If you are suffering from skin diseases involving inflammation, infection, allergies or auto-immune problems, taking lotus as a herbal medicine may benefit your symptoms. Lotus, also known as Nelumbo nucifera, is a native to India, China, Japan and the Middle East where it has been used as a vegetable and traditional folk remedy for skin diseases, reproductive health, digestive health and as an overall tonic. Consult with your doctor and a registered medical herbalist before using lotus products, to make sure that they are right for you.
Inflammation
Lotus flower can be used in any skin condition or disease where you notice inflammation is a factor. In a study published in "Planta Medica" in 1997, researchers from Jadavpur University in India tested the anti-inflammatory effects of lotus extract in animals. Lotus had a significant anti-inflammatory effect when it was given to rats, comparing favorably to other anti-inflammatory medications. Researchers concluded that the anti-inflammatory compound was likely a steroidal triterpenoid found in the roots of the plant, called "betulinic acid."
Immune Health
When suffering from any form of skin infection, taking lotus root internally will help to increase white blood cell levels and bolster defenses against pathogens. According to research published in "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2010, lotus root and seeds both modulate the immune system. Animals given lotus root and seeds had increased leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, demonstrating a significant increase in immune function. Taking lotus as a herbal remedy or consuming it in the diet may help to balance the immune system and protect against viruses, bacteria and fungi that can strike when the immune system is low or weakened.
Eczema
Lotus plays a role in reducing allergic reactions such as eczema or dermatitis when taken as a herbal medicine or eaten as a vegetable. In addition to regulating the immune system, lotus contains a range of flavonoid antioxidants which have a beneficial effect on the hyperactivity of the immune system. In a study published in "The Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology" in 2009, researchers from Pukyong National University in Korea extracted the flavonoid kaempferol from the lotus plant. When tested in vitro, the extracted kaempferol suppressed the release of histamine and basophils in vitro, indicating an anti-allergy action.
Lupus
Lotus can be used as a herbal treatment for auto-immune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, where a great many experience symptoms such as scaly skin, rashes, ulcers and lesions. According to a study published in "The European Journal of Pharmacology" in 2006, researchers from the National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan tested the effects of lotus on mice suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus. Lotus root reduced the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals, prevented the release of autoantibodies that occur in autoimmune diseases, inhibited the proliferation of spleen cells and increased the overall lifespan of the mice. Researchers concluded that lotus root was a significant immunomodulator and may offer natural treatment for sufferers of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Viral infection
Lotus can be taken internally or applied externally to treat viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes. In a study published in "The Journal of Biomedical Sciences" in 2005, researchers from Fu-Jen University in Taiwan tested the effects of the lotus seeds on herpes simplex virus type 1. The herpes simplex virus can infect tissues of the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, lips and genitals, often becoming latent or disappearing until the immune system is weakened. During the trial, lotus seeds significantly reduced the growth of the virus in vitro by blocking its DNA multiplication, demonstrating specific antiviral activity. More research is still needed to verify these effects in human patients,
References
- Plants for a Future Database: Nelumbo nucifera
- "Planta Medica"; Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera.; P. Mukherjee, et al.; 1997
- "The European Journal of Pharmacology"; Inhibition of (S)-armepavine from Nelumbo nucifera on Autoimmune Disease of MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice; C.P. Liu, et al.; 2006
- "The Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology"; Kaempferol Isolated from Nelumbo nucifera Stamens Negatively Regulates FcepsilonRI Expression in Human Basophilic KU812F Cells; S.Y. Shim, et al.; 2009
- "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Immunomodulatory Potential of Rhizome and Seed Extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn; D. Mukherjee, et al.; 2010
- "The Journal of Biomedical Sciences"; Herpes simplex virus type 1 propagation in HeLa cells interrupted by Nelumbo nucifera.; Y.C. Kuo, et al; 2005
