Blue lotus: description, effects & psychoactivity

Blue lotus – a magical water lily with powerful effects

What is a blue water lily?

The blue lotus, Latin Nymphaea Caerulea, is a perennial aquatic plant. It has waxy round or oval flat leaves and star-shaped colourful flowers.

The blue lotus has a long history. Archaeological findings suggest that this plant was used for religious and medicinal purposes in ancient Egypt, and like cats and falcons, it was revered as a symbol of life, strength and renewal. Later, it was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

The blue water lily contains a diverse mixture of natural substances that could have significant therapeutic potential and bring new possibilities to modern medicine.

These substances include anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, natural acids and others. These compounds belong to a broad group of polyphenols, which are known to be powerful antioxidants. In addition, it contains a number of other substances that could affect blood clotting, digestion, or act against inflammation and tumours.

A run for relaxation and balance

Put on your hats, fasten your seatbelts, and let's go! On this ride, you'll get to know the blue lotus up close.

The power of antioxidants

Just as a shell protects a turtle 🐢, antioxidants from blue lotus could protect cells from damage and promote their healthy growth. Thanks to antioxidants, blue lotus has the potential to slow down skin ageing, contribute to stronger immunity, metabolism, neuroprotection and cardiovascular health.

However, these effects are mainly based on the generally known properties of antioxidants and not on studies directly investigating blue lotus.

An oasis of calm

The pond in the flamingo enclosure, dotted with blooming water lilies, looks harmonious at first glance 🦩. However, blue water lily is also associated with relaxation because of its effects.

Although there are no studies yet that specifically examine the calming properties of blue water lilies, we know that the plant contains nuciferin, a substance that acts on serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Through these receptors, it can contribute to calmness, improved mood and pleasant euphoria without causing a psychotic state.

A flamingo practicing yoga next to Blue Lotus Resin Hash represents Blue Lotus products, relaxation and balance in the CannabiZoo universe

Diabetes under control  🐎

Just as fish in an aquarium need filtered water 🐠, our bodies need to maintain a balance of substances. Research has shown that blue water lily leaf extract can slow down the activity of the enzyme alpha-amylase, which breaks down starches into sugars in the body, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. The higher the dose of the extract, the stronger the effect.

This could open up new possibilities in the treatment of diabetes. However, testing has so far only been carried out in laboratory conditions, and further studies are needed to confirm the anti-diabetic effect.

Predator hunting leukaemia cells 🐅

Similar to how predators regulate rodent populations on hillsides 🦅, substances from blue water lilies may reportedly interfere with the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. This was suggested by a study in which scientists tested blue water lily extract on acute myeloid leukaemia cells and human kidney cells in the laboratory.

The results showed that the extract can trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells while balancing the imbalance of immune signalling molecules (cytokines) that is typical of leukaemia, without damaging healthy human cells.

End of the excursion: What to take away?

The blue water lily is a fascinating plant that has rightfully earned its place in human culture and healing traditions for thousands of years.

Modern research shows that it could protect and support healthy cells, slow down ageing, strengthen immunity, regulate metabolism and support the brain and heart. Blue lotus is mainly associated with relaxation and pleasant euphoria. Research suggests that it could also play a role in the treatment of more serious diseases.

However, it is important to keep in mind that further research is needed to confirm these effects.

FAQ

1. Is blue lotus psychoactive?

Blue lotus contains a substance called nuciferine, which acts on serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, so it can be considered a psychoactive plant. However, according to available data, the risk of psychotic states is very low with authentic extract, as the nuciferine content in authentic extract is low.

2. Does blue water lily have any side effects?

As there are not enough studies on the effects of blue water lily, we do not know its side effects.

Blue lotus is classified as a psychoactive plant, but the risk of altered consciousness is low with pure flower extract. Nevertheless, there are cases that warn of the powerful effects of blue lotus products. One such case involves five soldiers who were taken to the emergency room with altered consciousness after consuming the plant.

Four of them vaporised the substance and one drank wine with water lily extract. Two compounds were responsible for the intoxicating effects in this case: nuciferine and apomorphine. However, nuciferine occurs naturally in blue water lily only in small amounts, and apomorphine is not present at all — it is produced synthetically, for example, from nuciferine. It was therefore probably an admixture.

It follows that although the risk of altered perception is low with this plant, products sold as blue lotus are not controlled and may contain substances that cause psychotic states.

3. Are products sold as blue lotus pure extracts?

They should be, but unfortunately many of them are not. A 2024 study that tested 29 products showed that 90% of them also contain new synthetic cannabinoids that attempt to mimic the psychoactive cannabinoid THC and have a stronger and less predictable effect. Be careful and always buy only quality products from trusted manufacturers.

4. Is blue lotus legal?

In most countries, yes. It is banned in Poland, Lithuania and Russia, and may be regulated in some states. In addition, legislation changes frequently and rapidly. If you want to purchase it, always check the current situation in your region.

5. Can I grow blue lotus at home?

Blue lotus can be grown at home in a pond or aquarium, if it is legal in your region.

6. How is blue lotus used?

Blue lotus is used in various forms, but unfortunately, there is no research to confirm its safety and provide accurate information about its potency and dosage.

In ancient Egypt, the plant was used to make tea, used in aromatherapy, or smoked. Today, in addition to dried flowers, essential oils, hash, and even vapes are also sold.

  

Sources:

   

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

   

   

Photo: AI

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