The Charm of the Lotus Fields of Nong Chim 🌷

🙏 I want to say that our Ban Nong Chim has lotus fields that are very charming and beautiful.
If you still remember, in the old days, the area around Nong Suea all the way to Ban Hua Nong was a mix of small and large ponds, and there were beautiful lotus flowers growing everywhere. The sports ground of the TAO office today used to be Sa Pho Yai Doi, which also had a lot of lotus flowers. The villagers came to draw water from this pond for use and grew vegetables all around it. Life in those days was simple — pushing a cart to draw water was something very enjoyable.

In Nong Chim, there are several beautiful types of lotus, including:
- Bua sai (water lily)
- Bua luang (sacred lotus)
- Bua chat (white lotus)
etc.

There are many ponds with beautiful lotus flowers, such as:
- Nong Suea (also called Nong Suew Suek)
- Nong Khum behind Wat Moo 4, among others.

For gathering lotus, we get in a boat and paddle out because the water is rather deep. They are put in vases to pay respects to the Buddha, offered to monks, used in auspicious ceremonies, placed on altar tables for worship and ceremonies, and strung into garlands. As for water lilies, they are gathered to make food — cooked as lotus-stem curry or added to som tam, etc.

🌷 According to traditional texts, the lotus flower is a medicinal herb and food with benefits in every part — the flower, stamen, seeds, lotus root, and root — used to nourish the heart, support pregnancy, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion according to Thai, Chinese, and Indian traditional medicine.

🌱 Benefits according to renowned traditional texts 🌱

🌷 Lotus stamen: Has an astringent, binding taste and fragrant aroma. Nourishes the heart, liver, and lungs. Controls the elements, relieves wind, supports pregnancy, reduces fever, and heals wounds. Can be brewed as hot tea to nourish the heart and refresh the mind.

🌷 Lotus flower: Used to nourish the heart, treat internal bruising, reduce fever, relieve thirst, and treat cough. White flowers are the most popular. Can be boiled for drinking or mixed with honey to adjust the taste.

🌷 Lotus seeds: A nourishing food that aids digestion, supports the stomach and intestines, helps induce sleep, reduces stress, and supports pregnancy for expectant mothers.

🌷 Lotus root: Has a bitter taste but has strong effects on the heart. Helps dilate blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and nourishes the eyes, lungs, and kidneys.

🌷 Lotus rootstock: Provides complex carbohydrates, is high in dietary fiber, helps control blood sugar, promotes bowel movements, and is used to treat fever, internal heat, and thirst. Can be boiled for drinking or juiced.

If anyone has time, they can go gather some themselves. Or if it's not convenient, you can buy them at Nong Chim market, or there are villagers who regularly gather them to sell. Please help support this community activity.

Thank you very much 🙏