top of page
Search

How Are You Healing Today? * Lotus Root*

Lotus Root – Thousands of Years of Healing!

The lotus is an incredibly healing plant, having been used as a food source, rich in vital nutrients, and as a medicine since the Neolithic period1! Archaeological researcher Tian Ma notes, “findings suggest that Neolithic rice farmers inhabiting the middle and lower Yangtze and Yellow River watersheds made extensive use of lotus roots and seeds as a supplementary starchy food. Furthermore, medicinal and cultural use of sacred lotus appears to have developed with the rise of China’s urban aristocracy from the mid-Warring States to the Late Tang Dynasty period.”[1].


Every part of the plant, from the leaves, to the seeds, to the stem and the roots is edible, and each part of this plant boasts unique healing and health supporting properties.[2] Known scientifically as Nelumbo nucifera, lotus root is the underground rhizomes (i.e. the underground horizontal stems) of the lotus plant. It is most widely grown and used in Asian countries, where it is commonly used in soups and stews, teas, or marinated and served as a side dish.


Lotus root is rich in nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and fiber, and boasts many healing and health supporting benefits, including reducing respiratory conditions, immune support, supporting cardiovascular health, aiding in weight management and digestion, supporting brain health, and promoting glowing skin!


Healing Ally

 

The lotus root contains abundant nutrients, including vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and calcium, antioxidants, and polyphenolic compounds (i.e.  a type of plant compound with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties). Lotus root is considered to be anti-tussive (i.e. can help to suppress coughs) and anti-inflammatory.[3]


Lotus root studies have shown that it is rich in healing and health promoting compounds, including:

  • Alkaloids: naturally occur in plants and are antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal and even antimetastatic for some types of cancer[4];

  • Flavanoids: commonly found in plant foods. Quercetin and catechins are flavonoids found in lotus root. Flavanoids have been shown to be protective of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. They are also known to have antioxidant qualities, be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antiviral[5];

  • Phytosterols: these compounds may help lower LDL cholesterol[6];

  • Polyphenols: act as antioxidants by helping the body to neutralize free-radicals which can damage cells[7];

  • Terpenoids: these are shown to provide anticonvulsant and analgesic benefits[8].


Lotus Root Shown to Support Health and Healing


Lotus root has been used medicinally for a variety of health conditions:

 

Respiratory Support: 

  • Lotus root has been shown to help the body clear the respiratory system of mucus, which helps to relieve coughs, and prevent respiratory diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis[8]. Specifically, Lotus root contains proteolytic enzymes, which 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 root has also been shown to help the dilation of the bronchi, which improves breathing[9].    

  • The flavonoid quercetin in lotus root is known to help block the allergy-like responses which are responsible for most of the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quercetin helps stop the allergy-like components of the asthma response, by reducing the number and activation of inflammatory immune system cells, reducing histamine levels, and relaxing the smooth muscles of the airway[10].

  • Studies show that for COPD, Quercetin opens up COPD-inflicted airways. It restores normal flexibility of lung tissue and reduces inflammation. Further, it reduces production of the protein-melting enzymes that dissolve alveolar walls, helping to retain the lungs' normal structure and function[10].

 

Immune System Support: 

  • Lotus root is a good source of Vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant in the body and helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C helps the immune system by supporting various cellular functions, which include supporting epithelial barrier function against pathogens, promoting oxidant-scavenging activity and helping to eliminate microbes[11].

 

Cardiovascular Health Support:  

  • The root of the lotus plant is a good source of potassium, which is essential to healthy heart rhythm. Potassium, in combination with magnesium and calcium helps prevent the build up of fluid in the cells, thereby helping to lower blood pressure levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart palpitations, poor circulation and narrowing arteries[12]. Studies have shown that extracts of lotus root may also promote cholesterol metabolism[12].


Brain Health Support:

  • Lotus root is a good source of copper, which supports brain health by enabling the function of neural pathways[13].


Healthy Skin Support:

  • Vitamin C in lotus root supports healthy skin, as vitamin C protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals and ultraviolet exposure, promotes the synthesis of collagen, helps reverse signs of aging, and reduces signs of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles[14].  

 

Digestion Support:

  • Lotus root is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and weight management[15].

 

 

Ready to Dig In?


Lotus root is a nutrient rich addition to meals, which is easy to prepare and add to your recipes.

Lotus root may be purchased fresh or frozen. The fresh root is cylindrical with a brown skin.  It has a crunchy texture similar to potato, and a mild taste similar to beets. When buying fresh lotus root, look for roots that are firm with no blemishes.


