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Kamala कमल
Nelumbo nucifera · Nelumbonaceae
Also known as: Kamal, Lotus, Padma, Kamal Phool, Shwet Kamal, Lotus Extract
Part used: Flower, seed
Kamala (Nelumbo nucifera) is the sacred lotus, of which nearly every part is used. Ayurveda uses the flower, stamens, seeds and rhizome as cooling, astringent drugs for bleeding, burning, diarrhoea and the heart. The seed is a Rasayana and the rhizome is eaten as a vegetable.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera
- Part used: Flower, seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Seed, stamen or rhizome as food or in formulas; lotus-seed and stamen powders are common.
Kamala in other languages
Introduction
Kamala (lotus, Nelumbo nucifera) is the sacred lotus, whose seeds, stamens and rhizome are cooling, nourishing and heart-friendly. Sweet and astringent, it calms Pitta, supports the complexion and steadies the mind.
Classification
Of the Nelumbonaceae family, Kamala is grouped among the Varnya (complexion) and Hridya (heart-supporting) dravyas. Its sweet-astringent taste and cooling potency pacify Pitta and Kapha and soothe the tissues.
Uses & benefits
Lotus is a cooling Pitta drug. The flower and stamens are used in bleeding disorders, burning and excessive thirst; the texts also describe it as Hridya, good for the heart, and Varnya for the complexion. It appears in the cooling asavas alongside sandalwood and khus.
Kamala for bleeding disorders
The flower and stamens are classical Raktastambhaka drugs used in Raktapitta and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Kamala for burning sensation
Cooling throughout, used in Daha with thirst and restlessness.
Kamala seed as a Rasayana
The seed is nourishing and cooling, taken in convalescence and as a general tonic.
Kamala for diarrhoea
The rhizome and seed are astringent and are used to check loose stool.
Kamala for the heart
Described as Hridya, used where palpitation accompanies heat and anxiety.
Kamala for skin
The flower paste is applied for burning, pigmentation and inflamed skin.
Kamala for leucorrhoea
Used for white discharge on its astringent, cooling action.
Kamala for the mind
Traditionally used for restlessness and disturbed sleep, particularly in Pitta constitutions.
Kamala rhizome as food
Lotus root is eaten across India and China and is genuinely nourishing as well as mildly astringent.
Kamala in classical formulations
Present in Chandanasava, Ushirasava and most of the cooling and bleeding compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed, stamen or rhizome as food or in formulas; lotus-seed and stamen powders are common. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kamala?
The citations held for Kamala in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Raktapitta context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpavarga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Kamala?
Cited among cooling herbs for bleeding. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kamala?
Described as cooling, Varnya and Hridya. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Pushpavarga.
What is Kamala traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Lotus is a cooling Pitta drug. The flower and stamens are used in bleeding disorders, burning and excessive thirst; the texts also describe it as Hridya, good for the heart, and Varnya for the complexion. It appears in the cooling asavas alongside sandalwood and khus.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kamala?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kamala classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kamala carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kamala is used medicinally?
The part used is Flower, seed.
How much Kamala is taken, and how?
Seed, stamen or rhizome as food or in formulas; lotus-seed and stamen powders are common. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kamala be avoided?
Very safe; widely used as food and medicine.
Where does Kamala grow?
The lotus grows in ponds and slow waters across India, its flowers rising above the surface each morning.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Pushpavarga
Described as cooling, Varnya and Hridya. - Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta context
Cited among cooling herbs for bleeding.
Modern research
-
Lotus seeds (Nelumbinis semen) as an emerging therapeutic seed: A comprehensive review
(see source). Food Science & Nutrition (2021)
A comprehensive review of Nelumbo nucifera (Kamala / lotus) documenting its antioxidant, anti-obesity, cardiovascular-protective and calming pharmacology.
View study doi:10.1002/fsn3.2313
Safety & precautions
Very safe; widely used as food and medicine.
Where it grows
The lotus grows in ponds and slow waters across India, its flowers rising above the surface each morning.
Frequently asked questions
Which parts of the lotus are used medicinally?
Nearly all of them. The flower and stamens for bleeding and burning, the seed as a cooling Rasayana, the rhizome for diarrhoea and as food, and the leaf as a wrapping and mild astringent. Each part has a slightly different emphasis.
What is the dose of Kamala?
Flower or stamen powder 1–3 g per day, seed powder 3–6 g, or decoction 40–80 ml. The rhizome is eaten as a vegetable without a dose limit.
Is lotus seed good for you?
It is nourishing, cooling and easy to digest, used in Ayurveda as a Rasayana during convalescence. Makhana, the puffed lotus seed sold as a snack, comes from Euryale ferox — a different plant, despite the similar name.
Can lotus help with heavy periods?
The flower and stamens are classical Raktastambhaka drugs used for heavy menstrual bleeding, usually within a compound with Ashoka and Lodhra. Persistent heavy bleeding needs medical investigation.
What is Kamala called in Hindi?
Kamal. In English it is sacred lotus or Indian lotus. Note that Kamala also names a completely different drug, Mallotus philippensis, used for worms — check the botanical name.
Are there side effects of lotus?
Very well tolerated; most parts are foods. It is cooling and astringent, so heavy use may not suit a cold, congested condition. Consult a physician in pregnancy for medicinal doses.
Is lotus the same as water lily?
No, though they are confused constantly. Lotus is Nelumbo nucifera, with leaves held above the water. Water lily is Nymphaea, with leaves floating on the surface — that is Nilotpala, a separate drug with its own page.
