In Japan, lotus root has long been considered one of the most precious and medicinal vegetables. Its long chambered root is enjoyed for its creamy-white color, firm crisp texture and mild taste. The root is a variety of water lily. It grows in deep mud in still ponds. Lotus root is usually prepared in dried form. Fresh lotus may be sliced into many wonderful shapes, and its hollow inner chambers are a beautiful geometrical wonder of nature. Lotus has long been revered in the Orient as a symbol of Buddhism and longevity.

Mitoku Lotus Root Tea, known in Japan as "Hasucha" is a delicious, soothing drink made from unbleached, sun-dried and ground lotus root mixed with a little dried ginger. Japanese lotus root tea is famous in Japan for soothing the lungs and chronic coughing, sinus blockage, upper respiratory problems, and helps dissolve excess mucus in the body. It makes a great tea as is or add a few drops of shoyu (soy sauce) or a bit of your favorite rice malt sweetener to taste.