Blue Lotus Flower: Benefits, Uses & Relaxing Effects

What is blue lotus?

Blue Lotus Flower: Benefits, Uses & Relaxing Effects. Blue lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea), also known as blue Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily, is a psychoactive plant.
It is culturally significant, and images of the flower have been discovered on ancient papyri and tomb walls. Historians believe it was once used as a traditional medicine in Egypt to treat a variety of conditions and disorders such as anxiety and insomnia.

The blue lotus is a gorgeous flower that originated in ancient Egypt, where it was grown along the Nile. The plant held great spiritual and cultural significance for the ancient Egyptians, frequently appearing in artwork and serving as a symbol of various deities. It was also associated with royalty, having been discovered in King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The blue lotus has a long history that dates back to ancient Egypt. More than 3000 years ago, the plant was widely cultivated along the Nile’s banks for its beauty and intoxicating effects. Blue lotus, a sacred plant associated with Egyptian deities such as Osiris, Nefertem, and Ra, has been used as a religious sacrament as well as a component of a recreational “feel good” drug.
The plant spread from Egypt to the rest of the ancient world, including the Roman Empire, Britain, and Greece, as well as India. However, as the ancient world faded into history, the blue lotus flower was lost. This changed when recent discoveries by archaeologists reignited interest in the Nile’s sacred flower. Researchers wondered about the numerous depictions of the blue lotus in almost all tombs in the early nineteenth century, as ancient tombs were discovered and Pharaohs were exhumed from their eternal resting places. It became clear that the blue lotus held great significance, and the Nile flower rose to prominence once more.

The blue lotus flower was revered by the ancient Egyptians for its psychoactive properties. Many of their ancient paintings and architecture feature it as a motif. The blue lotus flower represents rebirth, fertility, water, and plant life. It is now highly sought after due to its euphoric effects. Blue lotus flower relieves anxiety and acts as a sleep aid in low doses.

Uses of Blue Lotus Flower

Blue lotus tea 

Blue Lotus tea is prepared from the blue lily flower, which has a vibrant medicinal profile. The Blue Lotus offers a very spirituous fragrance and is an alluring flower that has been used as an Herbal tea to cure a lot of issues since ancient Egyptian times. Nowadays, Blue Lotus Tea is considered a mind-altering drink, which benefits you a lot.  In ancient times, Blue Lotus Tea was considered both medicinally and recreationally. It has many medicinal properties that help cure restless sleep, increased anxiety levels, and some mild aphrodisiac effects as well.

To make blue flower lotus tea, add one premade tea bag or 3–5 grams of dried flowers to 1–2 cups (250–500 mL) of hot water. Let steep for 5–10 minutes.

Smoking 

If you choose to smoke it, roll dried flowers using rolling papers. Just keep in mind that this method may cause significant psychoactive effects and should be used with caution.

Blue lotus is a popular smoking herb because of its relaxing and soothing properties. Smoking blue lotus produces an noticeable “high” that lasts for about 30 minutes.

We classify blue lotus as a supportive herb; It can be smoked on its own or blended with neutral base herbs such as damiana, mullein or raspberry leaves.
It’s an excellent addition to herbal mixtures because it increases the potency of other herbs without overwhelming them. If the psychoactive effects are what entice you, smoking is your best bet. The buds contain the majority of the psychoactive compounds. These can be pressed to extract a hash-like resin. As you would cannabis hash, smoke this in a joint, bong, or pipe. You can even vaporize it with an e-liquid made from the plant’s resin.

Vaping

For vaping, finely ground flowers can be added to a vaporizer and inhaled.

Alcoholic beverage

Some people infuse wine or alcoholic spirits with the flower. Due to the unknown safety of this, it’s best to avoid it.

Massage and essential oil

You can purchase blue lotus flower massage oil or essential oil which can enter the body through the skin or nasal passage. Though unknown at this time, many claim that these forms are less potent.

CASE SERIES

Case 1

An otherwise healthy 27-year-old active duty male presented to the ED by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for altered mental status. As per EMS report, his friends found him leaning unsteadily against a wall and staring out into space at his barracks just before arrival. The patient’s friends reportedly had found him in similar states several times over the past few weeks. Before these unexplained events, he had no antecedent illness and no chronic medical problems. When initially found, the patient’s pulse oximetry was 85%, but this was resolved following a few deep breaths with EMS.

Upon arrival to the ED, the patient had normal respiratory effort with an oxygen saturation of 100% on room air, a heart rate of 97 beats per minute (bpm), and a blood pressure 138/73 mmHg. He was alert on presentation but not oriented to location and persistently believed he was still in the barracks. He had a flat affect and would answer questions with short, simple, and sometimes delayed responses. His pupils were dilated, but equal and reactive. Neurologic examination was otherwise unremarkable except for a persistent erection. He did not have clonus or hyperreflexia. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal sinus rhythm without ectopy. Initial laboratory studies revealed mild leukocytosis (11,200 mm3/mcL). Our institution’s in-house UDS by immunoassay assesses for barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, cannabinoids, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phencyclidine, propoxyphene, oxycodone, and methadone. This patient’s UDS was negative.

