Herb of the Month: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Other Names: Sacred lotus, padma. Also Nymphaea lotus—Egyptian or white lotus, Nyphaea cerulea— blue lotus.
Description: Lotus plants are native to eastern North America, Asia and Australia. It grows up to eight feet high, with round leaves up to four feet across. Flours are chalice shaped and fragrant, occurring in pink or white. Hard seeds form in “pepperpot” cases at the center of the flowers.
Nymphaea lotus is native to warm parts of Asia and Africal, and grows as floating leaves with fragrant flowers that sit above the surface.
Cultivation: Nelumbo plants require at least 24 inches of water with a rich wet soil mix. They are propagated by seed or division. Can be invasive in good outdoor conditions. Nyphaea lotus plants require up to 12 inches of still water with rich soil and a minimum winter temperature of 70
degrees. All types prefer full sun.
Culinary: Seeds and roots of nelumbo lotus plants are eaten as vegetables. Nymphaea roots are boiled as a starchy vegetable or ground into flour in parts of Asia. Its fruits and seeds are pickled. Lotus leaves can be used as wrappers for both sweet and savory fillings.
Medicinal: Nelumbo lotus is used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines. All parts are used (generally after drying). Some traditional uses for lotus include bleeding disorders, insomnia, restlessness, and urinary frequency. Nymphaea lotus plants are used for their calming
properties, and digestive disorders.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses by Deni Bown.
More about Lotus:
• Lotus holds a sacred place in Buddhist mythology and Hindu symbolism.
• White and blue lotus both were widely venerated by the Egyptians.
• The Lotus-Eaters of Greek mythology are not named for the aquatic
plant, but for the unrelated Lotus tree.
Description: Lotus plants are native to eastern North America, Asia and Australia. It grows up to eight feet high, with round leaves up to four feet across. Flours are chalice shaped and fragrant, occurring in pink or white. Hard seeds form in “pepperpot” cases at the center of the flowers.
Nymphaea lotus is native to warm parts of Asia and Africal, and grows as floating leaves with fragrant flowers that sit above the surface.
Cultivation: Nelumbo plants require at least 24 inches of water with a rich wet soil mix. They are propagated by seed or division. Can be invasive in good outdoor conditions. Nyphaea lotus plants require up to 12 inches of still water with rich soil and a minimum winter temperature of 70
degrees. All types prefer full sun.
Culinary: Seeds and roots of nelumbo lotus plants are eaten as vegetables. Nymphaea roots are boiled as a starchy vegetable or ground into flour in parts of Asia. Its fruits and seeds are pickled. Lotus leaves can be used as wrappers for both sweet and savory fillings.
Medicinal: Nelumbo lotus is used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines. All parts are used (generally after drying). Some traditional uses for lotus include bleeding disorders, insomnia, restlessness, and urinary frequency. Nymphaea lotus plants are used for their calming
properties, and digestive disorders.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses by Deni Bown.
More about Lotus:
• Lotus holds a sacred place in Buddhist mythology and Hindu symbolism.
• White and blue lotus both were widely venerated by the Egyptians.
• The Lotus-Eaters of Greek mythology are not named for the aquatic
plant, but for the unrelated Lotus tree.