By Kenneth Berman
(This article first appeared in the American Free Journal Weekly Sept. 17th-23rd 2009 Vol. 20 No. 38)
– Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water Lilly Family)
– Genus: Nymphaea
– Species: caerulea
– Common names: Blue Lotus, Egyptian Blue Lotus, Blue Lilly of the Nile, Utpala
(Sanskrit). Note: The Blue Lilly (Agapanthus africanus) is a completely different plant.
- Description: This Water Lilly has typical heart shaped, long-stemmed, deep green, floating leaves. The sky blue to purplish flower is multi-peddled and radial-symmetric (having a mirror image in every direction). The long stemmed blooms can shoot up to 30cm (apprx. 1ft.) above the water’s surface. The flower’s center reproductive organs are bright yellow.
- Habitat and distribution: Native to the lowlands of The Nile River, Tanzania, Kenya and rare in Palestine. Note: Although this plant has been close to extinction in its natural habitat it has gained popularity as an herbal-medicinal and is therefore being cultivated in many places around the world.
- Legality: ALL the species of Lotus flowers are (still) 100% legal to possess, cultivate, concentrate and consume in any manner anywhere in the world!
- Toxicology classification: Hypnotic sedative (unofficial classification).
- Active compounds: Phytostreols (similar to those found in Ginko biloba – only richer.), bioflavanoids (similar to those found in Ginsing- only richer.), phosphodiastrates (active component of Viagra) and reported to contain Aporphine and/or Nuciferine (both being Dopamine agonists).
- Actions: Brain and circulation stimulant, antioxidant, astringent, haemostatic (controls bleeding), aphrodisiac, impotency, anxiety, insomnia, sedative. Note: Blue Lotus has been used as an herb to help treat bleeding disorders including internal bleeding associated with miscarriages.
- Traditional applications: Various parts of the plant have been used by African cultures in both the past and present for nutritive or healing properties. Hypnotic sedative – speculative.
Note: There is no direct factual evidence proving the use of this plant as an entheogen. In Egyptian hieroglyphics it is depicted with Mandrake and Poppies (both mind altering) and was found scattered over Tutankhamen’s body when the tomb was opened in 1922. There is much speculation as to whether the Egyptians used any sacred plants to alter their consciousness, if so it may well have been the Lotus, Mandrake and Poppy.
- Parts of plant applied: Nutritive qualities; all parts (roots, leaves and flowers), Medicinal properties; roots and seeds, Mind-altering qualities; flowers only.
- Effects: The effects from consuming Lotus are similar to those of a mild narcotic. One generally feels more relaxed, very mellow, slightly slower, mildly sedated, dreamy and euphoric. The aphrodisiac effects are noticeably mild. It is non-toxic, non-addictive and there are no listed negative side-effects.