Sacred Lotus

(Sacred Lotus)
Sanskrit: कमल • Botanical: Nelumbium speciosum Willd.

Kamala (Sacred Lotus) is one of the most revered flowers in Indian tradition and Ayurveda. The plant grows in ponds, lakes and stagnant waters throughout India. The leaves are large, peltate (1-2 feet across), waxy, and water-repellent, 4-10 inches in diameter. The lotus has multiple parts used medicinally: flower (pushpa), seeds (bija), rhizome (mrinala), stamens, and the entire plant. The flowers are white, pink or red. The petals are used in bleeding disorders, heart weakness, and burning sensation. The rhizome is nutritious and eaten as a vegetable. The seeds (Kamal Gatta) are astringent and used in diarrhea. The stamens are used for complexion and as an aphrodisiac. Lotus is classified as Sheeta Virya (cold potency) making it excellent for Pitta disorders. The whole plant is considered sacred and has both medicinal and spiritual significance. Dose: Swarasa 1-2 tola; seeds as food. Verse: 1-4.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Nelumbin (Metarbin), Nuciferine (alkaloids), Tannins, Starch
Also Known As
English: Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus
Sanskrit: कमल, पद्म, पुण्डरीक, सरसिज, नलिन, अरविन्द, सरोज, पङ्कज, वारिज, अम्बुज
Hindi: कमल, कंवल

What is Sacred Lotus (Kamala / कमल)?

Kamala (Sacred Lotus) is one of the most revered flowers in Indian tradition and Ayurveda. The plant grows in ponds, lakes and stagnant waters throughout India. The leaves are large, peltate (1-2 feet across), waxy, and water-repellent, 4-10 inches in diameter. The lotus has multiple parts used medicinally: flower (pushpa), seeds (bija), rhizome (mrinala), stamens, and the entire plant. The flowers are white, pink or red. The petals are used in bleeding disorders, heart weakness, and burning sensation. The rhizome is nutritious and eaten as a vegetable. The seeds (Kamal Gatta) are astringent and used in diarrhea. The stamens are used for complexion and as an aphrodisiac. Lotus is classified as Sheeta Virya (cold potency) making it excellent for Pitta disorders. The whole plant is considered sacred and has both medicinal and spiritual significance. Dose: Swarasa 1-2 tola; seeds as food. Verse: 1-4.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Varnya (complexion enhancer)
  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
  • Trishnanigrahana (quenches thirst)
  • Vishaghna (antidote to poison)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Sacred Lotus by Condition

Explore how Sacred Lotus is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Sacred Lotus for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.