Let's dive into the world of the magical blue lotus flower and learn about its history, uses, effects, spiritual properties, where to buy it, and more!
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What is Blue Lotus Flower?
The blue lotus flower is a sacred Egyptian water lily known as Nymphaea caerulea. In Egypt and throughout the rest of Africa, it is known as the "Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile". It was mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead as "The lily which shines in the Earth".
India, Thailand, Greece, and Syria also have well-documented uses of this vibrant flower as both an herbal remedy and as part of spiritual practices. Eventually, the blue lotus was traded as far as the pre-Columbian Americas.
Depictions of the blue lotus flower have been found on the walls of Egyptian tombs, temples devoted to the goddess Isis in Greece, and Mayan art, to name a few.
In ancient Egypt, blue lotus flowers were made into an intoxicating and relaxing blue lotus wine that was used in ceremonies as a bridge to connecting to the divine, as well as for its strong aphrodisiac properties.
Where Do Blue Lotus Flowers Grow?
Some of the strong symbolism connected to the blue Egyptian lotus stems from its unique growing conditions. Originally found growing along the Nile river, it can now be found throughout much of Africa and Asia.
The blue lotus flower's roots dive deep into the mud below bodies of water, its vibrant blooms rising above the water to greet the sun.
The flower petals of the blue lotus open each morning, and close each evening, hence its connection to the sun god Ra.
Blue lotus requires plenty of sunshine, and a warm environment and is also considered an endangered plant species.
Is Blue Lotus Illegal?
In the United States, blue lotus is only considered illegal in the state of Louisiana. Worldwide, the blue lotus flower is considered illegal in Poland, Latvia, and Russia.
Blue Lotus Effects
The blue lotus flower has been used for centuries in ceremony and spiritual practice, as well as a health aid.
Blue lotus is known to have mild psychoactive effects due to compounds such as nuciferine that impact serotonin and dopamine receptors that are responsible for pain management, sleep, behavior, and much, much more.
Blue lotus is known to induce a state of euphoria, calmness, and relaxation when taken in tea and tincture form.
Blue lotus is also used as a sleep aid for the purpose of lucid dreaming or shamanic journeying, and to relieve insomnia.
Blue lotus flower contains apomorphine which has been shown to improve motor function, making it a useful ally for Parkinson's disease.
Ancient Egyptians used blue lotus as a sexual aid due to its aphrodisiac properties, and it is purported to help erectile dysfunction.
Some people experience mild visual hallucinations from this sacred lotus bloom.
How to Use Blue Lotus Flower
Blue lotus flower tea is one of the easier preparations for exploring the properties of this blue water lily. You can brew a cup of this herbal tea before bed to explore enhanced dreaming or simply to experience a calming effect before sleep.
Dried blue lotus flowers can also be rolled and smoked or used in a vaporizer for vaping by grinding the dried blue lotus flowers.
You can make blue lotus wine, as inspired by the Ancient Egyptians, by soaking dried blue lotus flowers in wine for a few days before consuming it.
Inhaling the smoke of blue lotus is another way to enjoy its effects. You can burn dried blue lotus flower petals as incense for this purpose.
Blue lotus can also be enjoyed in extract form as an alcohol-based tincture or alcohol-free glycerite. Blue lotus flower extract can easily be added to food and beverages as needed. This is a great choice for those in need of an anxiety reliever.
What are the Spiritual Properties of Blue Lotus?
Spiritually speaking, the blue lotus flower represents death, rebirth, and the light of the sun.
The journey this sacred plant takes, rooting into the mud, then its blooms rising to greet the sun is seen as symbolic of emerging from the dark into the light.
The flowers were steeped in wine in ancient Egypt as a means of achieving an altered state and connecting to the divine.
In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the blue lotus was mentioned as a vehicle for ascension.
A temple in Greece has a carved relief depicting blue lotus flowers being used as an offering to the goddess Isis. It is believed that blue lotus flowers were used to cleanse and purify the temple.
The psychoactive effects and ability to induce lucid dreams make blue lotus a wonderful ally to incorporate into spiritual practices.
Where to Buy Blue Lotus Flower
These days blue lotus flower is most commonly found in dried form everywhere from Etsy and Amazon, to small and large herbal apothecaries and suppliers. Be certain to research the source and take into account reviews before purchasing to ensure that not only is the correct plant being sold, but high quality as well. If you are feeling adventurous, you can endeavor to grow your own blue lotus at home as well.
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