Blue Lily is one of the most significant aquatic flowers with nootropic properties, which originated near the River Nile.
It has been cultivated and revered since Egyptian times when it symbolised the continual renewal of life. Its sacredness is probably due to its psychoactive use by priests and shamans.
The Egyptians considered it as a holy flower and are associated with the Egyptian god ‘Nefertem’, the monuments in Egypt have carvings that depict the prominent usage of the flower for various purposes.Today, the blue lotus grows in many different parts of the world.
Plant Description
History
History
The blue lotus flower is well respected as a holistic substance for centuries, with its ability to enhance meditation and promote relaxation.
Blue Lily originates from North and Central Africa, where it was found along the Nile River in Egypt, but now cultivated as an ornamental pond plant throughout the world.
Studies have shown that this flower has been used for thousands of years across multiple civilizations, including the Nubians, Abyssinians, and Africans who associated Blue Lotus with spiritual enlightenment.
Blue lotus is also highly respected by Indians and the Buddhists.
The Egyptians widely cultivated it during ancient times in the temple lakes on the River Nile. It was also exported throughout the Mediterranean into other countries.
Indians consider this flower as sacred and believe that the petals represent the five elements of the earth.
It is worshipped as a visionary plant and is a symbol for the origins of Life.
The Egyptian myth
Blue Lily has been cultivated and revered since Egyptian times where it symbolises the continual renewal of life.
In Egypt it was believed that gods had provided humans with Blue Lotus as a way for the soul to leave the body and be among them.
Evidence of its importance can be seen in Egyptian art, and the flowers were also found inside the coffin of king Tut-ankh-Amun.
The sun-god Ra was born from a Blue Lotus, and in its glory flowers bloom from 8am to noon.
They are a symbol of the origins of life, but also represent the death and resurrection of Osiris and thus symbolize eternal life, revival and re-animation.
Other Egyptian gods were born from Blue Lotus or were seeking to transform themselves through it.
According to Egyptian legend, a bouquet was given to Ra in an effort to soothe his suffering as he grew old.
For thousands of years it was used by Egyptians and Mayans as part of funerary ceremonies.
Its sacredness is probably due to its psychoactive use by priests and shamans. Shamans would use these sacred blue flowers to reach higher levels of consciousness.
According to Kandeler and Ullrich, “Nymphaeas have long had a particular significance as intoxicants for shamans because of their Alkaloid and Glycoside content.”
Ancient Greek and Roman priesthoods also included Blue Lotus in their spiritual practices. It is believed to be the plant that Lotophagi ate in “The Odyssey“.
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Blue Lily Common Uses
• Alcohol replacement, Anxiety, Anxiety / Stress, Aphrodisiac, Harm reduction from cannabis, Harm reduction opiates/Alcohol, Libido, Mood enhancement, Nervous System, Nicotine and drug withdrawal, Relaxation, Restlessness, Sexual Anxiety, Smoking alternative, Socialising, Spiritual journeying, Stress, Tension,
Usable Parts
Directions of Preparation
Preparation:
1. Soak 10g in enough wine or vodka to easily cover the herb (as it will expand). Traditionally it was consumed after being soaked in warm water (or wine).
2. Leave this to soak for up to 2 weeks ideally, however good effects can be achieved in less time (even 1 day).
3. A tea can also be made by steeping 1-2 tsp per cup of boiled water, which has a pleasant relaxing effect.
4. The benefits of the blue lotus plant can be derived by making concoctions with different parts of the plant (such as the flower, leaves or roots).
5. The extracts of this plant are also available in the form of tea leaves, pills, supplements, creams, Essential Oils, and powder.
6. Blue lily can also be smoked. The dried flowers were used to make cigarettes to smoke.
Recommended Dosage
The flowers of the Blue Lotus can be ingested through a variety of methods.
• More commonly, 1-3g of dried flowers are brewed into tea.
• The flower should be put in at least a small amount of wine (or other Alcoholic beverages) First to extract active molecules, since the narcotic Alkaloid compounds are not soluble in water.
• The infused wine and liquors can also be ingested.
• In addition, it can be smoked, vaped from Resin/e-liquid or used in a herbal blend.
Its Active Constituents:
• Blue Lily contain:
• Natural Alkaloids (such as aporphine and nuciferine). The psychoactive Alkaloid aporphine (not to be confused with apomorphine).
• Its flowers contain:
• Nymphayol (a substance that has been shown to regulate insulin secretion and may also have some benefit in repairing damaged endocrine tissues).
• Anti-oxidants (such as Carotene) which have a range of well-established benefits.
• Its rhizome contain:
• Starch in it which makes it a nutritious food, and it is also used to make certain herbal medicines. Whether the rhizomes and roots are eaten raw or roasted, they are tasty to eat. Even the stalks are eaten as a Vegetable and can be found in some Indian curries.
• Its seeds contain:
• Seeds are packed with nutrients (such as “Protein and Tannin).
Precaution:
* Do not take Blue Lily with Benzodiazepine (or other Sedative medications) as it may increase their effects or if you are on other medications, then it should be consumed only after a consultation with a medical professional.
* Lily may lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have Diabetes.
* May interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures.
* Stop using lotus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
* It should not be used during Pregnancy (or if you have certain Allergies).
* When taken in large doses, it has been found to cause Nausea, mild jittery feelings, hot flAshes and even hallucinations. Some reports of muscle Tremors Nausea.
* It should never be taken with illegal drugs (such as cannabis) or prescription pills as it may cause severe Nausea and disorientation.
