Nut lotus plant - beneficial properties of fruits and leaves, cultivation and care at home. Lotus beneficial properties

Lotus is a perennial amphibious herbal plant belonging to the genus Lotus and the Lotus family. This medicinal plant is incredibly beautiful; its buds reveal their color with the first rays of the sun. But the lotus blooms for only 3 days. Its flowers first become bright pink color, and then they become paler and paler. The flower itself is large and lush, about 30 cm. The growth of the stem reaches 2 m. The leaves are shield-shaped, float on elongated petioles with a diameter of 0.5 m, and are covered with a gray-green coating. Some leaves are constantly in water. The flowers are always turned to the sunny side and have heliotropism. After the petals fall, the seed box begins to descend towards the water to release the seeds. The seeds have the shape and size of a hazelnut. The seeds fall to the bottom and can be stored there for a long time.

Distribution area: Volga, in the lower reaches of the Kura, Araks, lake of the Khanka Plain, river. Ussuri, Amur basin, lower reaches of the Zeya. It prefers to grow in small thickets in estuaries, lakes, and in well-warmed water with a muddy bottom at a depth of 2 m.

Almost all parts are suitable for the workpiece herbaceous plant: root, leaves, color, fruit. Because the lotus is included in the Red Book, its harvesting is prohibited. Except in cases where the plant is simply necessary or if medicinal plant specially grown. When collecting, you must follow some rules.

Lotus flowers must be collected before dawn, before the flower opens. It is at this time that the flowers are fragrant and suitable for all kinds of recipes. It is necessary to pick it very carefully so as not to crush or damage it. Leaves should be collected fresh and young. Be sure to pick off the petioles, because they contain poison - nelyubin. It is better to collect the root not completely, so that a new medicinal plant can grow in its place.

There is no need to immediately process the collected plant materials. Leaves and flowers should be dried in the shade, on outdoors. So that the medicinal properties that are present in these parts do not disappear. The root should be immediately washed to remove sand and silt and immediately dried under the sun. But lotus fruits can remain for a long time. Known fact, after 100-150 years of storage, lotus nuts sprout into a young medicinal plant. Just store it in a ventilated place to avoid spoilage.

Use in everyday life

Lotus is a huge success in cooking. The root of a herbaceous plant, for example, is fried, boiled, dried. Lotus is also used to make flour for flat cakes, and candied slices of the root are a bit like marmalade. Very high-quality and popular coffee is prepared from the nuts of the plant. Very tasty sweets and cereals are also prepared from the seeds. Fresh leaves are added to salads and as a seasoning for first courses. Flowers are added to tea for scent. The plant in question is widely used in cosmetology.

Composition and healing properties of lotus

1. The medicinal plant contains large amounts of flavonoids, alkonoids, leukoanthocyanidins, tannins, starch, resin, and vitamin C.
2. Lotus is used in the preparation of various medicines and dietary supplements. It is included in a variety of tonic teas. Drinking this type of drink has a positive effect on the nervous system. Decoctions and tinctures act as an antipyretic and diuretic.
3. It is often used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and problems with the reproductive system.
4. Used in the treatment of kidney and liver diseases.
5. Lotus oil helps in treating problem skin.
6. The medicinal plant can relieve inflammation, cleanses the skin, promotes smoothness, fights acne, and also makes the skin firm and elastic.
7. The seeds are used to treat pathologies of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. It has a calming effect and can be used for insomnia and severe psychological stress.
8. According to doctors, lotus seeds are an indispensable remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids and diarrhea.
9. And when you eat dishes with seeds, you can strengthen your immune system, kidneys, heart, and reproductive system.
10. It can also normalize blood flow.
11. The plant extract is used to treat heart rhythm disorders, lower blood lipids, treat obesity, has a positive effect on the functioning of the spleen, and helps improve sleep.
12. Despite its excellent taste, lotus root has medicinal properties. A decoction from the root of the plant is taken for convulsions, wet dreams, and dyspepsia.
13. It is used as an antiseptic and antipyretic for gonorrhea, mycoses, diseases of the spleen, liver and kidneys.
14. Also, it can be taken after being bitten by snakes and scorpions, poisonous insects. In some countries, lotus root is used in the treatment of pneumonia and bronchial asthma and various inflammations.
15. Decoctions are recommended to be taken as a diuretic, to stop bleeding, and as a tonic.
16. Lotus leaves, in the medicine of some countries, are added to medications for the treatment of oncological diseases (cervical cancer), tumors of various origins. The leaves mainly help slow down aging and are used as a sedative.

The use of lotus in folk medicine

Seed porridge to improve hearing, vision, memory

20 g of seeds (without outer shell), grind, mix with 0.5 kg of non-glutinous rice, cook porridge. You can add vegetables, meat, and seasonings to taste. After a week of daily one-time use, the result will be more than obvious.

Ointment for burns

Fry fresh lotus leaves until black, chop, mix with Vaseline. Apply not to fresh, but already healing burns. Prevents scar formation.

Tincture against involuntary urination at night, wet dreams

Take 6-12 g of fruit pulp and add 1 tbsp. boil, leave for an hour and separate the grounds. Drink 50 g 4-5 times a day.

Decoction for nosebleeds and acute dysentery

Add 0.5 liters of water to 10-15 g of lotus root. Boil for 10 minutes and leave for 1 hour, then strain. Drink 100 g 3-4 times a day.

Wellness face mask

You need to mix the yolk and 1 tsp. lotus oil and 1 tsp. honey Apply a thick layer to the face, except for the area around the eyes. After 20 minutes, wash off warm water.

Lotus scrub

Grind the rice in a coffee grinder, mix 30 g of rice flour with 1 tsp. cream and 2 drops of lotus oil. Apply the resulting mass to your face for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water, massage your face and apply your favorite nourishing cream.

Seed porridge to combat diarrhea

Soak 15 g of seeds in warm water for 4-5 hours. Then add 15 g of dark sugar to the mass and put on low heat, cook until tender. Add to tea in proportion (5 g – 1 tbsp.).

Preparing a vinegar infusion of the root for a surge of strength

Peel the root well, add water and vinegar (1 tbsp - 1 tbsp water), leave for 5 minutes. Then rinse under running water, throw again into boiling water with a bite, cook for 5 minutes. Drink 50 half an hour before meals for a week.

Powder for wet dreams

You need pachina and lotus seed powder. Take in the same proportion and dilute in water: 1 g + 1 g + 200 mo of water, drink 2 times a day.

Contraindications

The harm caused by this plant traditional medicine unknown But it is forbidden to take it during pregnancy and lactation. It should not be taken if you are constipated. An allergy due to individual intolerance to the entire plant or its individual parts is also possible. Lotus oil should not be taken undiluted. It is not recommended for use by children. Do not allow it to come into contact with mucous membranes. Before treatment, it is better to consult a doctor.

Lotus seeds (like its other parts) occupy not the last place in national cuisine East, and in its medicine. And not because this flower is considered sacred. Quite the opposite - the plant gained holiness thanks to its healing properties.

A few words about the plant

Although this plant is associated with Asian countries(China, Korea, India), but the birthplace of the lotus is North Africa. Or rather, Egypt. It was from the banks of the Nile that the flower’s “journey” began tens of thousands of years ago.

