NYMPHAEA CERULEA HERBAL MONOGRAPH

Ancient Egyptians revered Nymphaea cerulea as a medicinal herb and spiritual flower, a symbol of life and immortality - believing the Blue Lotus could provide a spiritual connection to the afterlife, and communication with the Divine. This Sacred Lilly of the Nile served as an essential element in religious ceremonies and shamanic rituals. Rich in antioxidants and psychoactive alkaloids that imbibe it with therapeutic effects noted for helping with anxiety, and depression, sleep and libido.

Botanical Name: Nymphaea nouchali var cerulea.

Common Name: Blue Lotus, Egyptian Blue Lilly, Sacred Lilly of the Nile.

Family:  Nymphaeaceae.

Description: A perennial aquatic herb with a tuberous rhizome which anchors in dam, lake or river mud. Floating, rounded leaves 20-40cm in diameter, with notched margins and a cleft to the centre where a long petiole (leaf stalk) connects it to the rhizome. Large. bisexual, blue-purple star shaped flowers stand above the water, with four green sepals, many blue -purple petals and numerous blue-tipped, bright golden-yellow stamens in the centre which hold a divine, pungent scent. Native to north-eastern Africa, and also to parts of south-western Asia. Introduced and naturalised in other tropical regions.

Parts Used: Flowers.

Energetics: Warming.

Taste: Bitter, aromatic.

Actions: Sedative, hypnotic, nervine, febrifuge (reduce fever), aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory. Blue Lotus has a particular affinity for the kidneys, heart and nervous system.

Folklore & Traditions: In Ancient Egypt, Blue Lotus was cultivated in temple lakes, and along the Nile River, then exported throughout the Mediterranean. The flowers were prescribed to treat the liver, to remedy constipation, as an antidote to poisons, to cleanse the blood and regulate the urinary system. It was used in ancient Egypt for its entheogenic (mind. perception, behaviour & cognition altering) qualities as part of religious ceremonies to reach higher levels of consciousness and connect to the Divine. Egyptians believed the Blue Lotus could provide a spiritual connection to the afterlife. They would steep the Blue Lotus flowers in wine for several weeks and use it as a sacred sacrament.

The Sacred Lilly of the Nile is a symbol of life after death, and of rebirth. The flowers bloom for 3 days, opening with the sun and closing at night. Ancient Egyptians  believed this solar attunement, and the flower’s golden center, symbolised the Blue Lotus as where the sun god, Ra, emerged from. The Blue Lotus also served as an essential element in religious ceremonies, funerals and shamanic rituals, due to its psychoactive properties. The Tibetan Book of the Dead mentions the plant in several chapters referring to magical and religious rituals. 

It is used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for dyspepsia, enteritis, diarrhoea, urinary problems, fevers and heart palpitations.

Constituents: Anthocyanins, anthraquinones, emodins, fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), flavonols. luecoanthocyanins, glycosides, phenols, coumarins, tannins, triterpenoids. Notable compounds thought responsible for ritual uses are two aporphine alkaloids - apomorphine and nuciferine.

Medicinal Uses: Insomnia. Egyptians utilised the plant to calm tension and stress, soothe emotions, as a sleep aid and to induce lucid dreaming.

Anxiety & depression. Blue Lotus flowers are both sedative and stimulating, creating a relaxed, open sensation while also energizing the body and mind - helping to relieve chronic stress, anxiety and depression. Ancient cultures were aware the Blue Lotus was psychoactive and could produce a high. Scientific studies attribute Nymphaea cerulea’s therapeutic powers to its main  apomorphine alkaloids - nuciferene and apomorphine.

Apomorphine, a non-selective dopamine agonist, is primarily utilised in treating Parkinson's disease as it boosts dopamine receptors and improves motor function. Amomorpohine is also a psychoactive compound that stimulates serotonin receptors, giving feelings of calming euphoria. Aporphine functions as a dopamine agonist that activates dopamine receptors, (essentially the opposite effect as nuciferine), creating a happy, uplifted, and euphoric feeling.

Nuciferine acts as a dopamine receptor blocker, blocking excessive dopamine receptor stimulation, serving as an anxiety reliever, a natural anti-spasmodic and sleep aid. Studies suggest nuciferine may have potential therapeutic applications as an antipsychotic drug. The nuciferine receptor profile is similar to Clozapine, one of the most successful antipsychotic drugs.

Aphrodisiac. Blue Lotus contains compounds which enhance libido and treat erectile dysfunction. Apomorphine and nuciferene found in Nymphaea cerulea can be utilised with excellent results to treat erectile dysfunction, having been reported in studies to be useful as an aphrodisiac and to remedy erectile dysfunction Also used to improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers.

Natural anaesthetic. Nuciferine’s interactions with dopamine receptors have been shown to have anaesthetic effect, producing a numbing physical effect, along with the emotional effect to experience trauma or pain without lasting trauma or shock effect. Nymphaea cerulea is a natural pain remedy for a variety of conditions such as neuropathic pain and  inflammation, and fibromyalgia. Poultices of Blue Lotus leaf have also been used to alleviate the pain of burns, haemorrhoids, and bleeding wounds

Purify the blood. Blue Lotus has been used since ancient times to purify the liver, kidneys and urinary system. Traditionally used to cleanse the blood, as an antidote to poisons, and to relieve oedema (fluid retention).

Gastrointestinal issues. Blue Lotus has traditionally been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract problems and to expel worms and parasites. The flowers were traditionally prescribed to settle an upset stomach, for diarrhoea, dyspepsia and to remedy constipation.

Other medicinal uses  include being used to treat tuberculosis, balance blood sugar levels, ease heart palpitations and staunch internal bleeding,

Chakra: Crown and Third Eye.

Astrological Correspondence: Venus and the Sun.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is generally mild and harmless unless taken in very large doses, which can lead to feeling uneasy, disoriented, and an increase in heart rate. When combined with pharmaceutical painkillers, Blue Lotus can cause nausea, dizziness, or disorientation.

References: Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/blue-lotus.

https://www.herbaldimensions.com/blogs/news/plant-monograph-sacred-blue-lily-of-the-nile

https://wisdom.thealchemistskitchen.com/blue-lotus-flower-of-intuitive-ascension/

Disclaimer: This blog post  is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.