Sacred lotus seed heads (Nelumbo nucifera). The seeds of this plant are edible and commonly used in East Asian cuisine. They are also dried and used for decorative purposes. The sacred lotus is one of the world's most celebrated flowers. The plant has been used in the Orient as a medicinal herb for over 1,500 years. All parts of the plant are used and are reported to have astringent, cardiotonic, febrifuge, styptic and stomachic actions, amongst other healing properties.