And now you can admire the most beautiful water lilies in white, pinkish, lily shades even in Russian reservoirs. The most common habitats of the domestic lotus: in the basins of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, in the floodplains of Lake Prikhan, in the lowlands of the Araks, Kura and Zeya. The floodplain waters of the Volga and its tributaries also abound with blooming lotuses.

The lotus is such a life-loving flower that it can easily settle in a pond garden plot. And it will serve not only decorative decoration, but also a “mini-pharmacy” of home emergency care.

Lotus seeds

After the lotus has faded, seeds begin to ripen in its box, which do not at all resemble flowers. Peeled lotus seeds look more like pine nuts. They even taste similar to them, which made it possible to use the fruits as an independent product.

The seeds of this plant have such vitality that they can germinate even after hundreds of years. This is confirmed by the nuts found by archaeologists during excavations - despite the long “preservation” (more than a thousand years), they gave excellent seedlings.

The fruits were able to survive thanks to their properties, which were actively used in the practice of ancient Greek healers. Warriors also took lotus nuts with them on campaigns, using them both as a healing agent and as a source of nutritional energy (apparently, this is how the plant spread throughout the world).

Lotus is rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements, other useful components that have a beneficial effect on human health. The seeds of a plant are the part that contains genetic memory, therefore most of all has healing properties.

• Lotus nuts contain a set of B vitamins and vitamin A, which are “responsible” not only for health, but also slow down the aging process.
• From the chemical table, the seeds contain potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Macroelements are represented by metals such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc.
• The amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in lotus nuts is quite balanced. The product not only saturates the body with proteins, but also triggers the mechanism for producing the “building material” of cells. The components of the seeds help break down harmful fats, thereby preventing the production of cholesterol.
• Enzymes and flavonoids contained in lotus fruits have anti-inflammatory and restorative properties. Thanks to this, the seeds of the plant are actively used in pharmacology and cosmetology.

Application area

The Chinese attribute to the lotus magical properties, considering the flower a source of vital energy. To some extent, they are right - the plant (and in particular its seeds) is used to treat many diseases.

• Preparations based on lotus seeds can normalize intestinal function, genitourinary system, nervous.
• Eating nuts will normalize heart function and “take control” of blood pressure.
• Diarrhea, bedwetting, wet dreams - and lotus fruits will help you cope with this.
• Psychological factors are also subject to the action of healing nuts - their tonic and sedative properties will help cope with stress, eliminate nervous anxiety and cure insomnia.
• Tibetan healers recommend preparations based on lotus seeds to be taken by people with reproductive system disorders.
• The great energy power of nuts will not only raise immunity to the desired level, but will also help cancer patients cope with a terrible disease.

Lotus seeds are also considered an excellent aphrodisiac, allowing you to feel the fullness of life.

Nut-seeds are consumed internally, raw and fried, and decoctions and medicinal teas are also made from lotus fruits. This product can be purchased at a pharmacy and used as needed or used as a biological supplement.

• The decoction is prepared as follows. Seeds in the amount of 1 tsp are poured into a glass of water and boiled (over low heat) for about 5 minutes. Leave to brew for an hour and filter. Use the decoction before meals, drinking half a glass for any of the problems described above.
• This drink can be prepared with herbs suitable for treating a particular ailment. Then the number of seeds should be halved, and herbs should be added in a 1:1 ratio.
• To treat diarrhea, a decoction is prepared according to a different recipe. Soak a tablespoon of seeds in warm water and leave for several hours. Then add a spoonful of sugar and boil until the nuts are soft enough. When consumed, the decoction can be tinted with tea - per glass medicinal composition 5 g tea drink.
• Wet dreams are treated with a mixture of powders taken in equal proportions - 1 g of lotus and pachina seeds per glass of water. Drink the drink 2 times a day until the problem is completely resolved.
• When treating nervous diseases, you can enhance the effects of the medications used by adding a few crushed lotus nuts to them. This will help remove nervous tension, relieve insomnia and depression.
• A tasty porridge with the addition of lotus nuts will improve memory and sharpen vision and hearing. It is cooked from non-glutinous rice - for half a kilo of cereal, take 20 g of crushed seeds. Seasonings can be added to improve the taste. If you serve such a side dish daily with vegetable, meat and fish dishes, after 7-10 days you can see positive changes.

Recipes for using lotus seeds can be listed for a long time, but any of the preparations should be used only after consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications

Diseases for which it is contraindicated to consume the seeds of this plant are not covered by medicine. But a number of points that should be paid attention to are still present.

• There are people in the world who are allergic to all types of nuts. Or rather, the oily components they contain. And lotus fruits are no exception.
• The seeds have a binding effect and are contraindicated for constipation.
• Since lotus preparations have an effect on libido, pregnant women should avoid taking the seeds so as not to provoke uterine tone (and this already threatens miscarriage).
• Due to the effect on the reproductive system, it is not recommended for children to take nuts raw (and, accordingly, for nursing mothers).

Finally

You should not wait for an occasion such as illness to eat lotus nuts. They can be actively introduced into the menu of a healthy person, adding them to vegetable salads or other dishes.

Peeled kernels fried with sugar will appeal to children (but in moderation). And for adults, you can prepare an aromatic invigorating drink called coffee from lotus seeds ground into powder.

Useful properties and uses of lotus flowers, seeds and oil

Useful properties of lotus

Lotus is one of the oldest medicinal plants, known to man. The first mentions of its use date back to Ancient Greece. Ancient healers used this medicinal plant in the fight against many ailments. It is known that in Chinese folk medicine it was used as an effective diuretic and hemostatic agent. Its tonic properties were used by ancient Indian healers, actively preparing and prescribing lotus preparations for severe exhaustion and malaise.

The beneficial properties of this flower are determined by the presence in it large number active substances. The leaves of the plant contain flavonoids, alkaloids and leucoanthocyanidins, the rhizomes are rich in tannins, starch, resin, and rubber and vitamin C are present in all parts of the lotus. Due to the high concentration of vitamin C, preparations from this healing plant can stimulate the human immune system.

Various varieties of this natural medicine contain protein, manganese, copper, sugar, oils, and beneficial macro- and microelements. The amount of beneficial substances depends on the type of flower; some varieties are more suitable for treatment, while others will not bring the desired result. Recent research by scientists has discovered the ability of some lotus components to dissolve tumors, which makes it possible to use it in the fight against cancer.

Application of lotus

In history you can easily find hundreds of references to the use of lotus for medicinal purposes. Over time, the role of this flower in medicine has remained virtually unchanged. The leaves and other parts of this medicinal plant are included in many recipes. medical supplies and dietary supplements. The lotus has earned such attention due to the huge content of useful elements in it. It should be noted that this flower is widely used in the preparation of various tonic teas.

Such drinks have a beneficial effect on the human nervous system, filling the body with vigor and energy. The flower is most widespread in Chinese, Arabic, Indian and Vietnamese folk medicine. Eastern medicine most often uses it as an excellent astringent. The astringent effect is provided by the tannins present in it. Often, decoctions and infusions of this plant were used as an effective antipyretic, diuretic, and hemostatic agent.

