The Health Benefits of Lotus Flowers and Water Lillies and How They Support Our Spiritual Awakening
The Lotus Flower has many benefits for our whole well-being. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years to support sleeping rhythms, calmness, and spiritual clarity.
The symbol of the Lotus flower represents compassion, fertility, transformation, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Water Lilies and Lotus Flowers, grow in lakes and ponds. As these sacred flowers sprout and emerge from below, the water above cleanses their unfurling leaves. Then, their petals open up, blossoming into an exquisite untouched flower that peaks above the surface of the water.
These similar species of aquatic plants are often confused with each other because of how similar they are, but it is important we make a distinction between the two.
Water lilies root in soil at the bottom of a body of water, and their leaves and flowers float on the surface. Lotus flowers, on the other hand, are rooted in the mud at the bottom of a body of water and their leaves and flowers grow up above the water's surface.
Other distinctions include:
- Leaves and flowers of the water lily are thick and waxy while the lotus' are thin and papery.
- The water lily has a recognizable notch in it's leaves
- The lotus prefers to grow in 12 inches of water while water lilies need only 2-5 feet
- Water lily has a strong scent at the time of bloom while the scent of lotus flower is more subtle
- Lotus petals are much wider and not so pointy and have a big button-like seed pod in the middle.
Fun fact: Blue lotus is actually a water lily!
Lotus comes in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow and white while water lilies also come in pink and white with blue being exclusive to this species.
The easiest way to make the distinction between a water lily and lotus flowers is by the shape of its petals and the seed pod that is exclusive to lotus as shown below.
“The lotus flower is a reminder of the beauty that comes from change, the magic that a new beginning brings, and the seed of potential that’s buried in the most unlikely places.” – Jennifer Williamson
While Lotus flowers are native to the Asian Continent, they have been found in historical Egyptian hieroglyphics and the folklore of ancient Greece.
In ancient Egypt, the Lotus flower is a symbol of the sun, creation and rebirth.
Ancient Tomb with Lotus and Papyrus symbolizing the union of Upper and Lower Egypt.
“Lotus flowers open in the morning and close again at night symbolizing rebirth and regeneration. The lotus flower, water lily, was also used to symbolize the deceased upon entering the underworld and the process of rebirth, regeneration and reincarnation.”
Where Do Lotus Flowers Come From?
There are many different types of lotus flowers that can be found all over the world. The most popular are White Lotus, Blue Lotus, and Pink Lotus flowers.
Blue Lotus was originally found in Egypt, while the White and Pink lotus flowers were brought to Egypt from India.
The yellow lotus is native to America and was considered sacred and mystical by Native Americans who utilized it for food and medicinal properties.
What Do Lotus Flowers Symbolize?
The White Lotus Flower symbolizes divine feminine energy and fertility. It is a powerful symbol for purity of mind body and spirit as one pursues spiritual enlightenment.
Blue Lotus is quite rare and symbolizes the pursuit of understanding or greater knowledge. In Buddhism it represents overcoming attachments to desires and emotions that hinder our growth.
The Pink Lotus is sacred, and represents the spirit of the Buddha and the path to divine enlightenment. A budding pink lotus symbolizes a person's awareness that is beginning to expand, while a fully open flower represents the attainment of Nirvana.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Lotus Flowers?
In addition to established Eastern and Buddhist teachings, the lotus flower is becoming quite popular in the modern-day Western world. Today, it is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices for holistic healing purposes.
In TCM the lotus flower is used for treating bleeding disorders, including bloody noses, as well as irritability and fevers.
Lotus contains chemicals that decrease swelling, kill cancer cells and bacteria, reduce blood sugar, help the breakdown of fat, and protect the heart and blood vessels. Chemicals in lotus also seem to protect the skin, liver, and brain.
10 Health Benefits of Lotus Flowers
- Lower Cholesterol – Making a tea of lotus flowers and leaves is great for lowering cholesterol. It blocks the absorption of fats and thus helps lower cholesterol and trigs.
- Stress – Lotus flower tea is relaxing, soothing, sedative, and helps with anxiety… bringing about a peaceful feeling.
- GI Tract – Lotus flower tea helps with diarrhea, gas, and cramps… and soothes away inflammation.
- Acid Reflux – Lotus flower tea helps with acid reflux, lowering stomach acid, and soothes away gastric ulcers.
- Vitamin C – Lotus flowers contain Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant helping to keep away diseases such as cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer.
- B – Vitamins – Lotus flowers also contain B – Vitamins which are important for fertility, vitality, and mood.
- Iron – Lotus flowers contain iron which is important for anemia.
- Phosphorus – Lotus flowers contain phosphorus which is important for strong bones.
- Linoleic Acid – Lotus flowers contain linoleic acid which is important for preventing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, weight loss, and boosting your immune system.
- Antioxidants – Lotus flowers contain powerful antioxidants such as nuciferine, lotusine, neferin and demethyl coclaurine which help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer.
As you can see, the Lotus Flower has many health benefits that invite wholeness and well-being when consumed regularly. Therefore your body will benefit from the wide range of healing aspects that the lotus flower gives us.
“The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud.” - Buddha
No matter the depths that the lotus seed has been planted, it arises from its murky environment with its petals wide open. This represents the phases in our life when we are struggling, but yet emerge as a beautiful flower.
With our Lotus Crown Ormus you can begin to unfurl your petals and blossom into the beautiful flower that you are. Our Ormus Elixir is known to help reduce insomnia, calms the nervous system, and helps to induce powerful and healing dreams. It is great to take before a meditation session to bring clarity to your visions.
You can experience our Lotus Crown Ormus, or Lotus Bliss Trio at any moment of your day to bring clarity and stillness into your surroundings. -Blessings!
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Click the links below for more information on the Lotus Flower
- Lotus Flower Symbolism
https://www.uniguide.com/lotus-flower-meaning-symbolism/
- 30 Health Benefits of the Lotus Plant
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/30-health-benefits-lotus-leaves-flowers-aravind-naidu