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The Blue lotus flower (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea), also known as The Egyptian Lotus is a flower that has a history of more than a thousand years. It is an aquatic plant found in the rivers, freshwaters, and pools of Egypt and some parts of Asia. It tends to have a moist, lush green and a sweet scent and so is widely used in the fragrance industry.
Through this article, you will come to know about the various properties and benefits of Blue lotus flowers. So, let’s begin!
History
As mentioned earlier, Blue lotus flowers hold an important historical position in Egyptian mythology. Egyptians have been using these flowers for their medicinal purposes for more than a thousand years. They were used by the ancient Egyptians to treat anxiety and insomnia as they have sleep inducing properties.
The Egyptians called these flowers “The Sacred Lily of Nile” and the portrayals of these flowers are seen in the age-old monolithic statues and tombstones of great Egyptian dictators. They found their route to Greece and perched there around 300 B.C. In Greece, the flowers gained religious supremacism.
They reached Britain through trade and eventually got to set their foot in India as well. They are considered very sacred as their blooms are often associated with the ancient Egyptian Sun god “Ra”. In fact, they still have an irreplaceable position in religious ceremonies, Mayan arts, costumes, and festivals.
Blue Lotus Flowers have a noteworthy role in Buddhist psychology. According to Buddhism, these flowers are the symbols of intelligence, wisdom, knowledge and epitomize the “victory of spirit over senses”. In the Indian subcontinent, these flowers are vividly seen in the celestial chants of Paramahansa Yogananda (the famous Hindu monk).
Usage of Blue Lotus Flowers
Entheogenic Drug
An entheogenic drug is a substance derived from fungi and plants to create visionary experiences in a spiritual or religious way. They are used to induce sleep and also used to create lucid dreams. The psychoactive after effects of entheogenic drugs have seraphic quintessence along with a little elevation of happiness.
As we all know, the early Egyptians started using Blue lotus flowers for the first time. Since these flowers contain traces of entheogenic properties, they started using it as a form of drug to induce sleep. They were also used in rituals.
The entheogenic essence in these flowers gives pleasure and a pleasant feeling around your upper body. It is believed that many have attained an expanded version of consciousness after using them. Meanwhile, many have confessed that they got high and stimulated, resulting in mild “euphoria”.
Aphrodisiac Drug
An Aphrodisiac drug is a substance that has the capability of stimulating sexual desires when consumed. Blue lotus flowers were often used as an aphrodisiac drug, during the ancient days due to their aphrodisiac properties.
Essential Oils
Blue lotus flowers are known for their sharp green, sweet and fruity scent. Their fragrance is kind of musky and pleasant to whiff. Due to their glorious aromatic nature, they are widely used to prepare essential oils.
Blue lotus essential oils are used for spiritual and religious purposes. They are also used for the enhancement of love and desires. They can also be used during a nice body massage.
Skin Moisturizer
Yes. you’re right. Blue lotus flowers can be used in the form of moisturizers too. The extract of the flowers is used to prepare body lotions, perfumes, and moisturizers. The blue lotus moisturizer can make your skin smooth and moisturized and is also believed to clear blemishes.
One more advantage is that the moisturizers made out of their extract are literally suitable for every skin type. They erase the flakiness of dry skin as well as maintain the oil present in the glands of your skin, thus making your skin polished and blemish free.
Beverages
Tea: The blue lotus flowers contain nuciferine and aporphine in them and so the tea made out of these flowers can induce peaceful sleep. This tea relaxes your muscles and provides a calming sensation.
What is nuciferine?
Nuciferine is a psychoactive alkaloid present in aquatic lilies and lotuses and is considered as “dopamine agonist”, which means they tend to trigger euphoria (sudden elevation of happiness and pleasure)
What is an aporphine?
Aporphine is an alkaloid present in plants that is known for its anti-diabetic, anti-HIV, antioxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.
Wine: The petals of these flowers can be infused in red or white wine to prepare Blue lotus wine. However, over dosage of this could do only harm.
Coffee: Due to small traces of caffeine in them, blue lotus flavored coffee has also begun to see the world. It can be sweetened with cane sugar, stevia, etc. They are also mixed with acai berries, blue and black berries to get additional flavors.
Smoking and vaping
The dried Blue lotus flowers are finely powdered and used in rolling papers to smoke. They are also used in vaporizers for vaping due to their psychoactive properties. They can get you high and may make you go overboard, resulting in direct interaction with your nervous health. So, utmost caution has to be taken while trying out.
Health Benefits
- They facilitate the process of collagen production thus providing you with vibrant and glowing skin.
- They can be used in weight loss drinks. They build muscles in a healthy way and can reduce cellulite.
- They can induce good sleep and can relax your body muscles.
- They regulate blood sugar levels and maintain them, resulting in increased and more proper blood circulation.
- They benefit digestion by making the process easier. They help in proper metabolism.
- They were once used to cure disorders like erectile dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia, and so on.
- They are a rich source of essential antioxidants like myricetins, flavonoids, quercetin, etc.
- Since they contain apomorphine and nuciferine, which are great psychoactive alkaloids, they can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Negative Effects
- If consumed in a tremendous quantity, they can cause increased heartbeats. It could also lead to nausea and throwing up.
- Only limited data is present regarding their safety for consumption.
- It is not suitable for everyone as it contains psychoactive properties
Have They legalized the usage of Blue Lotus Flowers?
In the United States, they are still considered as a substance unfit for human consumption. However, you can legally cultivate, sell and buy their less risky products (except Louisiana, it is still illegal there). They are illegal in countries like Poland, Russia, and Latvia.
Closure | Blue Lotus Flower
Always remember the saying “Too much of anything is good for nothing” and think twice or even more than twice before consuming them. Make sure you consult any health care provider, beforehand.
Also, don’t mix this with other psychoactive substances like cannabis, alcohol, etc. All in all, do not try anything out of peer pressure. Hope this article has helped you know essential information about Blue lotus flowers. Feel free to share your views about it in the comments.
