Sacred Blue Lotus grown organically on a small farm in Sri Lanka. Harvested by hand and naturally air-dried to preserve the quality of this beautiful flower. Prepared and packaged in the UK.
 
Each teabag contains approximately 2.5g of prepared lotus flower. To use, simply drop in to hot water and season with citrus and honey for a delicious, relaxing tea. See further details below for other applications, and our website for more recipes.
 
Ancient recipes call for approx. 5g of flower per 1-litre of liquid, equal to about 1.25g per cup. Ancient Egyptian recipes also suggest soaking the flower in wine for increased potency.
 
The Enchanting Sacred Egyptian Blue Lotus
 
The Blue Lotus Flower, scientifically known as Nymphaea caerulea or Nymphaea nouchali, is a captivating botanical wonder that has fascinated civilizations for centuries.
Originating from the Nile region in ancient Egypt and prominently cultivated in South-East Asia, especially around temples, this flower boasts a rich history, profound cultural significance, and a myriad of versatile uses. 🌍
 
As you embark on the journey of using the Blue Lotus Flower, let us delve into its captivating history, understand its cultural significance, explore its diverse applications, and recognize its therapeutic potential.
 
History and Cultural Significance

The Blue Lotus Flower has been celebrated in ancient Sanskrit, Pali, and Sinhala literary works as a symbol of virtue, discipline, and purity.
Often referred to as the sacred lily, played a pivotal role in ancient Egyptian civilization. Depicted in hieroglyphics and art dating back to the 14th century B.C., the Blue Lotus was not merely an ornamental flower but held deep symbolic meaning. 🌷 It was associated with creation, rebirth, and the cycles of life and death.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Blue Lotus symbolized the sun god Ra and his journey across the sky. 🌞 It was believed that the flower emerged from the primordial waters, carrying with it the promise of renewal and the divine essence of life. The presence of Blue Lotus flowers in Tutankhamun's tomb underscore its sacred nature, highlighting its use in rituals associated with the afterlife.

The Blue Lotus was not only revered for its spiritual significance but also cherished for its medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians believed that consuming preparations made from the Blue Lotus could bring about a state of heightened consciousness, facilitating communication with the divine and promoting spiritual enlightenment. 💫

According to Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka, the Blue Lotus Flower is believed to have bloomed wherever Prince Siddhartha, later known as Buddha, walked during his life. The flower's auspicious presence is one of the 108 marks found on his footprint. This connection to spirituality and purity has led to the Blue Lotus being valued for religious offerings and playing a prominent role in traditional and cultural festivals in Sri Lanka. 🌺
 
In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is recognized as "Ambal" and valued for its medicinal properties. 💊

Botanical Details and Traditional Uses

As a freshwater herbaceous perennial plant, the Blue Lotus Flower grows on the bottom of ponds or lakes, creating a stunning rosette of leaves that float on the water's surface. The flowers, violet-blue with reddish edges, bloom during the day and have a distinct star-shaped appearance.
Beyond its ornamental value, the plant has been traditionally used in various ways. In Sri Lanka, it was once employed as a medicinal herb, and in the 1940s, villagers began cultivating it in rice fields during the monsoon season, making it more accessible. 🌱

The roots of the Blue Lotus are entirely edible, especially during the dry season when they are rich in starch. In Sri Lanka, the starchy rhizomes are turned into flour for baking bread. Lotus root juice is known for stopping internal bleeding and aiding those suffering from anemia. 💊

Therapeutic and Psychoactive Uses
 
Inspired by the ancient Egyptians' revered elixir, Blue Lotus, enriched with calming alkaloids, nuciferine, and aporphine, offers a gentle and serene experience. Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the Blue Lotus Flower has been associated with various therapeutic benefits. These may include:
- Calming and relaxing properties
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Mood enhancement
- A gentle sleep aid

Additionally, the flower has been linked to enhancing spiritual practices, such as:
- Meditation and yoga
- Lucid dreaming
- Psychic abilities
- Enlightenment
- Universal connection
- Channelling 🌿

It's important to note that the Blue Lotus Flower (Nymphaea caerulea) has also gained attention for its psychoactive effects. Traditionally used as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever, the flower, when consumed at higher doses, can induce euphoria and hallucinations. The psychoactive effects are attributed to aporphine alkaloids like apomorphine and nuciferine, which interact with dopamine and serotonin receptors.

And finally...
The Blue Lotus Flower is a botanical marvel that transcends cultural, historical, and therapeutic realms. Whether valued for its symbolic significance in ancient traditions, its culinary uses in South-East Asia, or its potential therapeutic benefits in modern wellness practices, the Blue Lotus stands as a testament to the enduring allure of nature.
 
As you explore the opportunity to incorporate dried Blue Lotus Flower into your life, may you discover the multifaceted beauty and rich heritage encapsulated within each delicate petal. 🌈