ConstituentsLotusine, demethyl coclaurine, neferin, and nuciferine.Parts UsedSeeds, flower petals, flower stamens, pods, and leaves.Typical PreparationsThe flower petals and leaves are typically made into a tea ordecoction for internal and external use. They may also be used as agarnish, smoked, floated in soups, and the fresh petals are used as awrap in Asia. It is also said that the petals steeped in wine or teahave a calming effect.SummaryLotuses have long been held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, andEgyptians, whom all believe that Lotus flowers bring prosperity,fertility, and allow the inner being to bloom. Lotus flowers have longbeen revered by cultures all around the world, and has been usedextensively in folklore, religion, literature, shrines, art,architecture, and sculpture. The lotus is discussed in Buddhistliterature, and is the object of meditation in Tantrik Buddhism.Indians believe that Brahma, creator and God of the universe, sprangfrom a lotus blossom. Architecture of the ancient Greeks is anoffshoot of the Assyrian Phoenician architecture, which used the lotusas their basis. The Sacred Lotus has an American relative, Nelumbopetapetala, which was used as a source of starch by the Native AmericanIndians. In addition, the Lotus flower was immortalized in Homer's “TheOdyssey” when Ulysses and his crew come ashore to an Island of theLotus-Eaters.In addition, a number of wild animals feed on the plant,and fish find refuge in its underwater stalks.PrecautionsWe recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. Produced in a facility that processes shellfish For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.