They were also often prescribed for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and to improve the sexual functions of the body. Some varieties of lotus are excellent for helping with kidney and liver diseases. Among other things, the oil of this flower can help people with problem skin. It relieves inflammation, cleanses, smoothes and gives the skin elasticity and firmness. The plant is often used to combat acne.

Ointment for burns: lotus leaves fried until black should be mixed with Vaseline in a ratio of one to four and lubricated on the affected areas.

Lotus flowers

Lotus flowers have amazing bizarre shapes and beautiful colors. They can reach 30 centimeters in diameter. In addition to their aesthetic qualities, the flowers of this medicinal plant have an amazing tonic aroma, which is why they are included in the preparation of many healing tea mixtures.

For medicinal purposes, lotus flowers are best collected before dawn, as this is when they release their strongest aroma. They should be picked carefully so as not to damage the flower or the plant itself, otherwise some of its beneficial properties may be lost.

Lotus seeds

Lotus seeds have long been considered one of the most useful components of this miraculous plant. They are used in the manufacture of several hundred Chinese preparations. traditional medicine. The seeds are also known for their excellent restorative, tonic and cardiotonic effect, which they have due to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in them.

Flower seeds help get rid of various pathologies of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. With their help, you can eliminate some problems of the central nervous system. And, in addition, they have an excellent calming effect; they are often recommended to combat insomnia, rapid heartbeat and excessive psychological stress.

Many doctors note the good astringent effect of lotus seeds; this is a wonderful remedy for hemorrhoids and diarrhea. They are also often used in cooking - dishes with plant seeds are extremely healthy. Eating such dishes is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your immune system, improve the health of the urinary system, kidneys, heart, intestines and reproductive organs. In addition, this natural medicine normalizes blood circulation, relieves indigestion and is an excellent antiemetic.

Lotus oil

The oil is extracted from the petals of three different varieties of this medicinal plant - red, white and blue lotus. It differs in color, smell and place of production. Oils that seem identical at first glance can be extracted in different parts of the planet.

For a long time, lotus oil has been used in folk medicine in many countries around the world. The ancient Romans inhaled its vapors to cure asthma or other respiratory diseases. The Chinese used flower oil to relieve cramps, spasms, eliminate various pains, to combat hemorrhoids and diarrhea, as well as for some heart diseases. The effectiveness of this remedy in the fight against stomach ulcers and in the prevention of bile spills is noted.

The plant oil is widely used to relieve stress, depression and nervous tension. It has a wonderful tonic aroma that relieves the feeling of fatigue and fills the body with vigor. Among other things, this oil is an effective care product for almost any skin type. Thanks to its properties, it activates metabolic processes and prevents aging and fading of the skin.

Lotus extract

The extract is especially valued in Eastern medicine as a remedy that can eliminate fatigue and slow down the aging of the body. It is actively used to normalize heart rate, lower blood lipid levels, relieve swelling and treat obesity. In addition, the drug stabilizes blood pressure, improves sleep, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the spleen, digestive and cardiovascular systems. It is worth especially noting its diuretic, hemostatic and diuretic effects.

Thanks to its antitoxic properties, lotus extract helps protect the human body from adverse factors. environment. It is often used to improve facial skin tone. The alkaloids it contains, such as neferine, nuciferine and lotusine, have a wide range of beneficial properties. They are included in the list of vasodilating, hemostatic, antipyretic and cardiac medications.

Lotus root

In addition to its taste, which appeals to many people, lotus root boasts a significant list of beneficial properties. A decoction of the roots of this medicinal plant has long been used by Eastern folk medicine as an effective sedative for convulsions, wet dreams and dyspepsia. Due to the nutritional value of such decoctions, they were often recommended during times of severe exhaustion or moral exhaustion.

For gonorrhea, mycoses, diseases of the spleen, liver and kidneys, decoctions from the roots of the flower are taken as an antiseptic and antipyretic drug. They have also proven effective against snake and scorpion bites. Chinese traditional medicine recommends taking decoctions from the roots as a diuretic, antitoxic, hemostatic and tonic. It helps well with vitamin deficiency, chronic dysentery, uterine and gastric bleeding.

Far Eastern healers used this miraculous remedy to fight pneumonia and bronchial asthma, and the Japanese used it to treat inflammatory processes and poisonous insect bites. Lotus root has become firmly established in traditional medicine and is an important component many pharmacological drugs.

Lotus tea

In ancient times, lotus tea was considered by many peoples of the world to be a drink exclusively for people of royal blood. This belief was based on the wonderful healing properties of such a drug, which allows you to get rid of depression and lift your spirits. That is why the rulers did not want to share this wonderful drink with their servants.

Lotus flowers, petals and stamens are usually collected for brewing. In the process of preparing tea, it is very important that they do not lose their beneficial properties.

This healthy drink not only has a pleasant tonic aroma and taste, it is also an effective general tonic. Due to the high content of amino acids and vitamin C in the brew, tea has a beneficial effect on the human immune system, normalizes many processes within the body, and improves the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. In hot weather, this tonic can become an indispensable assistant: just drink one cup and the skin temperature will immediately drop by several degrees, and a feeling of freshness and coolness will spread throughout the body.

Lotus leaf

The leaves of the plant are quite a valuable medicinal product. They contain alkaloids, flavonoids and other substances useful to the human body. Japanese medicine has long used lotus leaves mixed with other herbs to treat cervical cancer; a water infusion of them was used as an effective diuretic, antiseptic, hemostatic and tonic. It was often prescribed for vitamin deficiency. Indian and Egyptian doctors recommended such a collection medicinal herbs to eliminate tumors of various origins.

The main spectrum of action of drugs from the leaves of the plant is a decrease in the level of lipids in the blood, slowing down the aging of the body, a calming and antispasmodic effect, relieving edema and normalizing heart rate. Lotus leaves are included in many Chinese traditional medicine preparations.

Lotus white

The white lotus is widespread in Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil and northern Yucatan. It is a herbaceous aquatic plant - a water lily with a powerful rhizome and long stems reaching 30 cm in height. Each stem ends in a white flower. It is especially valued as a medicinal raw material and is often used in the preparation of tonic teas and other medicinal drinks. It is very easy to grow and propagate white lotus, since its rhizome can simply be placed in a pond with slowly flowing water. It will quickly sprout new shoots.

Lotus red

This type of lotus is still the emblem of India. It has powerful branched roots and large flowers reaching 30 cm in diameter. It contains a whole complex of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, silicon, zinc. Thanks to such a balanced chemical composition, this healing plant is able to improve metabolism in the body, regenerate skin cells and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas and liver. Sometimes it is used in the manufacture of fat burning drugs.

Contraindications to the use of lotus

Contraindications to the use of lotus have not yet been fully studied by official science. Preparations based on it are prohibited from use during pregnancy and nursing mothers. It is also possible allergic reaction on the plant or individual intolerance to its individual components. Lotus oil is not recommended for use undiluted and should not be used on children. Under no circumstances should oil come in contact with mucous membranes. Before starting treatment, consultation with a doctor is required.

Expert editor: Nina Vladimirovna Sokolova | Herbalist

Education: Diploma in General Medicine and Therapy received from the University named after N. I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Herbal Medicine at the Moscow People's Friendship University (2008).

