Evidence supporting the use of: Lotus
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lotus, particularly the seeds (Nelumbo nucifera), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for promoting relaxation and supporting sleep. In TCM, lotus seeds are thought to nourish the heart and calm the spirit, making them a common ingredient in herbal remedies for insomnia and restlessness. The calming effects are attributed to compounds such as alkaloids (including nuciferine and neferine) found in various parts of the lotus plant.
While there is limited scientific research directly evaluating lotus for insomnia in humans, some preclinical studies have shown that lotus extracts may have sedative and anxiolytic effects in animal models. For example, studies on rodents have demonstrated that lotus seed and leaf extracts can prolong sleep time and decrease anxiety-like behaviors, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter systems such as GABAergic pathways. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use.
In summary, the use of lotus for insomnia is primarily grounded in traditional practices, with some preliminary pharmacological studies providing a possible mechanistic rationale. However, definitive scientific validation in human populations is insufficient at present.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Lotus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Menopause
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Stress
Ulcers