Shara Grove Holistics

You may or may not have heard of the Blue Lotus flower before, and even if you haven’t, it’s appearance is strikingly memorable to say the least. With it’s bright yellow centre that has hints of orange, which then flare up into these elegant bluey purple petals. And the smell, oh my gosh, it’s beautiful. As beautiful as their appearance.

My story:

I first came across the Blue Lotus flower last year as an alternative to using tobacco with my friend Mary. I’ve never been a smoker of cigarettes, having come from a family of non-smokers, and being smart enough to put two and two together when people complained about their smoking addiction, I’d like to think I was smart enough to avoid them at all costs.

I did however start using tobacco in my smoke mixes as admittedly, it compliments Mary quite well in terms of experience and sensation.

This had been happening for a number of years up until I started to feel the effects of tobacco on my aging (not so aging body), which I obviously took a dislike to.

I had tried switching to lavender and sage mixes, but the flavour just wasn’t for me. Then I came across Blue Lotus…

History:

The history of this plant dates back over 3000 years to Ancient Egypt, where it was cultivated across the banks of the river Nile.

The Blue Lotus was closely associated with the sun God Ra and God of the underworld Osiris, and this could be because of the flowers interesting blooming patterns. The petals would open upon first light, following the sun’s arc throughout the day, and finally then closing at sundown. 

The Ancient Egyptians considered this process to be a symbol of death and rebirth, and the plant can be seen on many hieroglyphics and artifacts.

And it’s history hasn’t just influenced Ancient Egypt, the Blue Lotus is recognised in Buddhisms and Hinduism as a spiritual symbol and powerful meditation tool.

Primary Active Compounds:

Apomorphine:

֎ Apomorphine appears often in clinical settings as anesthesia and to ease sleep problems associated with Parkinson’s disease. Studies also link apomorphine to reduced anxiety levels. 

֎ Physicians recognize apomorphine as the oldest anti-Parkinson’s drug on the market and increasingly prescribe it in Europe for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease that have motor fluctuations.

֎ Apomorphine’s serotonin and dopamine stimulation creates euphoric effects that enhance mood and increase alertness. 

Nuciferine:

֎ Nuciferine can relax arteries and ease inflammation, which might contribute to therapeutic effects that help with anxiety, sleep, and muscle performance.

֎ Another study suggests nuciferine may have potential therapeutic applications as an anti-psychotic drug. The nuciferine receptor profile is similar to clozapine, one of the most successful anti-psychotic drugs.

֎ Nuciferine’s dopamine receptor-blocking activity results in sedation, relaxation, and potential anxiety relief.

Medicinal and Spiritual Uses:

֎ Promotes deep relaxation
֎ Enhanced meditations
֎ Improved digestion
֎ Anxiety relief
֎ Sleep enhancer
֎ Enhanced libido and sexual experiences
֎ Mental clarity
֎ Rich in antioxidants
֎ Mood booster
֎ Dream enhancer
֎ Reduce muscle tension and soreness
֎ Treatment for fevers
֎ Anti-inflammatory
֎ Anti-oxidant

How To Incorporate Blue Lotus Into Your Life:

֎ Infuse the plant into teas, cacaos and other hot drinks
֎ Inhale the dried plant through smoking
֎ Use the dried flowers as potpourri
֎ Use the essential oil in diffusers
֎ Use the oil for skin and hair care
֎ Use the scent of the Blue Lotus flower to bring calm, tranquility and peace into your mind
֎ Use the dried flower, resin or oil in baths for added sensory, pleasure and relaxation purposes
֎ Use the flower before meditations or bed time and experiment with the added spiritual benefits

My Experience:

I’ve mostly consumed Blue Lotus through inhalation, but I have also infused it in my cacao and used it as a tincture.

My personal experience, I would say I have had a greater effect through inhalation. I also can’t deny that I have had more vivid dreams, relaxed mental states and body sensations, as well as healthier digestion and clearer meditations since bringing Blue Lotus into my life.

Since starting to use Blue Lotus, I’ve definitely become more aware of the reason why I am smoking.

Is it because I need help relieving stress or a running mind?

Could it be because my body feels unable to relax?

Do I just want a pleasurable experience?

Or do I want to enhance my meditation time?

These are important questions to ask before smoking, why? Because it helps you become more intuitive with your smoking. It helps you question the habit and break it (if you want to).

I can’t say for sure the Blue Lotus tincture improved my meditation experience as I’ve only used the tincture once, however the meditation I had at the time had some surrounding distractions, perhaps it was the Blue Lotus that kept me more focused than distracted?
I have however infused Blue Lotus into my cacaos on the nights of a full moon, which have not only enhanced my experiences those nights, but also add a delicious, vibrant and feminine energy into my cacao drinks.

So honestly, I’ve had great experiences with it, but I understand it isn’t for everyone. Whether that be the way it is consumed or the plant itself.

What I will say though, is if you are feeling like you’ve been hitting a wall with any of the issues Blue Lotus can help with, there is no harm to at least doing your own research on it…