Other doctors

Lotus flowers contain edible seeds, the healing properties of which are actively used in Chinese medicine several centuries in a row. Traditionally, the seeds are collected in August-September and then dried in the sun. They have a neutral, slightly sweet taste.

Many healing herbal preparations, in the miraculous powers of which followers of Eastern medicine believe, include lotus seeds in one form or another. But since you and I are reasonable people, let’s try to separate the wheat from the chaff and find scientific evidence for the beneficial properties of this exotic medicine.

The nutritional value

Lotus Seeds – good source protein, as well as mineral healers: magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

They are free of saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Lotus seeds contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid that prevents tissue inflammation. This fact makes this Chinese medicine product a truly valuable cosmetic component.

Sabhati Dharmananda, director of the Institute of Traditional Medicine, focuses on the protein component of the seeds. That is why this product is actively used in traditional Chinese cooking as one of the key soup ingredients.

This fact has made many cosmetic companies fall in love with lotus seeds and include them in their anti-aging products.

Beneficial features

1. Lotus seeds have astringent properties, are good for the kidneys and help restore the vital energy of the body.
2. They can also be considered as a mild aphrodisiac, enhancing sensuality and passion.
3. According to Chinese medicine, lotus seeds can stop diarrhea, cope with irritability, insomnia and anxiety. In terms of its biochemical composition, this product is a herbal sedative, much more effective than common valerian.
4. Some doctors believe that lotus seeds are good for the heart due to the content of bitter, astringent and cooling substances. The bitterness of this Chinese remedy comes from isoquinoline, an alkaloid endowed with antispasmodic and soothing properties. This herbal component dilates blood vessels and thereby reduces blood pressure.
5. Healthy lotus seeds can be used not only as an independent remedy, but also as an important ingredient in healing herbal infusions prepared according to all the rules of Chinese medicine. These oval seeds are present in medicines to improve digestion, fight diarrhea, treat prostatitis and urinary tract infections.

Lotus is a perennial amphibious herbal plant belonging to the genus Lotus and the Lotus family. This medicinal plant is incredibly beautiful; its buds reveal their color with the first rays of the sun. But the lotus blooms for only 3 days. Its flowers first acquire a bright pink color, and then become paler and paler. The flower itself is large and lush, about 30 cm. The growth of the stem reaches 2 m. The leaves are shield-shaped, float on elongated petioles with a diameter of 0.5 m, and are covered with a gray-green coating. Some leaves are constantly in water. The flowers are always turned to the sunny side and have heliotropism. After the petals fall, the seed box begins to descend towards the water to release the seeds. The seeds have the shape and size of a hazelnut. The seeds fall to the bottom and can be stored there for a long time.

Distribution area: Volga, in the lower reaches of the Kura, Araks, lake of the Khanka Plain, river. Ussuri, Amur basin, lower reaches of the Zeya. It prefers to grow in small thickets in estuaries, lakes, and in well-warmed water with a muddy bottom at a depth of 2 m.

Preparation and storage of lotus

Almost all parts of a herbaceous plant are suitable for harvesting: roots, leaves, flowers, fruits. Because the lotus is included in the Red Book, its harvesting is prohibited. Except in cases where the plant is simply necessary or if the medicinal plant is specially grown. When collecting, you must follow some rules.

Lotus flowers must be collected before dawn, before the flower opens. It is at this time that the flowers are fragrant and suitable for all kinds of recipes. It is necessary to pick it very carefully so as not to crush or damage it. Leaves should be collected fresh and young. Be sure to pick off the petioles, because they contain poison - nelyubin. It is better to collect the root not completely, so that a new medicinal plant can grow in its place.

There is no need to immediately process the collected plant materials. Leaves and flowers should be dried in the shade, in the open air. So that the medicinal properties that are present in these parts do not disappear. The root should be immediately washed to remove sand and silt and immediately dried under the sun. But lotus fruits can remain for a long time. It is a well-known fact that after 100-150 years of storage, lotus nuts sprout into a young medicinal plant. Just store it in a ventilated place to avoid spoilage.

Use in everyday life

Lotus is a huge success in cooking. The root of a herbaceous plant, for example, is fried, boiled, dried. Lotus is also used to make flour for flat cakes, and candied slices of the root are a bit like marmalade. Very high-quality and popular coffee is prepared from the nuts of the plant. Very tasty sweets and cereals are also prepared from the seeds. Fresh leaves are added to salads and as a seasoning for first courses. Flowers are added to tea for scent. The plant in question is widely used in cosmetology.

Composition and healing properties of lotus

1. The medicinal plant contains large amounts of flavonoids, alkonoids, leukoanthocyanidins, tannins, starch, resin, and vitamin C.
2. Lotus is used in the preparation of various medicines and dietary supplements. It is included in a variety of tonic teas. Drinking this type of drink has a positive effect on the nervous system. Decoctions and tinctures act as an antipyretic and diuretic.
3. It is often used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and problems with the reproductive system.
4. Used in the treatment of kidney and liver diseases.
5. Lotus oil helps in treating problem skin.
6. The medicinal plant can relieve inflammation, cleanses the skin, promotes smoothness, fights acne, and also makes the skin firm and elastic.
7. The seeds are used to treat pathologies of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. It has a calming effect and can be used for insomnia and severe psychological stress.
8. According to doctors, lotus seeds are an indispensable remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids and diarrhea.
9. And when you eat dishes with seeds, you can strengthen your immune system, kidneys, heart, and reproductive system.
10. It can also normalize blood flow.
11. The plant extract is used to treat heart rhythm disorders, lower blood lipids, treat obesity, has a positive effect on the functioning of the spleen, and helps improve sleep.
12. Despite its excellent taste, lotus root has medicinal properties. A decoction from the root of the plant is taken for convulsions, wet dreams, and dyspepsia.
13. It is used as an antiseptic and antipyretic for gonorrhea, mycoses, diseases of the spleen, liver and kidneys.
14. Also, it can be taken after being bitten by snakes and scorpions, poisonous insects. In some countries, lotus root is used in the treatment of pneumonia and bronchial asthma and various inflammations.
15. Decoctions are recommended to be taken as a diuretic, to stop bleeding, and as a tonic.
16. Lotus leaves, in the medicine of some countries, are added to medications for the treatment of oncological diseases (cervical cancer), tumors of various origins. The leaves mainly help slow down aging and are used as a sedative.

The use of lotus in folk medicine

Seed porridge to improve hearing, vision, memory

20 g of seeds (without outer shell), grind, mix with 0.5 kg of non-glutinous rice, cook porridge. You can add vegetables, meat, and seasonings to taste. After a week of daily one-time use, the result will be more than obvious.

Ointment for burns

Fry fresh lotus leaves until black, chop, mix with Vaseline. Apply not to fresh, but already healing burns. Prevents scar formation.

Tincture against involuntary urination at night, wet dreams

Take 6-12 g of fruit pulp and add 1 tbsp. boil, leave for an hour and separate the grounds. Drink 50 g 4-5 times a day.

Decoction for nosebleeds and acute dysentery

Add 0.5 liters of water to 10-15 g of lotus root. Boil for 10 minutes and leave for 1 hour, then strain. Drink 100 g 3-4 times a day.

