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Blue Lotus – Nymphaea caerulea

Blue Lotus Flowers

• Product: dried flowers
• Origin: Egypt
• Nymphaea caerulea

What is Blue Lotus?

The blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is an aquatic plant that grows in much of Asia and Africa, belonging to the Nymphaea family, for a long time it was a very important flower in ancient Egypt and the Maya, so much so that it is found in numerous papyri and in the mural representations of the temples in the Karnak and Luxor valleys.

Blue Lotus: History and Symbolism of the Blue Lotus

The blue lotus flower evokes a symbolism of elevation from the primordial waters towards a “spiritual” blooming, in fact, it is a flower that grows in lakes and on river banks, rising from the water with a long stem upwards, moreover it opens to the sunlight to close in the evening following the rhythm of the sun.Its importance was confirmed, in addition to the representations made on stems and papyri, by the findings in the tombs of the pharaohs where its petals often accompanied the mummies.In parallel with these findings, we find traces of its use also in the cultures of the Maya thanks to the ruins found near Palenque where here too in the low reliefs there are lotus flowers next to priestly figures. According to several scholars, struck by the ethnobotanical parallelism, blue lotus flowers were used in both cultures for ritualistic purposes and probably to achieve altered states of consciousness during ceremonies.

Properties of Blue Lotus

Chemical analysis of the plant highlights numerous antioxidant components, flavonoids, phenols, and two alkaloids to which the alleged properties can be attributed: apomorphine and nuciferine; both have antispasmodic, relaxing, aphrodisiac, and antipsychotic properties.In 2000, a research group from the FDA recommended the use of apomorphine as an alternative to Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Most likely beyond the symbolic aspect, blue lotus was also used by the ancient Egyptians and the Maya as a meditative plant, it should be able to promote concentration, elevation, relaxation, and lucid dreams.However, to date, there are no studies on all these properties and they are not scientifically proven.

In addition to this, most nymphea species lower blood sugar levels and represent a safe intake without contraindications.

How to Use Dried Blue Lotus Flowers

Blue lotus originally grew only in the Nile Delta, but over time and thanks to its stimulating and psychoactive properties, it has spread and is now cultivated worldwide.

With blue lotus flowers, you can make different preparations, the most used are 2:

1. Herbal tea: boil 200 ml of water (a classic cup), once it boils, turn off the heat and infuse 5-6 g of flowers for about 7-8 minutes, covered, then filter and drink.
2. Combustion: insert the blue lotus petals together with tobacco or other smoking plants such as damiana or passiflora.
3. Wine: for a traditional drink, let the blue lotus flowers macerate in a bottle of wine for several hours.

Dosages

For a cup of blue lotus flower infusion or herbal tea, you can use 5-6 grams of dried blue lotus flowers.

Side Effects

The side effects of consuming blue lotus can vary depending on the quantity and method of intake. Some reported effects include a feeling of euphoria and calm, which can lead to mild sedation. However, excessive or long-term use can lead to dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, and potential liver problems. Scientific research on these substances is limited, so the long-term effects are not fully understood, and it is advisable to proceed with caution if considering the use of blue lotus.

Sources:

• In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of the Alkaloid Nuciferine

• <ancbi.nlm.nih.The Many Faces of Apomorphine: Lessons from the Past and Challenges for the FutureRole of Glycation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Prevention through Nymphaea SpeciesEvaluation of Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Nymphaea Lotus Linn. in MiceNymphaea cults in ancient Egypt and the New World: a lesson in empirical pharmacologyTranscultural use of narcotic water lilies in ancient Egyptian and Maya ritualFDA committee recommends approval for Viagra rival