Kamal (Nelumbo nucifera), commonly known as Lotus, is a sacred aquatic plant widely used in traditional medicine, spirituality, and food systems. It belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family and is known for its beautiful flowers, edible rhizomes, and medicinal seeds. In Ayurveda, Lotus is valued for its cooling, astringent, and rejuvenating properties, helping in conditions like bleeding disorders, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Proteales
- Family: Nelumbonaceae
- Genus: Nelumbo
- Species: Nelumbo nucifera
Common Names
- English: Lotus, Sacred Lotus
- Sanskrit: Kamala, Padma
- Hindi: Kamal
- Tamil: Thamarai
- Telugu: Tamara
- Bengali: Padma
- Marathi: Kamal
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Digestive Health: Acts as an astringent, helping manage diarrhea and dysentery, Supports digestion and reduces excessive gastric heat.
- Bleeding Disorders: Used in conditions like menorrhagia, bleeding piles, and nosebleeds due to its hemostatic properties.
- Cardiovascular Support: Helps in maintaining heart health and regulating blood pressure.
- Cooling and Pitta Pacifying: Possesses strong cooling (Sheetal) properties, useful in reducing body heat and Pitta imbalance.
- Reproductive Health: Lotus seeds are used as a rejuvenative tonic, supporting fertility and vitality.
- Skin and Anti-inflammatory Uses: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for skin disorders and inflammation.
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Government of India.
- The Wealth of India – Nelumbo nucifera, CSIR, New Delhi.
- Mukherjee, P.K., et al. (2009). "The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) – phytochemical and therapeutic profile." Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 47(6), 514–523.
- Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants, Biren Shah & A.K. Seth.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020 Edition.
- Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
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