Wellness face mask

You need to mix the yolk and 1 tsp. lotus oil and 1 tsp. honey Apply a thick layer to the face, except for the area around the eyes. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Lotus scrub

Grind the rice in a coffee grinder, mix 30 g of rice flour with 1 tsp. cream and 2 drops of lotus oil. Apply the resulting mass to your face for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water, massage your face and apply your favorite nourishing cream.

Seed porridge to combat diarrhea

Soak 15 g of seeds in warm water for 4-5 hours. Then add 15 g of dark sugar to the mass and put on low heat, cook until tender. Add to tea in proportion (5 g – 1 tbsp.).

Preparing a vinegar infusion of the root for a surge of strength

Peel the root well, add water and vinegar (1 tbsp - 1 tbsp water), leave for 5 minutes. Then rinse under running water, throw again into boiling water with a bite, cook for 5 minutes. Drink 50 half an hour before meals for a week.

Powder for wet dreams

You need pachina and lotus seed powder. Take in the same proportion and dilute in water: 1 g + 1 g + 200 mo of water, drink 2 times a day.

Contraindications

The harm caused by this plant in traditional medicine is unknown. But it is forbidden to take it during pregnancy and lactation. It should not be taken if you are constipated. An allergy due to individual intolerance to the entire plant or its individual parts is also possible. Lotus oil should not be taken undiluted. It is not recommended for use by children. Do not allow it to come into contact with mucous membranes. Before treatment, it is better to consult a doctor.

Lotus - types and properties. Composition and benefits of lotus

Calorie content: 74 kcal.

Energy value of the Lotus product (Ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates):

Proteins: 2.6 g (~10 kcal) Fats: 0.1 g (~1 kcal) Carbohydrates: 12.33 g (~49 kcal)

Energy ratio (b|w|y): 14%|1%|67%

Lotus: properties

Nutritional information | Vitamins | Minerals

How much does Lotus cost? average price for 1)?

Lotus or Nelumbo belongs to a dicotyledonous plant species from the Lotus family. The plant has been known to man since ancient times. In Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, various subspecies, as well as the fruits of the plant, were called lotuses. Already in those distant times, people began to eat inflorescences, fruits and lotus roots. As a rule, ancient cooks used Cyrean or Egyptian lotus. The North African region is considered the birthplace of the lotus, from where the plant spread throughout European and Asian territory.

Our native domestic water lilies are close relatives of the lotus and are included in the same family with the plant. At the dawn of the development and birth of the science of botany, the first Greek philosophers and thinkers compiled books describing plants. The appearance and beneficial properties of the lotus were first described by the founding father of botany, the ancient Greek scientist Theophrastus. It is interesting that previously the lotus was part of the Water Lily family. However, over time, the plant was separated into a separate family, which currently unites three main types of lotus.

Types of lotus

Main types of lotus:

• Nut lotus or Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn was discovered by the German physician and botanist Joseph Gaertner in 1788;
• American yellow lotus Nelumbo lutea Pers, was studied and discovered in 1807 by botanist Heinrich Persson;
• five-petalled lotus or Nelumbo pentapetala (Walter) Fernald was discovered and studied by American botanist Walter Fernald in 1934;

Lotus composition

The properties of lotus directly depend on the chemical composition of the plant. The composition of the lotus, in turn, varies depending on the type of plant. The inflorescences, fruits, stamens and root of the nut-bearing lotus are eaten. This type lotus is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, therefore, in our latitudes, lotus dishes are not just exotic, but also a hard-to-find product.

However, the nut-bearing lotus is common not only in domestic reservoirs. Residents of Asian territories, Australia and Papua New Guinea simply cannot imagine their daily diet without all components lotus flowers, which they eat. The chemical composition of lotus determines the benefits of the plant for the human body. It is known that lotus seeds and rhizomes began to be used for medicinal purposes several thousand years ago.

Benefits of lotus

In those distant times, people actively used the beneficial properties of lotus in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the human cardiovascular system. In our time, the benefits of lotus as a diuretic and tonic of natural origin have been scientifically established and proven. In addition, doctors recommend eating lotus root if there is a lack of vitamin B1 in the body. All components of the plant are used in cooking.

Lotus inflorescences are valued for their unique aroma, which goes well with some types of tea. In China and Japan, love for the lotus is nationwide. The lotus is considered a unique symbol of Asian states. The lotus rhizome is considered one of the most beloved foods in the Middle Kingdom. Chinese cooks boil, fry, and also pickle lotus root. In Japan, lotus root is eaten fresh in a special sauce made from water and rice vinegar.

In Thailand, lotus stamens and petals are used as food, which are a common ingredient in salads and desserts. Lotus root is used to make flour and bake bread. Young leaves of the plant are added to salads and vegetable dishes. Lotus seeds or fruits in your own way appearance and reminds the taste hazelnuts. Sweets, all kinds of desserts and cereals are made from lotus seeds. The oil obtained from lotus fruits is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfume industries.

Product proportions. How many grams?

For practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back over 5,000 years, the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) has incredible great importance. Extensive healing properties, coupled with powerful spiritual symbolism, make the lotus such a significant plant in Eastern medicine.

Everything goes into use: seeds, leaves and flowers. The first two points have already been covered on our website and in some detail here and here. And today the focus of our attention will be flowers.

For those few who have a hard time imagining what a lotus looks like “live,” I inform you that it is a perennial aquatic plant that floats on the surface of a pond or river all year round, and its roots can reach the very bottom.

The lotus flower symbolizes eternity, purity and the divine essence. It is not for nothing that in Hindu mythology many deities are depicted sitting on the open flower of this plant.

The white, blue and pink varieties in Buddhism characterize three personality types. Like this amazing plant, a person can live on the surface of “water” (in this context it has a figurative meaning), slightly above it, or completely immersed in it.

Another set of meanings is much more piquant. The lotus flower also denotes beauty, sensuality and sexuality. Thus, in the famous Indian treatise “Kama Sutra” the woman most experienced in the art of lovemaking is called Padmini, which means “lotus woman”.

Lotus flowers in beauty treatments

The soothing and cooling properties of the plant allow the use of lotus flowers and essential oil of which for cosmetic purposes, in particular for healing and improving skin texture.

1. Cleansing. Use lotus essential oil to cleanse and tighten pores.
2. Soothing and moisturizing effect. Anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and pimples. Cosmetics with lotus flowers are suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
3. Recovery. Like hibiscus, lotus flowers contain natural alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the top layer of skin, promote skin renewal, and provide a youthful, radiant appearance. Protein components allow you to “repair” epidermal cells, restoring firmness and elasticity to the skin.
4. Stimulating blood flow with flower petal-based cosmetics refreshes and revitalizes skin tone, making lotus products ideal for morning cleansing.

Large quantities of flower petals are used to produce perfumes, aromatic soaps and other detergents.

Kaleidoscope of beneficial properties of lotus flowers

Ayurveda states that tea made from the “divine” flowers can be used to treat acid reflux, diarrhea and stomach ulcers, as a diuretic, astringent and sedative. This healthy drink prevents premature ejaculation, relieves cramps and relieves pain associated with hemorrhoids.