The patient reported ordering blue lotus liquid online to use in a vaping device. According to the patient, this liquid was “only available in Europe,” and he had been using it for the past 2 weeks. Before vaping blue lotus, he reported vaping nicotine products for several years with no similar episodes. He was otherwise not forthcoming with information and was paranoid, seemingly responding to visual stimuli in the room. Following a 3-hour and 45-minute observation period in the emergency room, the patient’s symptoms resolved; he was fully alert and oriented and was discharged after consultation with our regional poison center.

Case 2

An otherwise healthy 29-year-old active duty male presented to the ED by EMS for decreased responsiveness. As per the EMS report, his family noted strange behavior and suspected hallucinations after the patient had vaped an unknown cartridge. His initial agitation and strange behavior was improving by the time EMS arrived.

In the ED, his oxygen saturation was 98% on room air, heart rate 76 bpm, and blood pressure 117/62 mmHg. He was oriented but drowsy, needing to be awakened by voice at times. The neurologic examination was otherwise unremarkable. His ECG demonstrated normal intervals and morphology. Laboratory tests showed a creatinine 1.3 mg dL−1, aspartate transaminase (AST) 69 IU/L, alanine transaminase (ALT) IU/L 81, and creatine kinase (CK) of 3215 U L−1. UDS was negative.

Upon further interview, the patient stated that he vaped blue lotus. He was discharged after a 4-hour period of observation, during which his symptoms resolved.

Case 3

An otherwise healthy 22-year-old active duty male presented to the ED for bizarre behavior. As per EMS report, he was found sitting on a fence by the motorpool just after midnight. At that time, he was able to answer questions appropriately but had flights of ideas about love and money. He reported drinking alcohol several hours earlier in the night but initially denied any other drug use except a remote history of marijuana use.

On arrival at the ED, his oxygen saturation was 98% on room air, heart rate 76 bpm, and blood pressure 133/72 mmHg. He was continually having flights of ideas but an otherwise normal neurologic examination. His EKG showed normal sinus rhythm. Basic laboratory tests were unremarkable. His UDS was negative. Although he reported drinking alcohol several hours ago, his ethanol level was negative.

The patient later admitted to ingesting wine infused with blue lotus flowers that evening. He reported that he purchased the blue lotus on eBay. He was discharged after a 2-hour and 45-minute observation period.

Case 4

An otherwise healthy 19-year-old active duty male presented to the ED with chest pain. This pain started around 3 hours before arrival after taking four “hits” of a “spiked vape juice” he acquired from a friend that he believed to have been blue lotus.

On arrival at the ED, his oxygen saturation was 100% on room air, heart rate 121 bpm, and blood pressure 144/77 mmHg. The patient was visibly anxious, but his neurologic examination was otherwise unremarkable. His ECG showed sinus tachycardia with otherwise normal intervals. Chest X-ray did not show acute changes. Laboratory studies were unremarkable, and UDS was negative. His tachycardia resolved following administration of intravenous fluids and he did not require benzodiazepines. The patient’s chest pain improved without intervention. Following a 3-hour and 40-minute observation period in the ED, he was discharged with primary care follow-up. Of note, the patient returned to the emergency room the next day for chest pain and anxiety and had an unrevealing workup.

Case 5

A 20-year-old active duty male was brought to the ED for bizarre behavior and “thrashing his extremities” after taking a deep inhalation of an electronic cigarette filled with blue lotus. His initial vital signs were heart rate 139 bpm, blood pressure 94/52 mmHg, and respiratory rate 22 breaths per minute, with normal oxygen saturation and temperature. His physical examination revealed superficial abrasions to his extremities and tachycardia with an otherwise normal cardiopulmonary exam. Neurologically, he was drowsy with slurred speech but had normal reflexes and no other neurologic deficits. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis (18.6 mm3/mcL), decreased potassium (3.1 mEq L−1) and bicarbonate (12 mEq L−1) with anion gap of 16; he had otherwise normal electrolytes and renal function. His UDS was negative. His mental status and vital signs returned to normal after intravenous fluid administration and observation for 3 hours, and he requested discharge before re-evaluation of laboratory studies. As instructed, he followed up with his primary care manager for reevaluation, at which time, his comprehensive metabolic panel was normal.

What is Blue Lotus Flower?

