Lower blood pressure, skin care and mental health using lotus tea; diabetic friendly sweet 'Aqua-Flora Infuse' to be launched soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A tea with medicinal properties made from the national flower, the lotus. Instead of tea powder in the tea bag, lotus leaves are used. Lotus drink is good for lowering blood pressure, skin care and mental health. Lotus extract contains antioxidants and helps maintain hydration in the body.

Kozhikode Malabar Tropical Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences -based under the Kerala Council for Science, Technology and Environment, is launching the tea bag with various medicinal properties. The product is called Aqua-Flora Infuse.

'People drink tea and coffee, which contain caffeine, to get refreshed. Drinking it regularly creates excessive anxiety and health problems," said Junior Scientist Dr. K.M. Manjula, one of the people behind the project.

The herbs were collected from the botanical garden. They were crushed, dried and tested in the lab. The leaves and flowers will be crushed to be packed in the 'tea bag'. Lotus tea can be made by steeping this bag in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. No need to add sugar or milk. Scientist in charge Dr. N.S. Pradeep and junior scientist Dr. V.S. Harish also led the discovery.

👉Diabetic-free sweet

In addition to the main ingredient lotus, the leaves and flowers of about eight plants, including tulsi, stevia, and Asian pigeonwings, were used. Stevia, known as the "sugar killer", can also be used by diabetics. The drink will be light blue in colour due to the addition of Asian pigeonwings. The aroma will last longer because it is dried using advanced technology. There are no chemical ingredients.

🔸To the market

The product will be launched at the R&D Summit to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the leadership of the Science Council in Thiruvananthapuram today. The help of startups is needed to bring it to the market. Efforts are being made to collaborate with wellness cafes and nutraceutical brands.