For the fair half of humanity, lotus flowers will serve their purpose: they will reduce the intensity of bleeding during menstruation and in the postpartum period.

Lotus flowers are rich in several nutrients, including linolenic acid, quercetin, luteolin, galuteolin, nelumbin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, phosphorus, iron, B vitamins and vitamin C.

A unique set of antioxidants deserves special attention: lotusin, neferin, nuciferin and demethyl-coclaurine. Scientists have high hopes for these active natural compounds due to their anti-cancer potential.

Tea brewed with lotus petals is extremely popular in Thailand. Here it is used to strengthen the heart and lower blood sugar levels.

Petals and stamens for melanin production

The oil contained palmitic acid methyl ester, which promotes the formation of melanin during the process of melanogenesis. Therefore, one of the associated effects of using lotus flower oil extract is the prevention of gray hair.

How to make tea from lotus flowers?

For maximum efficiency, I recommend using both the leaves and flowers of the plant at the same time, and the raw materials should be thoroughly dried. Pour 2 tsp. tea 500 ml of boiling water and give 5 minutes for the infusion to become saturated. Filter out the petals and leaves and drink to your health!

Lotus

This amphibian plant is a member of the lotus family. The lotus belongs to the category of herbaceous, beautiful inhabitants of the aquatic world. It opens its buds at sunrise, but only blooms for three days. The lotus flower is delicate and large, and its stem can reach two meters in length. After the petals fall, the seed box is lowered into the water and the seeds are released. This is how the lotus multiplies. The habitat of this medicinal plant is quiet, clean lakes, bodies of water with stagnant water and a muddy bottom, and estuaries.

Preparation and storage

All parts of the herbaceous plant are harvested for medicinal purposes. These are its fruits, flowers, roots, and leaves. Lotus collection is carried out according to the following rules:

1. The time to collect the plant is before dawn, until the flower is fully opened.
2. The plant must be picked carefully, avoiding damage.
3. Lotus leaves are collected fresh and young; the petioles, which contain a poison called “nelyubin,” must be plucked from them.
4. The root should not be collected completely, but part of it should be left for further propagation.
5. The leaves and flowers of the plant are dried in the shade in the open air.
6. To preserve medicinal properties, it is necessary to avoid exposure of raw materials to the sun's rays.
7. The root is washed away from the sand and dried under the sun.
8. Lotus fruits can be preserved for a very long time.
9. Store dry plant materials by placing them in paper bags in ventilated areas at a stable temperature.

Use in everyday life

Lotus is actively used in cooking. For example, its root is both fried and boiled, and flour from the plant is used to make flat cakes. Slices of roots are candied. Coffee is made from lotus nuts, and porridge is made from seeds. Fresh leaves of this medicinal plant are added as seasonings to first courses and salads. Dried flowers are used as tea flavoring agents. This product is also actively used in the field of cosmetology.

Composition and medicinal properties

The medicinal plant contains many flavonoids and alkaloids, leukoanthocyanins and tannins, starch and resin, and ascorbic acid. Dietary supplements and tonic teas are prepared using this plant. Lotus decoctions and infusions have antipyretic and diuretic properties. Preparations based on this plant are used in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system, kidney and liver diseases.

Lotus oil also has healing properties; it can be used to heal problem skin. This plant relieves inflammation and cleanses the skin, helps smooth it and fights acne.

Lotus seeds are used in the treatment of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. They have a calming effect and can be used for stress, insomnia, and severe mental stress.

Doctors consider these seeds to be an indispensable remedy for treating hemorrhoids and diarrhea. Eating dishes with them strengthens the immune system and reproductive system.

The plant extract is used for heart rhythm disorders and in the treatment of obesity. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the spleen.

A decoction of lotus root is used for cramps and dyspepsia. As an antiseptic and antipyretic, the root is used for gonorrhea and mycoses, diseases of the spleen and kidneys. Another important area of ​​its application is the treatment of the consequences of snake and scorpion bites.

Lotus leaves are added to cancer medications, most often in the field of gynecology.

The use of lotus in folk medicine: recipes

Traditional medicine has been using lotus to improve human health for a long time; it has proven its effectiveness. Use recipes based on it:

1. Seeds to improve hearing and vision. Take 20 grams of seeds and grind them thoroughly. Mix with half a kilogram of rice and cook porridge. You need to eat the dish every day at least once a day for a week. After this time, the result will be obvious.
2. Ointment for burns. To do this, you need to take fresh lotus leaves, fry them and mix them thoroughly with Vaseline. Apply ointment to healing burns. The product will help prevent the formation of scars.
3. Tincture for enuresis. Take 10 grams of lotus fruit pulp and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Infuse the healing potion for an hour, filter, drink 50 grams 4-5 times a day.
4. Wellness face mask. You need to mix a teaspoon of lotus oil, the same amount of honey and the yolk of a fresh egg. Apply everything evenly to clean skin and leave for 20 minutes.

Contraindications for use

Expectant mothers and nursing women are prohibited from taking all lotus-based preparations. It is also unacceptable to take them if you have constipation. Individual intolerance to the plant cannot be ruled out. Before starting a course of treatment with remedies based on this plant, it is better to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist.

Especially for vsegdazdorov.net Elena TOLOCHIK

Lotus

In India and China, the lotus is considered a sacred plant. The website mir-ovosey.ru will tell you about interesting features and about the beneficial properties of this ancient vegetable crop.

Description of lotus

Lotus is a perennial amphibian plant. It belongs to the lotus family. There are three known types of plants: the nut lotus, the American lotus (yellow lotus) and the five-petalled lotus. American (yellow) lotus can be found on the Atlantic coast of Central and North America, as well as in the Hawaiian Islands.

The nut-bearing lotus blooms with pink flowers - this species is common in the Malay Archipelago, in the northeastern part of Australia, in the south of Japan, in Indochina, Hindustan, China, and Northern Iran. In our area you can find the Caspian lotus (other names: Astrakhan, Caspian or Chulpan rose). It is a subspecies of the yellow lotus and grows in artificial reservoirs, and in the natural habitat (in well-warmed lakes).

In the Far East, the Komarov lotus grows - a relict plant that has adapted to the cold. The viability of the roots is preserved by silt (it rarely freezes). There are also many cultural forms of lotus. Lotus grows near the coastal parts of water bodies. The plant has 3 types of leaves:

Rounded floating leaves (they are located on very long petioles); - small underwater scale-shaped leaves (short petioles extend from the root); - high-rising large funnel-shaped leaves (their diameter reaches 50-70 cm).

Lotus leaves do not sink in water due to the waxy substance that covers them. Lotus flowers delight with their exquisite beauty and pleasant aroma - they rise from the water on long curved stalks (flower diameter is 25-30 cm). The flower consists of many petals, and in the middle there are yellow stamens.

Lotus flowers can change color throughout the day. They close at night, and their average “life” is about three days. The lotus fruit is a single-seeded nut about one and a half centimeters long. In culture, lotus is grown not only as a ornamental plant– edible rhizomes are highly valued (their average length is 60-120 cm, root diameter is 6-9 cm).

Growing Lotus

Lotus - heat-loving plant(priority for areas with a hot tropical climate). Favorite habitat is low-flowing water bodies (slow-flowing rivers, lakes, etc.). In dry years it can also grow on land.

