ColorBAT

We here at ColorBAT have tried several times to purchase seeds and start them... all unsuccessful!

We found a breeder where we could buy a "Blue Lotus", baby, plant!!
I am told that the correct name of the plant that we have acquired is Nymphaea Blue Capensis (pronounced nim'fē ca-pen-sis). I have not been able to determine the difference, if there is any, between a nymphaea blue capensis and a nymphaea caerulea (pronounced nim'fē ca-'rule-a). According to Webster's Dictionary, the word 'nymphaea' is plural for nympha... which refers to part of the female sexual organ.... which was probably named from 'nymph' which means one of the numerous class of lesser deities of mythology, conceived of as beautiful maidens inhabiting the sea, rivers, woods, trees, mountains, etc.

Both plants are tropical, day-blooming, lilies (the name "blue lotus" appears to be an erroneous throw-back to much older times) that appear to be identical to each other from the plants and photos of each that I have seen of each. We hope to propagate our nymphaea blue capensis and make them available to other folks. We are also going to continue our search for the nymphaea caerulea... just in case there is a difference!!

According to texts that I have found......

Nymphaea caerulea, (Blue Lotus) is often confused with Agapanthus africanus (Blue Lily). Though the two plants look nothing alike (aside from being blue), both Nymphaea caerulea and Agapanthus africanus are sometimes refered to as the "blue lily". "Blue lily" seems to be a more accurate name for Agapanthus africanus. Nymphaea caerulea is more commonly called the "blue lotus" or "blue water lily". It is Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lotus) which may have been used in ancient Egypt as an entheogen.

Rumored to contain aporphine or apomorphine (6a-beta-aporphine-10,11-diol [Merck]) - a dopamine agonist - as well as perhaps nuciferine (1,2-dimethoxy-aporphine).

Species name Nyphaea caerulea (also known as the Blue Lotus of the Nile. It contains an anti-spasmotic called Nuciferin, and likely contains aporphine (NOT Apomorphine as earlier suggested). Dosage: Probably about 3-5 flowers, or about 5g. Method: Eat (put in capsuls; takes longer) or make "Tea (use about 20-25oz of water to get maximum content)." Effects: The history of this species says that is appears to be a hypnotic sedative (sort of like the Cannabis of ancient Egypt). Everything I've come across seems to refute the idea of this being MDMA-like, except the TV Production (Sacred Weeds program, and an ignorant program at that). No one seems to know much about this plant! It is much like Cannabis, codeine or propoxyphene; maybe a little hallucinatory (at higher doses)- but mainly hypnotic like Cannabis/opiods. More to come...

Actually, it is a pretty good sedative with a mild, opiod like feeling (the 5g tea).

A literature search will very quickly show that W. A. Emboden has been writing about this narcotic plant and its relation to ancient Egypt, in several journals since at least 1978. Emboden, W. A. (1978) The sacred narcotic lily of the Nile: Nymphaea caerulea. Econ Bot 32(4):395-407

Nuciferine, the drug, is known as an antispasmodic and a common constituent of plants in the Nymphaea genus. A Medline search will demonstrate this.

Species Available (note: strengths may differ):

The Blue Lotus of the Nile (Lotus = Lilly?) -Nymphaea Caerulea

The White Water Lilly -Nymphaea Odorata

The Siberian Red WaterLilly -Nymphaea alba var. roseas

The Yellow Pond Lilly -Nuphar Luteum (?)

Blue Lotus General Information
Called "Viagra" of the Pharoahs, Blue Lotus was used by ancient Egyptians to enhance the sex drive. Egyptians medicinal practitioners also used this flower to stimulate blood flow, and as an anti aging treatment. The ancients worshipped Blue Lotus as a visionary plant and it was the symbol for the origins of life. When this flower was soaked in water or wine, and then ingested it acted as an intoxicant. The Indians and Buddhist highly respected it for its visionary properties. This flower creates a feeling of well being, euphoria and ecstasy.

Blue Lotus Uses & Scientific Evidence For
Recent biochemical studies have shown a flavonoid in Blue Lotus that is similar to Ginkgo. It can be used by men and women as an aphrodisiac and as a general remedy for all illness. Blue Lotus is a pain reliever, it stimulates circulation, relieves muscle spasms, and enhances the sex drive. It is possible that Blue Lotus could be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, and tinnitus.

Blue Lotus Dosage Information
The standard dosage of Blue Lotus tincture is 6-10 drops in juice, water, or under the tongue 2 times per day.

Blue Lotus Safety & Interaction Information
There are no known safety issues or interactions associated with Blue Lotus when taken in the recommended doses. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.