The Blue Lotus flower, technically known as Nymphaea caerulea, is an eye-catching aquatic plant with cultural, historical, and symbolic significance around the world. Its fascinating and recognisable appearance, as well as its brilliant blue or bluish-white petals, make it an engaging and recognisable flower. The Blue Lotus flower’s look and qualities, cultural and historical significance, medicinal and ritual usage, the skincare and beauty business, aromatherapy, wellness, and conservation initiatives are all covered in this introduction. Its stunning beauty and one-of-a-kind qualities continue to inspire and captivate people all over the world.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Blue Lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea) is deeply rooted in history and culture around the world, particularly in ancient Egypt and other ancient civilizations. Its symbolic implications, employment in religious ceremonies, and artistic representation have all contributed to its enduring fascination. Here’s a look at its historical and cultural significance:

• Ancient Egypt: The Blue Lotus flower was revered there as a sacred plant bearing significant spiritual symbolism. It was closely related to the creation and rebirth processes as well as the sun god Ra. It was thought that the flower’s capacity to emerge from the murky depths of the water and spread its petals to the sun was a metaphor for life emerging from the shadows into the light.
• Spiritual Symbolism: In ancient Egyptian religion and mythology, the Blue Lotus had a variety of symbolic meanings. It frequently referred to ideas of chastity, procreation, and resurrection. The flower was used in religious rituals and ceremonies because it was thought to bring spiritual insight, increased awareness, and better dream experiences.  
• Art and Iconography: The Blue Lotus flower appears frequently in ancient Egyptian art and symbolism. It is frequently depicted in wall paintings, sculptures, and hieroglyphics, where deities carry it or deliver it as an offering to gods and pharaohs. Its presence in art emphasised its importance in ancient Egypt’s cultural and religious scene.
• Culinary and medicinal uses: The Blue Lotus flower had practical uses in addition to its spiritual and symbolic roles. Because of its mild psychoactive properties, it was occasionally used in culinary preparations and beverages. The flower infusions were consumed as a beverage, potentially inducing a relaxed and euphoric state.
• Ancient Civilizations Outside of Egypt: Although not to the same extent as in Egypt, other ancient civilizations also valued the Blue Lotus. The flower was used more for its potential to induce altered states of consciousness and mild psychoactive effects in many Asian cultures, including India and Thailand. It was occasionally used in rituals, meditation exercises, and religious ceremonies.
• Modern Rediscovery: The historical and cultural significance of the Blue Lotus flower has been rediscovered in contemporary times, inspiring its incorporation into a variety of goods and practices. Its use in skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness is proof of its enduring popularity and the belief in its potential benefits for modern lifestyles.

Blue Lotus: More Than Just a Beautiful Flower

Indeed, the Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is more than just a gorgeous flower; it has historical, cultural, spiritual, and even medicinal importance. Here’s a deeper look at the many aspects that make the Blue Lotus such an intriguing and meaningful plant, such as its historical past, spiritual and symbolic importance, psychotropic effects, ritual and ceremonial applications, cultural resurgence, skincare and well-being, and environmental issues. Its fascination stems not just from its dazzling appearance, but also from the multiple layers of meaning it has across time and civilizations. The Blue Lotus continues to fascinate and inspire a wide range of people, whether they admire it for its beauty, investigate its symbolic complexity, or use it for its possible advantages.

The Blue Lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea) has become known as a “gem” in skincare due to its potential benefits and properties that contribute to healthier, more radiant skin. Here’s why the Blue Lotus is considered a valuable ingredient in skincare:

1. Antioxidant Richness: Flavonoids, quercetin, and phytosterols are among the antioxidants found in blue lotus. These anti-oxidants aid in the fight against free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm skin cells and hasten fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging. 
2. Inflammation: The flower’s anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve inflammation caused by a variety of environmental factors or skin conditions. They can also soothe irritated skin, lessen redness, and calm inflammation. It is advantageous for people with sensitive or reactive skin because of this.
3. Hydration and Moisturization: Blue Lotus extracts are renowned for their hydrating and moisturising qualities. They assist in enhancing the skin’s capacity to hold onto moisture, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
4. Skin Brightening: Some research suggests that Blue Lotus extracts may have skin-brightening properties due to their ability to inhibit melanin production. This can help even out skin tone and hide dark spots or uneven skin tone when used along with a doctor=recommended cream for dark spots.
5. Anti-Ageing Potential: The antioxidants and phytonutrients found in Blue Lotus can help promote collagen production and maintain skin elasticity. When used along with a Hyaluronic acid serum for face, it may result in fewer fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.
6. Aromatherapeutic Benefits: The pleasant aroma of the Blue Lotus flower has been used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief. Reducing stress can help the skin indirectly by preventing stress-related skin problems and promoting a healthier complexion.
7. Nourishing Nutrients: Blue Lotus contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote skin health. These nutrients can help the skin’s natural barrier function as well as its overall vitality.
8. Unique Appeal: The Blue Lotus is an attractive and intriguing ingredient for skincare formulations due to its historical and cultural significance as well as its distinctive blue or bluish-white petals.