Lotus is propagated using rhizomes or seeds (the first method is preferable). In order for flowers to appear in the first year after planting, it is recommended to use the roots of seven-year-old plants.

When grown by seeds planting material pre-immerse in a jar of water (seeds germinate on about the third day). At seed method During propagation, plants do not bloom immediately (in some cases, flowers appear in the fifth to seventh year of the plant’s life).

Since lotuses are amphibious plants, a small pond is set aside for planting - the minimum acceptable dimensions are 3x3 m with a depth of 1-1.5 m. The lotus is planted in water. After the plants take root, it is necessary to ensure that they do not grow near the shore, and it is also worth monitoring the water level.

Ways to use lotus

Lotus seeds and rhizomes are used as animal feed. In cooking, the rhizomes are most used - they are boiled, stewed, fried in fat. Pieces of fresh rhizomes are candied, and flour is made from the dried raw materials. Coffee surrogates are made from the fruits. Less often used in food are lotus leaves - they serve as an ingredient for salads or as a seasoning for hot dishes. Lotus flowers are added to tea. Sometimes lotus stamens are eaten.

Chemical composition of lotus

Lotus contains flavonoids, alkaloids, starch, resins, tannins, and ascorbic acid. Petioles and young seedlings contain non-lumbin (a toxic substance).

Useful properties of lotus

Lotus rhizome is used in folk medicine as a hemostatic, diuretic and tonic. It is recommended to use it if there is insufficient intake of vitamin B1. Various parts of the lotus are used to make many traditional medicines in India and China. A decoction of lotus leaves is used as an antiseptic.

Contraindications

Eating rhizomes and lotus leaves, as well as taking medicines based on this plant, is prohibited in case of individual intolerance.

Lotus is a unique plant. Its seeds can germinate after several centuries, and the flowers remain optimal temperature throughout the day. This culture certainly deserves attention.

Read more about vegetables!

Recipes for beauty and health from all over the world!

Lotus properties and use in cosmetics

• Geography of our products

Heavenly lily - this is the name of this flower in many Asian countries.

He is considered the personification of purity in Buddhism and is important symbol, widespread in the religion, culture and art of these countries. This perennial aquatic plant belongs to the exotic lily family and is famous for the beauty of its flowers and its amazing properties. It grows in temperate and tropical zones in shallow waters in well-warmed water. Lotus flowers are incredibly beautiful and reach 30 cm in diameter. They bloom at dawn and close at sunset, flowering continues for 3 days.

Interesting fact

In Russia, blue lotus is on the list of prohibited drugs. Its psychotropic effect on humans has been proven. Heady aroma fresh flowers This plant has an aphrodisiac effect. In traditional oriental medicine as medicine They use an infusion of dried blue lotus petals in dry red wine and medicinal tea.

Beneficial features

According to the teachings of eastern healers, the lotus has not only sacred powers, but also high healing properties. In Tibetan medicine, the nut-bearing lotus is used to treat severe lesions of the lymphatic system. More than 200 oriental medicine preparations are made from it, which help heal both body and soul. In ancient Chinese medicine, lotus rhizomes have always been used as a tonic, antitoxic, hemostatic, cardiac, and diuretic. In the Far East, a decoction of this plant is used to treat pneumonia and bronchial asthma, and also as an antiseptic. All parts of the lotus are used in cooking. Lotus roots are boiled, fried, dried and ground into flour, which is then used to make cakes. Candied fruits are made from the rhizomes, which taste very much like marmalade. An interesting coffee drink is produced from dried lotus seeds.

Use in cosmetology

Lotus has traditionally been used in Eastern cosmetology in the form of extract and oil. Dry extract is a powder made from lotus leaves and flowers. In cosmetics, it is often used as a cleansing, stimulating and refreshing component to whiten the skin, get rid of age spots and spots. Lotus extract contains vitamin C, nufarin, nelumbin, armenavine and mineral compounds. Lotus oil is sacred to Hindus. They believe that it can clarify the mind, promote selfless love and prosperity, and open the heart chakra. This is a rare and expensive type of oil that is extremely highly valued. Lotus oil has a softening, soothing and intensely moisturizing effect. It gives the skin elasticity, stimulates the regeneration processes of skin cells, and helps restore the elasticity of the skin. It is widely used in products for sensitive and problem skin, because it relieves inflammation and itching well, has a strong astringent effect, and does not irritate the skin. Lotus oil helps with problems with oily and combination skin, eliminating acne and tightening pores. It has a biostimulating effect, activates processes at the cellular level, slowing down aging and preventing the formation of wrinkles, making the skin smooth and elastic. It has a stimulating and tonic effect on skin turgor. Lotus oil is an excellent relaxant. It helps cope with depression, gently relieves nervous tension and stressful conditions.

Lotus seeds (like its other parts) occupy an important place both in the national cuisine of the East and in its medicine. And not because this flower is considered sacred. Quite the opposite - the plant gained holiness thanks to its healing properties.

A few words about the plant

Although this plant is associated with Asian countries (China, Korea, India), the birthplace of the lotus is North Africa. Or rather, Egypt. It was from the banks of the Nile that the flower’s “journey” began tens of thousands of years ago.

And now you can admire the most beautiful water lilies in white, pinkish, lily shades even in Russian reservoirs. The most common habitats of the domestic lotus: in the basins of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, in the floodplains of Lake Prikhan, in the lowlands of the Araks, Kura and Zeya. The floodplain waters of the Volga and its tributaries also abound with blooming lotuses.

The lotus is such a life-loving flower that it can easily settle in a pond in a garden plot. And it will serve not only as a decorative decoration, but also as a “mini-pharmacy” for home emergency care.

Lotus seeds

After the lotus has faded, seeds begin to ripen in its box, which do not at all resemble flowers. Peeled lotus seeds look more like pine nuts. They even taste similar to them, which made it possible to use the fruits as an independent product.

The seeds of this plant have such vitality that they can germinate even after hundreds of years. This is confirmed by the nuts found by archaeologists during excavations - despite the long “preservation” (more than a thousand years), they gave excellent seedlings.

The fruits were able to survive thanks to their properties, which were actively used in the practice of ancient Greek healers. Warriors also took lotus nuts with them on campaigns, using them both as a healing agent and as a source of nutritional energy (apparently, this is how the plant spread throughout the world).

Lotus is rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and other beneficial components that have a beneficial effect on human health. The seeds of a plant are the part that contains genetic memory, and therefore most of all have healing properties.

• Lotus nuts contain a set of B vitamins and vitamin A, which are “responsible” not only for health, but also slow down the aging process.
• From the chemical table, the seeds contain potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Macroelements are represented by metals such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc.
• The amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in lotus nuts is quite balanced. The product not only saturates the body with proteins, but also triggers the mechanism for producing the “building material” of cells. The components of the seeds help break down harmful fats, thereby preventing the production of cholesterol.
• Enzymes and flavonoids contained in lotus fruits have anti-inflammatory and restorative properties. Thanks to this, the seeds of the plant are actively used in pharmacology and cosmetology.

Application area

The Chinese attribute magical properties to the lotus, considering the flower a source of vital energy. To some extent, they are right - the plant (and in particular its seeds) is used to treat many diseases.