To prepare, peel the root until white flesh is seen and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Slicing the root is commonly done across the root resulting in thin, round discs, or it can be cubed, or cut into thin strips. Like an apple, peeled/chopped lotus root can be soaked in lemon juice to prevent oxidization (discoloration).


Most recipes will recommend blanching lotus root before including it in the recipe. Blanching helps reduce the bitterness and enhances the natural flavours of the root. Blanching for 2-3 minutes is recommended, followed by draining, rinsing under cold water (to stop the cooking) and letting the blanched roots cool before added them to the recipe.


Lotus roots are commonly included in stir-fries, vegetable soups, tempura fried, and made into “chips” by baking lotus root on high heat for about 20 minutes, turning the root slices halfway. Seasoning the chips with olive oil, a pinch of salt and garlic powder makes for a fun snack! 


Explore these websites for tasty recipes using lotus root:

 

 

Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?

 

Consuming lotus plants in quantities used in cooking and snacking is considered safe[18].  

It is important to consider the following:


Allergies and sensitivities: 

o   Avoid eating if you have an allergy or sensitivity to lotus root.


Cautions:

o   When used as medicine, lotus powder or lotus extract might lower blood sugar levels, so those with Diabetes and blood sugar regulation conditions are recommended to work with their trusted healthcare practitioner if considering lotus root medicinal preparations[16];

o   Lotus might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Follow the recommendations of your trusted healthcare practitioner, which may require the stoppage of use of lotus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery[17];

o   When used as medicine, lotus powder or lotus extract might increase risk of bleeding if also taking anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anti-inflammatory drugs[18];

o   Lotus plant and medicines may have anti-arrhythmic activity that impacts heart rate and the effectiveness of anti-arrhythmic drugs medications[18];

o   Lotus plant and medicines may and interact with anti-hypertensive drugs to reduce blood pressure to dangerously low levels[18];

o   Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using lotus as medicine because there is not enough research about its safety under these circumstances[18]


 

*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

 

 

References:

1.     Article: “Archaeobotanical evidence reveals the early history of sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) use in China” Springer Link. Authors:  Tian Ma, et.al. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10722-023-01558-z 

2.     Book: “Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology”. Authors: John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

3.     Article: “Anti-allergic activity of lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera) powder in TDI-sensitized nasal allergy model mice”. Taylor ^ Francis Online. Authors: Mayumi Kaneyasu, et.al. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2019.1651255 

4.     Article: “Natural alkaloids: basic aspects, biological roles, and future perspectives”. PubMed. Authors: Shi Qiu, et.al.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24969519/ 

5.     Article: “Important Flavonoids and Their Role as a Therapeutic Agent”. PubMed. Authors: Asad Ullah, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33187049/

6.     Article: “Implementing phytosterols into medical practice as a cholesterol-lowering strategy: overview of efficacy, effectiveness, and safety”. PubMed. Authors: Suhad S AbuMweis, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25262863/ 

7.     Article: “Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health”. PubMed. Authors: Gabriele Pizzino, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28819546/ 

8.     Article: “Therapeutic Applications of Terpenes on Inflammatory Diseases”. PubMed. Authors: María Luisa Del Prado-Audelo, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34483907/ 

9.     Article: “Acute bronchodilator effect of quercetin in experimental allergic asthma”. PubMed. Authors: M Joskova, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21452772/

10.  Article: “Quercetin prevents progression of disease in elastase/LPS-exposed mice by negatively regulating MMP expression”. PubMed. Authors: Shyamala Ganesan, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20920189/ 

11.  Article: “What is vitamin C and what does it do?”. NIH.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/ 

12.  Article: “Potassium and health”. PubMed. Author: Connie M. Weaver. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23674806/ 

13.  Article: “Lotus Root Extract Stimulates BDNF Gene Expression Through Potential Mechanism Depending on HO-1 Activity in C6 Glioma Cells”. PubMed. Authors: Naoyoshi Nishibori, et.al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28485986/ 

14.  Article: “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health”. PubMed. Authors: Juliet M. Pullar, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/ 

15.  Article: “Gastroprotective Effects of Fermented Lotus Root against Ethanol/HCl-Induced Gastric Mucosal Acute Toxicity in Rats”. PubMed. Authors: Jeong-Hyun Yoo, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146638/ 

16.  Article: “Lotus - Uses, Side Effects, and More ». WebMD.com.  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-124/lotus

17.  Article: “Lotus Root: The Herb that Supports the Brain, Gut & Heart ». Dr.axe.com. Author: Christine Ruggeri, CHHC. https://draxe.com/nutrition/lotus-root/ 

18.  Article: “Floating Lotus Plant: Medicinal and Nutritional Uses”. VeryWellHealth.com. Author: Anna Giorgi. https://www.verywellhealth.com/lotus-8401546 

 
 
bottom of page