When people think of psychedelics, LSD and magic mushrooms come to mind, but not so much Blue Lotus. In the last few years, the spotlight has moved on from these high-profile compounds to less regulated psychedelics like Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Blue Lotus was once used in ancient shamanistic and healing rituals, and now many take a modern supplemental approach to the plant.
RELATED: Child star ditched Hollywood to become psychedelic therapist
Many apothecaries and shops sell Blue Lotus, including MN Nice Ethnobotanicals, a plant shop founded by Christian Rasmussen.
“Blue lotus is a really wonderful plant with many uses,” Rasmussen shared with GreenState. “It has a nice relaxing, euphoric quality to it. It can be subtle, but it’s definitely noticeable. It’s an oneirgon, meaning it enhances dreams, and it’s a really powerful one at that! People will use it for dream enhancement or lucid dreaming.”
It has many touted benefits, but others also warn of possible issues that may arise after ingestion. Here are some of the reported benefits and risks of the flower.
All about Blue Lotus
Nymphaea caerulea, also known as Blue Lotus, is a beautiful bloom with pointed petals and a firework yellow stamen emerging from the center. Other names for the flower are blue Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily.
Ancient papyri and tomb walls feature carvings of the flower, leading historians to explore ancient uses. Many believe that the periwinkle flower was once a traditional Egyptian medicine used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Ancient shamans also utilized the lily to induce trance-like states.
Now, scientists know that psychoactive euphoria and possible benefits come from its most prevalent compounds: nuciferine and apomorphine. These are the two main alkaloids in the plant and can act as antipsychotics. Anyone taking antipsychotics should speak with a doctor before consuming preparations of this plant.
It also contains flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Like weed, many compounds come together to make this psychedelic flower special.
How to use the Blue Lotus flower
Tea and smokeable preparations use the entire flower including the baby blue petals and the yellow center. These organic materials are ground and put into teas or rolled up and smoked. Certain sellers may mix Blue Lotus with cannabinoids or other mind-altering herbs to accentuate the experience.
Those who are barred from consuming cannabis for work or other reasons should carefully read all labels to ensure the florals are weed free. Also, this plant is not currently approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) meaning it is crucial to read test results and only buy from trustworthy sources.
Ingesting or inhaling the compounds can cause people to feel a giddy high.
“Blue lotus has a subtle euphoric feeling to it,” Rasmussen said. “It generally will relax one and lift their mood, while putting them into somewhat of a flow state. There’s a slight, pleasant body sensation that can be really enjoyable.”
Potential uses for the Egyptian flower
Despite limited research on the flower, people have long used its preparations to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and improve sexual function. While nothing is proven, nuciferine and apomorphine are said to be responsible for any potential benefits. It is regarded as a euphoric herb ideal for getting high, but may also have therapeutic properties.
Rasmussen weighed in on reports of the plant’s use for focus and mindfulness.
“It’s also quite the heart opener and allows people to connect with love, compassion, and empathy very well. Blue Lotus is also a potent aphrodisiac, and it works really well for meditation, calming the thoughts in the mind and allowing one to go deep into their practice.”
A good amount of preliminary research supports the argument that Blue Lotus could offset erectile dysfunction, perhaps due to its potential to modulate blood pressure about 20 minutes after consuming the petals. While much research supports the uses of this flower, there are relevant warnings worth heeding.
Warnings about Egyptian lotus
Five active duty military members were studied after consuming too much of the plant. Four had vaped and inhaled the compounds and one drank a tea. Each military member recovered after experiencing high heart rates, high blood pressure, and a general lack of grasp on reality. Now, the Department of Defense has explicitly banned the flower for active duty members.
Like all mind-altering compounds, there are reports of both good and bad experiences with the sacred blue lily. The lack of FDA oversight means consumers must be discerning, purchasing from sources that test their products or are otherwise transparent.
Be sure that the product is clean from a reputable store, and consult with a doctor if you are on medications. With that said, there are many uses for Blue Lotus, the next alternative hallucinogen to hit the scene.
RELATED: Science can prove what strain your smoking, here’s how
Blue Lotus FAQ
There are many unknowns about this Egyptian flower. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Blue Lotus.
Can Blue Lotus flower get you high?
Many report a euphoric high after consuming or inhaling Blue Lotus flower.
Is Blue Lotus legal?
Blue Lotus is by The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has not scheduled Blue Lotus, which means it not technically illegal. Check individual state and city laws before traveling with the flower.
Can you smoke Blue Lotus?
People smoke ground Blue Lotus and vape it but there is little to no data on the health implications that accompany that practice.
Does Blue Lotus have caffeine?
Blue Lotus flower does not contain caffeine. However, the search results on this query can be confusing as there is a brand named Lotus that sells a blue-colored energy drink with 160mg of caffeine. Blue Lotus flower is not the same as blue Lotus energy drinks.
Is Blue Lotus safe?
There is little research on the long-term use impact or safety of Blue Lotus.
Does Blue Lotus help with sleep?
Many believe Blue Lotus tea, vapes, or rolled joints help them sleep.
Does Blue Lotus help with erectile dysfunction?
A small amount of preliminary research has shown the sacred blue lily’s ability to potentially modulate blood pressure which could help offset erectile dysfunction.
This flower could have potential, but tread mindfully
There is potential in Blue Lotus, but the lack of FDA oversight and possible contraindications with certain pharmaceuticals make it one to approach cautiously. Only buy this flower from trustworthy sources and consult with a doctor before consuming if you take antipsychotics or other medications. For those interested in plants for common ailments and practices, this flower may be one to watch.
