Sarsija - Thamarai

Botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera   

Family: Nelumbonaceae (Lotus family)

Synonyms: Nelumbium speciosum

Common name: Lotus, Sacred lotus, East Indian Lotus

Hindi: Kamal, Pundarika, Padma

Sanskrit: Sarsija, Pankeruha, Sharada, Ambuj

Tamil: Chenthaamarai, Tamarai, Ambal, Thamarai

Malayalam: Tamara, Aambal

Manipuri: Thambal

Marathi: Pandkanda, Kamal

Telugu: Tamara, Erra-tamara

Kannada: Tavare-gadde

Bengali: Komol, Padma

Oriya: Padam

Urdu: Nilufer

Assamese: Padam

Gujarati: Motunkamal

Plant name : Thamarai

“The flower of this plant is effective in management of Thamaraga noi (Cardiac ailments)”.

Description

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been used throughout Egypt, the Middle East, India and China since ancient times, primarily as a food, but also for gastrointestinal and bleeding related disorders. The flowers, seeds, leaves, and rhizomes of the lotus are all edible. The petals of the flower are used as a wrap for foods in Asia and the rhizome is a common ingredient in soups and stir-fry.

The lotus flower has been used as a medicinal herb for generations in Asia. Lotus leaf juices alone are used for diarrhea and sunstroke when mixed with licorice. The flower is used for abdominal cramps, bloody discharges, bleeding gastric ulcers, excessive menstruation and post-partum hemorrhage. The flower stamens of the lotus are used in urinary frequency, premature ejaculation, hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), epistasis (gene interaction) and uterine bleeding.

The fruit is used for agitation and fever. Lotus seed has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus. It has been used for poor digestion, enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), chronic diarrhea, insomnia, and palpitations. Currently, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of lotus for any indication.

Actions : Coolant, Nutrient, Expectorant, Cardiac tonic.

Siddha Medicinal Uses :

-          For burning sensation of body Lotus flower can be ground as a paste and applied over the externally. The rhizome paste along with milk can be given internally for increased body heat and burning micturation.

-          For toxic snake bites the Lotus flower can be ground well and given along with water internally at regular intervals.

-          The juice of the flower can be administered for diarrhoea. It is good for Heart too.

-          The decoction of the flower is good for fever due to pitham. It also acts as a Cardiac tonic.

-          The manapagu prepared from Lotus flower can be given for Cough, Bleeding piles, Bloody diarrhoea etc.

Lotus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Few adverse effects in humans have been reported for lotus. Lotus may cause flatulence (gas), constipation and other gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid in patients with constipation and stomach distension (swelling).

Dosages: 
After Breakfast and Dinner mix 5grm powder with Honey or boiled with palm jaggery and drink or as advised by the naturopaths