Nymphaea caerulea is the hallucinogenic blue lotus flower, often referred to as the sacred blue lily, blue Egyptian lotus, or blue water lily.
Traditional medicine has used it for thousands of years as a natural aphrodisiac, sleep aid, and anxiety reducer. But because of its psychotropic qualities, a lot of individuals are unsure about its safety and legality.
Some people believe the blue lotus flower to have health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and enhancing sleep. However, it is important to note that this flower has psychoactive properties, and more research is required to determine its safety and efficacy.
This article covers everything you need to know about blue lotus flowers, including their benefits, drawbacks, safety, and legality.
What is blue lotus flower?
The blue lotus blossom is a water lily that mostly thrives in Egypt and specific regions of Asia.
The flower is culturally significant, as evidenced by depictions found on ancient papyri and tomb walls. Historians assume that it was previously utilized in Egypt as a conventional remedy to address various diseases and ailments, such as nervousness and insomnia.
An entheogenic drug is a chemical that is believed to affect one’s consciousness in a spiritual or religious way. This term is frequently employed as a substitute for “hallucinogenic” or “psychedelic.”.
Apomorphine and nuciferine are the two primary chemicals that cause the flower’s hallucinogenic and therapeutic properties.
- Apomorphine: A psychoactive chemical that functions as a dopamine agonist, inducing feelings of happiness and euphoria. It may also aid in muscle control for individuals with diseases like Parkinson’s disease and erectile dysfunction.
- Nuciferine: A chemical believed to function as an antipsychotic medication by promoting feelings of tranquility through mechanisms that are not completely understood. It has also been demonstrated to enhance the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Consuming blue lotus flowers can induce a sense of exhilaration and a mildly altered state of consciousness. Some individuals have noted similarities between the euphoria induced by cannabis consumption, but this perception varies among people.
The blue lotus flower is not authorized for human consumption in the United States at this time. It is not a regulated substance and is legally permitted to be grown, sold, and bought, except in Louisiana, where it is prohibited.
Common forms of the flower include teas, infused wine and spirits, and smoking or vaping items. You can find these products in specialty holistic wellness stores, vape shops, or online.
Nevertheless, it is important to verify the legality of psychoactive substances according to local and federal legislation and consult a healthcare professional before experimenting with them.
Statements about health
Although there are several assertions about the health advantages of the blue lotus bloom, research on the plant is scarce.
Proponents claim it can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, help with erectile dysfunction, and act as a natural aphrodisiac.
Historically, people have used it for recreational and therapeutic purposes. The two substances found in the flower, apomorphine and nuciferine, are widely believed to be responsible for the calming and muscular control benefits, despite the lack of empirical evidence to support these claims.
Myricetin, kaempferol, flavonoids, and quercetin are among the antioxidants found in blue lotus flowers.
Antioxidants support well-being by combating free radicals that have the potential to harm the cells in your body. Research links a diet rich in antioxidants to a lower risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.
Although the flower contains antioxidants, there is no direct evidence linking it to a decreased risk of chronic disease.
Additionally, there are no studies confirming the most beneficial way to take it. To obtain antioxidants, consume a diverse range of antioxidant-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green tea, and coffee.
Downsides
The legality of the blue lotus flower, a hallucinogenic flower that is available for purchase online and at some retailers, is a hotly contested topic.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list the flower as a restricted substance, despite its toxic nature. The FDA now completely permits the sale of blue lotus incense, oils, and teas, Poland, Russia, and Latvia are the only nations where it is not legal.
Despite claims by those who advocate for the flower’s medical uses, there is scant evidence to support these assertions. Nothing is known about the substance’s safety or the recommended dosage.
This is why you should consult your doctor before attempting the blue lotus flower.
We advise children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers not to consume the flower due to the lack of data on its safety in these groups.
Finally, because of its psychoactive effects, you shouldn’t combine it with other substances like alcohol or cannabis; it might not be suitable for everyone.
While ingesting the flower, do not drive or engage in any other activity.
How to use it
Despite its versatility, blue lotus flower lacks information regarding its safety, maximum dosage, and effectiveness.
- Tea: Combine one tea bag or three to five grams of dried flowers with one to two cups (250 to 500 milliliters) of boiling water to produce blue flower lotus tea. Remove from heat and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Smoking: Use rolling papers to roll dried flowers if you want to smoke them. Use this approach with caution, as it has the potential to produce strong psychotropic effects.
- Vaping: Inhaling a vaporizer with finely ground flowers is known as vaping.
- Alcoholic beverage: Alcoholic beverages occasionally use the blossom as a flavoring. You should stay away from this because its safety is uncertain.
- Massage using aromatic oils: Blue lotus flowers can produce essential oils or massage oils that the skin or nose can absorb. Although the exact nature of these species is now a mystery, many believe they are weaker.
The potential for blue lotus toxicity or medication interactions remains uncertain, despite these uses.
Follow the dosing instructions on the label carefully. Also, consult your doctor to be sure it’s the correct choice for you, and only buy these products from reputable vendors.
The bottom line
Traditional Egyptian medicine made use of blue lotus flowers for thousands of years.
These days, you can find it in a variety of forms, such as tea, smoked or vaped, and essential oil for inhalation. The lack of proof that it aids in reducing anxiety, improving sleep, increasing sexual desire, or managing erectile dysfunction is in stark contrast to the numerous anecdotal claims.
In most countries, the substance is legal, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before using it because it can make you feel sleepy.