Nuts & seeds · Classically cited

Lotus seed

Padmabija·पद्मबीज

Also called: lotus seed, kamal gatta, kamal beej, lotussamen

Sweet, light and cooling — suits Pitta and Kapha.

How Lotus seed affects your doshas

In Ayurveda a food's effect depends on your constitution. This is the lens the app uses to suggest what to favour and ease off.

Effect of Lotus seed on each dosha
DoshaSuitabilityNotes
Vata Neutral Broadly neutral for Vata.
Pitta Balancing Calms Pitta — favour it when Pitta runs high.
Kapha Balancing Calms Kapha — favour it when Kapha runs high.

Taste: Sweet, Astringent  ·  Potency: Cooling (śīta)  ·  Post-digestive: Sweet  ·  Qualities: Light, Dry

When to go easy

Light and dry, so pair with a little ghee for Vata.

Traditionally balanced with

Classical pairings that make Lotus seed easier to digest or more balancing for the doshas.

In the classical texts

Lotus seed is attested in the Charaka Saṃhitā (Sutrasthana 27) — True lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera, Padma). Distinct from makhana (Euryale ferox / fox nut), which — being slightly more nourishing (V−1) — should get its own entry..

Classically cited. Directly attested in the classical Ayurvedic corpus.

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