Blue Lotus: Uses, Benefits, & Safety
Blue Lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea) is a psychoactive plant also known as blue Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily. It’s been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years as a natural aphrodisiac, sleep aid and anxiety reliever.
What is Blue Lotus?
Blue lotus predominantly grows in Egypt and certain parts of Asia. It holds cultural importance and images of the flower have been found on ancient papyri and on the walls of tombs.
It is known as an entheogenic drug—a mind-altering substance believed to alter one’s consciousness in a spiritual manner. This term is commonly used instead of hallucinogenic or psychedelic. The two main compounds responsible for the flower’s psychoactive and medicinal effects are apomorphine and nucferine.
Some people have compared Blue Lotus to the high you experience after consuming cannabis, but this can vary by the individua.
What are the health claims?
While there is limited research on the plant, it’s believed that Blue Lotus can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, assist with erectile dysfunction, and act as a natural aphrodisiac.
Blue Lotus contains antioxidants like flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. A diet high of antioxidants is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
Are there any downsides to Blue Lotus?
Currently, Blue Lotus is not approved for human consumption in the United States. The FDA labels Blue Lotus as poisonous yet doesn’t classify it as a controlled substance. This means you can legally purchase Blue Lotus teas, incense, and oils. There is very limited research to backup the health claims of Blue Lotus as well as no safety data and no generally accepted dosage information available. Blue Lotus should not be mixed with other substances like prescription medicationcannabis and alcohol.
Where is Blue Lotus illegal?
Louisiana, Poland, Russia, and Latvia.
How can you use Blue Lotus?
- Tea. To make Blue Lotus tea, add 3-5 grams of dried flowers or a tablespoon of micronized powder to 1-2 cups of hot water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Smoking. This method may cause significant psychoactive effects and should be used with caution.
- Vaping. FInely ground flowers can be added to a vaporizer and inhaled.
- Alcoholic beverage. Some people have infused Blue Lotus with wine or alcoholic spirits. Due to the unknown safety of this, it’s best to avoid this method.
- Massage or essential oils. This method can allow Blue Lotus to enter the body through skin or nasal passage. Many claim these forms are less potent.
