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Common Name
Standardized: sacred lotus
Other: East Indian lotus, Hindu lotus, oriental lotus
Botanical Name
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Plant Family: Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Nelumbium speciosum, Nymphaea nelumbo
Overview
The Sacred water lotus has been used in the Orient as a medicinal
herb for well over 1,500 years, and is also an important religious,
artistic, and folklore icon. It was brought to India from Egypt, where
it was associated with the sun: the lotus, like the sun, opened in the
morning and closed at night. It was also associated with the god Horus,
who was often depicted sitting or standing on the lotus, like Brahma and
the Buddha after him. In Egypt the flower was blue and white, and was
seen as a flower of resurrection, and used in funeral rights and
depicted in the artwork in tombs. In India it represents birth and
rebirth; Brahma was born seated on a lotus flower. All of parts of the
plant may be used.
Parts Used
Seeds, flower petals, flower stamens, pods, and leaves.
Typical Preparations
The flower petals and leaves are typically made into a tea or
decoction for internal and external use. They may also be used as a
garnish, smoked, floated in soups, and the fresh petals are used as a
wrap in Asia. It is also said that the petals steeped in wine or tea
have a calming effect.
Summary
Lotuses have long been held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, and
Egyptians, whom all believe that Lotus flowers bring prosperity,
fertility, and allow the inner being to bloom. Lotus flowers have long
been revered by cultures all around the world, and has been used
extensively in folklore, religion, literature, shrines, art,
architecture, and sculpture. The lotus is discussed in Buddhist
literature, and is the object of meditation in Tantrik Buddhism.
Indians believe that Brahma, creator and God of the universe, sprang
from a lotus blossom. Architecture of the ancient Greeks is an
offshoot of the Assyrian Phoenician architecture, which used the lotus
as their basis. The Sacred Lotus has an American relative, Nelumbo
petapetala, which was used as a source of starch by the Native American
Indians. In addition, the Lotus flower was immortalized in Homer's “The
Odyssey” when Ulysses and his crew come ashore to an Island of the
Lotus-Eaters.In addition, a number of wild animals feed on the plant,
and fish find refuge in its underwater stalks.
Precautions
Specific: Lotus is an aquatic plant.
Persons with shellfish allergies should exercise caution when using
lotus. Not for use in persons with constipation, dry stools, or
abdominal distention.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified
healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if
you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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.
- Smile Herb staff recommends this product!
Ingredients: Organic Lotus Stamen (Nelumbo nucifera)
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Additional information
- Manufacturer: Smile Herb Shop Product Form Factor: Bulk / Organic Lotus Stamen Product Variation: Ounces
Sold by the ounce.
Bulk Discounts: 4+ oz = 10% off 8+ oz = 15% off 16+ oz = 20% off
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