The blue lotus flower is traditionally used as a sleep aid, detoxifying agent, and aphrodisiac. It is rich in antioxidants and widely used in Ayurveda for relieving diarrhea, fevers, urinary problems, and heart palpitations (1). Ancient Egyptians and Mayans used blue lotus flowers as ritual plants to achieve euphoria and ecstasy. The flower was depicted in ancient Egyptian papyri and tomb art, and during the 14th century B.C., ancient Egyptians used it for healing and shamanic rituals. These plants played a vital role in the cultures they flourished in (2). Licensed wellness professional and medicinal cannabis educator Jade Sancho-Duser shares, “Egyptians used to decant blue lotus in wine along with other flowers and herbs (e.g., poppies). This would produce euphoric effects, which have been said to have a similar effect as MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly). The Ancient Egyptians would serve this wine and engage in large celebrations.” Today, the blue lotus flower is used to soothe anxiety and help people sleep better. Some have also described it as mildly stimulating. Jade adds, “Blue lotus can be hallucinogenic to some extent if consumed in mass quantities (which I have experienced firsthand), but in reality, it is mildly psychoactive. The potency of this plant is much more notable when mixed in an alcohol-based tincture as it begins to enhance the effects of the psychoactive properties.” Several bioactive compounds are thought to be responsible for the psychoactive properties of the blue lotus flower. They influence your mood, calm your nerves, and may benefit you in several ways. Let’s explore the benefits in the next section.

Potential Health Benefits Of Blue Lotus Flower

1. A Potent Psychoactive

The blue lotus flower contains alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. The alkaloids apomorphine and nuciferine in the plant help release dopamine and serotonin to influence your mood and produce mild psychoactive effects that induce euphoria (1), (3). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the flower may also cause visual and auditory hallucinations.

2. May Help You Sleep

The alkaloids nuciferine and apomorphine in the flower may induce sleep and help you wake up without hallucinations. Apomorphine is often used in clinical settings as anesthesia and to ease sleep problems associated with Parkinson’s disease. Nuciferine enhances the sleep-inducing effects of apomorphine (4), (5), (6). According to anecdotal evidence, brewing blue lotus flower tea helped people have more lucid dreams.

3. May Relieve Anxiety

Blue lotus flowers are known for their anxiety-relieving abilities. Lotus blossoms are used to ‘calm emotional disturbances’ in Eastern medicine. Apomorphine has also been linked to reducing anxiety levels (6), (7), (8).

4. May Reduce Signs Of Aging

Jade says, “Blue lotus also is wonderful in skin care as well. It is touted for its anti-aging properties. Skin care and perfumery are the two only legal permissions for the flower.” The blue lotus flower contains antioxidants, which may help fight free radicals and slow down the early signs of aging. A study found that blue lotus flower extract could significantly reduce acne (1), (9), (10).

5. May Reduce Menstrual Irregularities

In Ayurveda and Siddha (ancient Indian medical systems), Indian blue lily (Nymphaea stellata), a closely related plant, is often used to treat menstrual irregularities. It is used alone or in combination with other drugs (11). Anecdotal evidence suggests that blue lotus flower tea can ease the cramps and also stabilize the menstrual cycle.

6. May Have Aphrodisiac Effects

There is no scientific evidence to prove the aphrodisiac effects of the blue lotus flower. There are only historical references to it being used by ancient Egyptians for its aphrodisiac effects. Blue lotus flowers are commonly sold as tea extracts or incense. Inhaling and consuming the extracts may have mild psychoactive benefits. However, always consult a doctor before using the extracts. Here are a few tips for using blue lotus flowers.

How To Use Blue Lotus Flower

Blue lotus flower extracts, resins, dried leaves, oils, powders, and electronic cigarette refill liquids (e-liquids) are now readily available online. Since the alkaloids are not water-soluble, you may use the flower extracts by consuming them as teas, dissolving in ethanol-containing beverages, or smoking or vaping in electronic cigarettes. These products are sold as natural sedatives or aphrodisiacs. They are labeled as natural and are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) (12). Jade adds, “Because of its psychoactive nature, selling this plant for consumption purposes is technically prohibited. This also makes it a bit difficult to find quality sources of the lotus. Knowing your source before you purchase will make all of the difference since there are multiple types of lotus out there but none as magical as Nymphaea caerulea, in my professional opinion.” A cup of blue lotus flower tea is the simplest and safest way to take advantage of this flower’s benefits. Here’s the recipe.

Blue Lotus Flower Tea

Take advantage of the soothing effects of blue flower tea to ease stress and anxiety. What You Need

2 tablespoons of the dried blue lotus flower 250 mL of water 1 tablespoon of honey

How To Prepare Blue flower tea bags are commercially available. If you procure fresh blue lotus flower, below are some tips you can follow to store it for a long time.

Tips To Store Blue Lotus Flower

Place the lotus stem in a water-filled vase. Replace the water every day or every other day. Submerge two-third of the stem in water and cut any extra lengths. To reduce blemishes, do not wet the petals. Lotuses should be kept at room temperature or in the fridge for 1-2 days. Protect them with plastic food wrappers.

You should be extremely cautious while consuming (or inhaling/vaping) the blue lotus flower extract. A high dose of the flower can have some side effects.

Possible Side Effects

Ingesting or inhaling higher doses of blue lotus flower extract can cause euphoria and hallucinations. You may experience other side effects like (12):

Altered mental state Anxiety Chest pain Fast heart rate Brief periods of oxygen limitation Decreased alertness Hallucinations Disorientation

The safety and dosage of the blue lotus flower are not well-researched. Hence, there is no generally accepted dosage, and that is why you should be more careful while using it. Children and pregnant or nursing women should also avoid the flower as there is no research on its safety. Always consult a doctor before trying the blue lotus flower. How does blue lotus make you feel? Blue lotus makes you feel high, influences your mood, and induces euphoria. Is blue lotus anti-inflammatory? Yes. Blue lotus exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (13).

References:

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