Health Benefits of Blue Lily
Detoxification
• Blue Lily flower extracts is Anti-Diuretic, by helping to regulate the urinary system in our body, checks the Fluid balance in the body and avoids frequent urination by decreasing urine volume.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Blue Lily nuciferine (an Alkaloid) content has anti-diabetic properties which helps to regulate insulin secretion. But it should not be consumed if the person takes Anti-Diabetes medication (such as insulin) or else the blood sugar levels may go down to a dangerous level.
• It also lowers the probability of diabetic complications (such as cardiovascular problems) by reducing Cholesterol levels in the body and potentially regulated by it.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Blue Lily stems can help those with certain gastrointestinal disorders and gastric problems (such as Heartburn, Nausea, and stomach issues).
• Blue Lily rhizome also possesses the ability to treat Indigestion / Dyspepsia, stomach disorders (like Diarrhea and dysentery) and other internal gastrointestinal disorders.
• There are also reports of its use as a treatment for gastrointestinal problems, Diarrhea and Indigestion / Dyspepsia (although research is scarce in this particular area).
Foods & Digestive System
Hair
• Blue lotus promotes healthy Hair and repairs damage done as a result of environmental factors, Stress, disease, pollution or a hectic lifestyle and prevent breakage.
• It is a natural conditioner with hydrating properties that adds shine to Hair and keep them soft and manageable. It will also add volume to dry, rough, dull or limp Hair.
• The Essential Oil derived from the flower protects the Skin from sun damage and may prevent premature greying of Hair.
• A surprising discovery has been made that proves the effectiveness of using the extracts of Blue Lily flower in Hair conditioning products to increase the natural shine of the damaged Hair.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Blue Lily could have anti-oxidant properties.
• Linoleic acid found in the flower of the plant boosts the Immune System.
Foods & Immune System
Intestine
• It is also useful in providing relief against issues associated with the colon.
• Blue lotus flower tea is believed to kill ringworms in The Stomach.
Foods & Intestine
The Liver
• Blue Lily flower is also used in treating Jaundice and consuming concoctions containing Blue Lily herb is known to help treat damaged Liver too.
Foods & The Liver
Men Health
• Some people use it as an aphrodisiac and to help with erectile dysfunction (improve sexual performances).
• Apomorphine (a dopamine agonist), has been found to be effective for erectile dysfunction.
• It also checks the problem of premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in men and promotes a better sex life.
Foods & Men Health
Musculoskeletal System
• It has been found to have pain relieving properties that relieve moderate pain and muscle Stress in the body. Its pain relieving effect can be compared to Arnica Creme. In ancient times, The Egyptians used it as a pain reliever to assist various ailments.
• Sipping a cup of blue lotus tea after a tiring day has been shown to help ease strained joints or muscles and relax the body.
• The plant is believed to contain Ginseng which acts as an anaesthetic.
• Anti-Inflammatory properties of Blue Lotus relieve swelling.
• Blue lotus is rich in
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Reproductive Health
• Blue lotus was used in ancient Egypt as an aphrodisiac (to help promote sex drive), thus was extensively used as a party or recreational substance by the early Egyptians.
• Blue lotus flower Alkaloids also improves the fertility levels in both men and women.
Foods & Reproductive Health
Respiratory System
• Tea made from dried flower or leaves of blue lotus can reduce mucus formation
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• The extract of this flower has immense benefits to your Skin. It is present in some advanced Skin care routines that harness the properties of this flower.
• Its a non-comedogenic moisturizer where its extract will moisturize the Skin without clogging pores and helps to lock the moisture in the Skin and improves complexion. It will be beneficial if you have dry, itchy or flaky Skin.
• Its regular use will increase the elasticity of the Skin due to its hydrating properties, which also help to erase fine lines and wrinkles.
• Blue lotus flower anti-oxidants also helps to Fight free-radicals and thus keeps Skin younger.
• Blue lotus flower (when used regularly), helps to keep the oil in check and prevents Acne breakouts. It stabilizes the T-zones in our face and controls oil secretion. It also helps to fade brown spots caused due to Acne scarring and age spots that develop over time.
• Blue lotus external use can balance oily Skin and prevent pimple and Acne breakouts.
• Blue Lily flower is also used to make perfumes and its oil is widely used in aromatherapy.
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Blue Lily is revered for its immense nootropic benefits on physical and mental health.
• Blue Lotus Roots have been shown to help promote relaxation (provide relief from different kinds of Stress and Anxiety) and give a sense of euphoria. Users have reported that a cup of blue lotus tea makes them less anxious and gives them restful sleep.
• Blue Lily flower acts as a pain killer (like Arnica) and also has muscle relaxant properties, thus people suffering from nerve disorders can use it for pain relief and relaxation.
• Blue Lotus stem contain nuciferine along with aporphine, that activate serotonin and dopamine receptors, thus have Sedative properties and is used as a sleep aid and as an Anxiety reliever.
• Apomorphine is also used for Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease‘s, opiate and Alcohol addiction.
• The isolation of the psychoactive apomorphine from Nymphaea species has offered chemical support to speculation that Nymphaea species may have been employed as hallucinogens in both the Old and the New World.
Foods & Nervous System
Women Health
• Blue Lily gives some relief during Menstrual cramps due to its pain relieving properties. It also has been shown to promote a regular cycle, normal flow and potentially control symptoms of pre-menstral syndrome (PMS).
• Blue Lily flower (or its extracts) can be helpful in regulating irregular periods and ease menstruation cramps.
Foods & Women Health
