The powerful benefits of the Lotus go beyond the yogi symbol of growth and healing
The beauty of holistic healing is the marriage of esoteric and exoteric truths in space, nature and within ourselves. Once on this journey, the connections that transpire from traditional medicine, spiritual paths and universal laws, are endless and might leave you in awe at the perfection of this design. Our Creator makes no mistakes, and nothing is random. This knowledge is what is inspiring me to continue my studies towards becoming a ND as well as a Holistic Nutritionist.
In my previous Yoga studies, I learned about the Lotus plant as a symbol of growth and expansion in our soul journey. The Lotus has its roots in dark, pretty stagnant waters, yet, it makes its way through the mud to birth a beautiful flower, symbol of enlightenment and strength. The Good news is that this is not just symbolism. The Lotus plant is a powerful medicine too. It has been used in Traditional Eastern Medicine and cuisine for thousands of years. The root in particular, is a powerful “farmaceutical”, in my opinion, straight from Eden. Here three reasons to use Lotus root for health:
Antioxidant power house: Lotus root is packed with anti-oxidants, making it one of the highest foods in compounds such as quercetin19. Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colors. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, are antioxidants that scavenge particles in the body known as free radicals which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals. They may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage free radicals cause. In test tubes, quercetin has strong antioxidant properties. But researchers are not sure whether taking quercetin (and many other antioxidants) has the same effects inside the body. We know, however ,that consuming a wholefood plant based diet, rich in antioxidants together with fiber and other macro and micro nutrients, is proven to improve health and provide longevity and have a lot of traditional medicine wisdom to support this approach.
Respiratory support at its best: The last three years have proven to be exceptionally hard for most people. The world was thrown into uncertainty, panic and fear with mainstream voices obscuring knowledge and wisdom that could have been lifesaving. It is never too late though! Lotus Root is a powerful decongestant and respiratory health aid. Aside from the powerful anti-oxidant profile, mentioned above, lotus root has proven effects on our bronchi and lungs and is something we can appreciate even more in the wake of Covid.
Lotus root is traditionally used as the most effective pure herbal remedy for the treatment and prevention of all respiratory disorders, as it directly enhances the energy of the lungs and bronchi. It gives them the right yang. It works on their mucous membranes and at the same time heals and hydrates them. Lotus root helps dissolve mucus and improves flu and catarrh processes. It contains proteolytic enzymes that help
to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes, thus facilitating breathing and the expulsion of mucus and preventing respiratory infections thanks to its stimulating effect on the immune system. Lotus stimulates the movement of body fluids and mucus and asparagine helps eliminate excess fluid from lungs and respiratory tract. Asthmatic people find in this root a powerful ally, which facilitates the dilation of the bronchi allowing them to breathe more easily.
Powerful blood sugar regulator: The beauty of traditional medicine is that the use of plants focuses on what organs they support; hence why a humble root, such as lotus, can have different health benefits; it addresses the entire system. From the lungs, lotus root has a powerful effect on pancreas, spleen and liver and eve kidneys; helping with the metabolism of sugar. It helps that it is a food rich in fiber, which stabilise blood glucose and allows the body to create more insulin sensitivity.
Aside from the forementioned benefits, Lotus root has been also associated with treating Cancer, supporting the lymphatic system, and supporting the joints by draining extra fluid, leading to rheumatoid arthritis and it has been seen to offer great support to the cardiovascular system as a whole. Though we mentioned different benefits and systems; the truth is that health is holistic in the body and the positive effect of lotus on one organ and associated system is going to impact and have a positive ripple on others too. The beauty of this root and even flower is that you can use it medicinally, as tea or capsules, but also implement it as a food if you find the fresh/fermented root to add to exotic dishes and stir fries, implementing the simple but powerful principle that food is medicine.
Please note that it is important to oversee our entire dietary and lifestyle regimes when wanting to get healthier and that it is important to consult your medical practitioner if you are on medication and wish to add Lotus root to your regime.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asparagine https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asparagine. https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-511X-10-202 https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/quercetin 