Lotus: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that grows in parts of Asia. The flower, seed, leaf, and underground stem are used as medicine.

Lotus contains chemicals that seem to breakdown fat tissue. These effects might help with weight loss. It also contains flavonoids, such as quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

People use lotus for anxiety, bleeding, cough, diarrhea, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Lotus overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lotus flower, seed, leaf, and underground stem are commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe. Side effects seem to be rare, but lotus might cause allergic reactions such as skin itching in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Lotus might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lotus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Lotus
Lotus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lotus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal) interacts with Lotus
Pentobarbital causes sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking lotus along with pentobarbital might cause too much drowsiness. But there isn't enough information to know if this is a big concern.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Lotus
Lotus might slow blood clotting. Taking lotus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lotus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Lotus - Uses, Side Effects, and More