Nelumbonaceae
Lotus Seed
Nelumbo nucifera
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: South Asia, East Asia, Australia
Also known as: Sacred Lotus, East Indian Lotus, Sacred Water Lily Seed
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedRootLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Insomnia and anxiety (sedative alkaloids), cardiac arrhythmias, bleeding disorders, diarrhea, nutritive, menopausal symptoms. Sacred plant in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Herbal Actions
Sedative (nuciferine), anti-arrhythmic, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antifertility (high doses)
Active Constituents
Nuciferine (aporphine alkaloid — antidopaminergic), neferine, lotus flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin), polysaccharides, starch, protein, minerals
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 6–15g dried seeds simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Seed bitter germ (radicle) most sedative — remove for milder effect. All parts edible and medicinal. Leaf for bleeding and blood pressure. Root flour nutritive. Traditional Chinese medicine tonic. Rhizome/root delicious as food. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with antidopaminergic medications (nuciferine). High doses may have antifertility effects. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Sedation. Constipation at high doses (astringent). GI upset. Generally well tolerated.