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About the Snow Lotus Published: August 19, 2011 The snow lotus (Saussurea Involucrata) is a high alpine plant growing at approximately 3000 meters under harsh conditions including rocky scree slopes along the ridge-line of Tianshan. This herbaceous plant not only is able to survive in the harsh, sub-zero temperature and high-altitude environment but is also found throughout Yunnan to the Himalayan peaks. The snow lotus only begin to blossom around the middle of August in the fifth year of it’s sexennial (six-years) growth period. Due to its rarity and medicinal properties, the plant is now facing threat from illegal gatherers. With the sexennial herbage being an ancient and rare medicinal herb growing in the rocky glacial ridges, the snow lotus’s natural abilities to resist severe cold, intense UV radiation and low oxygen level where most plants typically perish continues to remain a wonder for many researchers and scientists. With such unique life-sustaining qualities, the plant is heavily sought after by many for its inherent promise to bring benefits to many ailments and symptoms. Almost the entire plant is useful, containing a multitude of substances including alkaloids, volatile oils, organic steroids, polysaccharid, manganese, zinc, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes totaling 100-over types of trace elements that are beneficial for various parts of the human body. Some common uses for snow lotuses include treatment for menstrual pain, irregular menstruation, lower abdominal pain and rheumatoid arthritis, postpartum recovery, impotence, senile low back pain and premature-aging effects. |