🗻Himalayan & Nepali Folk Medicine

Banlasi (Wild Lotus)

Nelumbo nucifera

About Banlasi (Wild Lotus)

Banlasi (Wild Lotus) (Nelumbo nucifera) is a herb used in the Himalayan & Nepali Folk Medicine tradition to help with Heart Health, Anxiety, Digestive Issues, and Diarrhea, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus, or simply lotus, is one of two extant species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is often colloquially called a water lily.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Banlasi (Wild Lotus) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Banlasi (Wild Lotus) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Banlasi (Wild Lotus) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Banlasi (Wild Lotus) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Banlasi (Wild Lotus).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Banlasi (Wild Lotus) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Banlasi (Wild Lotus) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Banlasi (Wild Lotus), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.