• Preparations based on lotus seeds can normalize the functioning of the intestines, genitourinary system, and nervous system.
• Eating nuts will normalize heart function and “take control” of blood pressure.
• Diarrhea, bedwetting, wet dreams - and lotus fruits will help you cope with this.
• Psychological factors are also subject to the action of healing nuts - their tonic and sedative properties will help cope with stress, eliminate nervous anxiety and cure insomnia.
• Tibetan healers recommend preparations based on lotus seeds to be taken by people with reproductive system disorders.
• The great energy power of nuts will not only raise immunity to the desired level, but will also help cancer patients cope with a terrible disease.

Lotus seeds are also considered an excellent aphrodisiac, allowing you to feel the fullness of life.

Nut-seeds are consumed internally, raw and fried, and decoctions and medicinal teas are also made from lotus fruits. This product can be purchased at a pharmacy and used as needed or used as a biological supplement.

• The decoction is prepared as follows. Seeds in the amount of 1 tsp are poured into a glass of water and boiled (over low heat) for about 5 minutes. Leave to brew for an hour and filter. Use the decoction before meals, drinking half a glass for any of the problems described above.
• This drink can be prepared with herbs suitable for treating a particular ailment. Then the number of seeds should be halved, and herbs should be added in a 1:1 ratio.
• To treat diarrhea, a decoction is prepared according to a different recipe. Soak a tablespoon of seeds in warm water and leave for several hours. Then add a spoonful of sugar and boil until the nuts are soft enough. When consumed, the decoction can be tinted with tea - 5 g of tea drink per glass of the medicinal composition.
• Wet dreams are treated with a mixture of powders taken in equal proportions - 1 g of lotus and pachina seeds per glass of water. Drink the drink 2 times a day until the problem is completely resolved.
• When treating nervous diseases, you can enhance the effects of the medications used by adding a few crushed lotus nuts to them. This will help relieve nervous tension, relieve insomnia and depression.
• A tasty porridge with the addition of lotus nuts will improve memory and sharpen vision and hearing. It is cooked from non-glutinous rice - for half a kilo of cereal, take 20 g of crushed seeds. Seasonings can be added to improve the taste. If you serve such a side dish daily with vegetable, meat and fish dishes, after 7-10 days you can see positive changes.

Recipes for using lotus seeds can be listed for a long time, but any of the preparations should be used only after consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications

Diseases for which it is contraindicated to consume the seeds of this plant are not covered by medicine. But a number of points that should be paid attention to are still present.

• There are people in the world who are allergic to all types of nuts. Or rather, the oily components they contain. And lotus fruits are no exception.
• The seeds have a binding effect and are contraindicated for constipation.
• Since lotus preparations have an effect on libido, pregnant women should avoid taking the seeds so as not to provoke uterine tone (and this already threatens miscarriage).
• Due to the effect on the reproductive system, it is not recommended for children to take nuts raw (and, accordingly, for nursing mothers).

Finally

You should not wait for an occasion such as illness to eat lotus nuts. They can be actively introduced into the menu of a healthy person, adding them to vegetable salads or other dishes.

Peeled kernels fried with sugar will appeal to children (but in moderation). And for adults, you can prepare an aromatic invigorating drink called coffee from lotus seeds ground into powder.

It's midsummer - it's time for lotuses to bloom.

In China, the lotus is considered a symbol of summer. Its flowering period occurs during the hottest period. Every year from July 1 to August 25, the Lotus Festival is held in Beijing's Beihai Park. It was at this time that I got there.

Half of the park's area is occupied by Lianhua Lake, which means "lotus lake".

At this time, you can meet many photographers and artists in the park.

But, as the Chinese themselves claim, not a single photographic film, video camera, or even the brush of the most talented artist can capture the true color of the lotus.
Indeed, during the day, under the influence of the sun and wind, the color of lotus petals can change from soft white, pale yellow, to pink and soft red.

For the Chinese, the lotus is a symbol of purity and perfection. It is born in muddy water, emerges clean, and the bud and the flower itself are always facing the sun.

Lotuses among the hills in Yangshuo.

The ancient Chinese and Hindus considered the lotus sacred. It is the main flower in Buddhism, symbolizing the teachings of Buddha.
The lotus also represents purity, chastity, fertility, and productive power.
In addition, he is one of the Eight Good Signs, the embodiment of sincerity, steadfastness, determination, family harmony and prosperity.

Lotuses at the Yellow Crane Tower, on Snake Hill in Wuhan.

There are many legends about the origin of the lotus.
According to one of them, barely born, Buddha took seven steps on his own.
And where he stepped, they blossomed beautiful flowers lotus with many pink petals.

In many Chinese folk tales beautiful, kind and hardworking girls were often compared to a lotus.

The Chinese use lotus roots to prepare various dishes. It is used to prepare cold appetizers and soups.
The lotus fruits, stems and roots are edible. But the petiole of the flower contains poison.

Seller of lotus fruits. Wuhan.

Lotus seeds resemble nuts in shape and taste. They even make a fairly high-quality coffee substitute. In addition, a variety of sweets are prepared from them.

Selling lotus seeds in Yangshuo.

Here, for example, is a recipe for lotus seeds in sugar:
The seeds are washed, peeled and steamed until tender. Pour water into the saucepan and add granulated sugar and bring to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved, pour this syrup over the seeds and sprinkle with spices.
Porridges are also prepared from lotus seeds.

Lotus seller in Yangshuo.

Selling lotus on the street in Beijing.

Lotus flowers are best collected before sunrise. At this time, the flowers are most fragrant. Lotus flowers and their stamens are most often added to tea to give a delicate, pleasant aroma.

Lotus rhizomes are eaten in almost any form: they are fried, boiled, dried. They are used to make flour for flatbreads, and the candied pieces taste like marmalade and are a popular dessert in China. They can be eaten almost raw. The lotus root is a tuber or underwater cutting. Lotus rhizome contains many nutrients: proteins, starch, carbohydrates, amino acids and vitamins.
In southern China, lotus tubers are eaten along with regular fruits, because... they are juicy and pleasant to the taste. In the north, dried root is used in preparing various dishes.

Lotus root and cucumber salad. Photo courtesy dejur (http://dejur.livejournal.com/173919.html)

In the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where lotus grows in abundance, industrial production of starch from lotus rhizomes has been established, thanks to which these provinces are famous throughout China. This starch is the basis for porridges instant cooking. First, it is mixed with sugar and diluted with a small amount of water to the consistency of jelly, then poured with boiling water and allowed to thicken. The resulting porridge is a cross between a drink and a snack and helps cope with both thirst and mild hunger.
Young lotus leaves are used in cooking when preparing dishes from vegetables and herbs. They are used raw in salads or as a seasoning for hot dishes.

Lotus is also known as a medicinal plant. In China, healing remedies were prepared from it several thousand years before the new era. Nowadays, a variety of biologically active substances have been discovered in lotus. All parts of the lotus are widely used in Chinese medicine, and its seeds are included in more than 200 preparations. Lotus is used mainly as a tonic, cardiotonic, restorative and dietary agent.

Lotus leaves in autumn on the shore of West Lake in Hangzhou.