Lotus: Incompatibility & Allergy

The lotus is a rooted aquatic plant that grows mainly in tropical and muddy regions. On the one hand, it has a religious significance in Buddhism, but it is also known as a food and is indicated for the treatment of various diseases.

This is what you should know about the lotus

The lotus is a rooted aquatic plant that grows mainly in tropical and muddy regions. The lotus flower, also known as lotus, is an underground rooted herbaceous aquatic plant. The name lotus means “the cherished plant” in Greek, and the spelling “lotus” is derived from Latin. It belongs to the lotus family and the lotus genus. The leaves are one of the three basic organs of the plant, as well as the shoot axis and the root. The leaves and stipules of the lotus flower are shield-shaped. The large flowers of the plant, called unbranched short shoots, are bisexual and bear many free carpels. The short shoots are pollinated by beetles. The lotus develops a height of one to two meters and the leaves are about 20 – 40cm. The occurrence of the lotus is divided into two species. One is the so-called Nelumbo lutea, which is found in tropical America. Furthermore there is the Nelumbo nucifera (Indian lotus). This type of lotus grows widely in subtropical Asia and sporadically in the tropical north of Australia. The lotus has been considered a cultural plant of the Orient for over 3,000 years. It is said that the holy Buddha was born on a lotus flower. In addition to its cultural history, the plant is also highly significant in nutrition, health and any spiritual aspect. Scientists have proven that lotus seeds can begin to germinate for up to 1,300 years. The plant blooms in the colors white or in a delicate pink, the leaves are in a strong green. The lotus flower has the special property that water and dirt completely roll off the plant. This phenomenon is also called the “lotus effect”. Another special feature is that the lotus, as one of the few plants, is able to maintain the temperature of the petals while the environment cools down and partially regulate it.

Importance for health

The lotus has been relatively important in medicine for quite some time. Especially the lotus root is used by your nutrients, as well as other content components, in the medical and health field versatile. Compared to other plants of this kind, the lotus covers a wide range of different diseases or symptoms. Successfully, the root is used to strengthen the immune system, low blood pressure or even too high cholesterol. Furthermore, the lotus root has a positive effect on depressive moods or general mood swings. It is also often used to regulate the digestive system. According to studies, regular consumption of lotus root should have a prophylactic effect against the formation of various cancer cells and positively affect the cardiovascular system and thus the blood circulation of the entire body.

Ingredients and nutritional values

The lotus plant is composed of many different nutrients and vitamins. It is a carrier of many minerals, such as calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, as well as zinc and copper. As for vitamins, the lotus contains, among others, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B4), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), but also folic acid or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). However, the main ingredients were composed as follows:

Lotus root:

Lotus seeds:

Intolerances and allergies

Lotus can be consumed without hesitation or taken as a homeopathic remedy. Side effects or allergic reactions are not known so far. However, it should always be kept in mind that taking lotus will relieve symptoms of life-threatening conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke.Thus, the extent of a possible disease cannot be detected in time. Diffuse pain and symptoms should therefore always be clarified by a physician.

Shopping and kitchen tips

In its entirety, the root and stems of the lotus flower are edible. The stems of the plant protrude about a good meter from the muddy soil, making them very easy to harvest. If one wishes to eat the plant stems, the stems must first be opened and well cleaned, as there may be insects and other bugs in the cavity. In principle, all components of the plant can be eaten, petals, leaves but also the seeds. However, these are not edible individually, but not harmful. They are often combined with other dishes. For example, the large foliage leaves are used to wrap rice, small leaves can be used for a salad and dried leaves for brewing a tea drink. The seeds of the lotus flower can be used for cooking soups, baking or roasted as coffee. In the Asian area, candied seeds are often prepared as a snack. The leaves of the lotus flower are mostly used only for decorative purposes, but can also be brewed into a tea. However, the most popular of the whole plant are the leaf stalks. They are served as a vegetable and thus as a side dish. Traditionally, the leaf stalks were used as wicks for oil lamps.

Preparation tips

When preparing lotus root, the peel should be removed before eating and processing. This is best done with a peeler, such as one would use for a potato. Once the peel is removed, the root should be washed very well. Since the lotus root has cavities on the inside, it should be opened and cleaned from the inside as well. Often insects use the cavity to live. Then it can be sliced or diced and distorted. Eaten is the lotus root raw or cooked. When preparing lotus seeds, the lotus nut must first be opened and the germ broken out. Then the nuts should be dried and opened. Inside the cardamom pod are the seeds. The seeds can be roasted or made into a spread. When preparing a tea drink, the leaves or petals should be washed properly before use. Then put the leaves in a cup and pour boiling water. If desired, a small pinch of salt can be added. The tea should be drunk as hot as possible, because it shows so a particularly good effect in a cold or bronchial infections.