Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) - Spice Gold & PEP Spice

 

The Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is the best smelling herb on the planet. If you have had the oportunity to stick you breath in the aroma of a large bag or barrel of blue lotus flowers, you will know exactly what we mean. Blue Lotus belongs to the Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily) family. The flowers of the blue lily have been found to contain apor-phine, a substance that is closely related to the opiate apomorphine. Many sites sell loose blue lotus and it makes for a great tea.

 

The Blue Lotus has several common names including: Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily of the Nile. It should not be confused with the "blue lily" or Agapanthus africanus, a plant of an entirely different genus.

 

Blue lily's were the most important cultivated "ritual" plants of ancient Egypt. Growing wild in the lowlands of the Nile they were esteemed for there beauty, symbolism and probably also for there inebriating effects to produce a shaman ic ecstasy among the elite priesthood. It is believed the ancient Egyptians used Blue Lotus as a medicine and ritual herb soaked in wine,, it has also been noted that the flowers were sometimes smoked for a mild sedative effect. The Blue Lotus petals can also be made into a relaxing tea.