Blue Lotus was once considered sacred by ancient Egyptians. No wonder, when the tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun was opened in the year 1922, his body was found to be covered with blue lotus petals. At first, many historians thought that its flowers were just purely symbolic, but there was evidence that suggest that this plant was used as an aphrodisiac, sexual enhancer, stimulant, and medicine. Blue Lotus Flower tea encapsulates all of these benefits.
The blue lotus flower which symbolized the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt had also deeper religious significance back then. It was believed that, in the beginning, when the world was covered with water and darkness, a large blue lotus appeared. The flower opened and light appeared. From the centre of the lotus came Ra, the sun god who created all forms of life. Thus, the blue lotus flower became the symbolic depiction of the origins of life.
Aside from its importance as a symbol of creation, the flower of this plant was the symbol of Nefertem, the Egyptian god of healing, beautification, perfumes, and aromatherapy. In another story, Nefertem brought a water lily to Ra, to ease his suffering as he aged. For this reason, the ancient Egyptians believed that the perfume from its flower was not only sweet-smelling; it had the ability to heal as well.
Characteristics of the Blue Lotus Flower Plant
Nymphaea caerulea (also known as the sacred blue lily, blue lotus or blue Egyptian lotus) is a plant native to northern and central Africa is a tropical water lily that spread widely in ancient times. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial with broadly rounded leaves is famous for its beautiful elegant flowers that are sweetly fragrant and were often depicted in ancient Egyptian art. Like other species that belong to the genus, Nymphaea, this plant contains the aporphine alkaloid, which has a psychoactive effect that provides users with a feeling of euphoria. It’s used in its blue lotus flower, as a blue lily extract in tea and foods, as well as an incense.
Flavour Profile
Although blue lotus tea smells beautifully floral, its taste is much more complex and provides a strong earthy flavour, similar to beets, with a slight sweetness similar to anise. This tea is actually a tisane but sips like a rich, flavourful tea that we think many would also enjoy!
Modern Medicinal Value of Blue Lotus
The blue lotus flower is as magical as ancient Egypt itself. Not only it is relaxing, but it can also have benefits on the mood and the overall health as well. Below are the other benefits that one can get from tea made from this water lily:
It is a natural analgesic
The use of the blue lotus flower as an analgesic can be traced back to ancient Egypt where it was discovered as a flower with pain-relieving properties. Its effectivity has stood the test of time as it is still being used to alleviate moderate pain, ease strained joints, and relieve muscle stress in the body in modern times.
It is an aphrodisiac
Ancient Egyptians held fertility festivals every spring as the Nile River flooded. These festivals included public drunkenness, dancing, and religiously-charged orgies. The blue lotus flower was basically the “party drug” back then, because of its ability to promote sex drive. Its popularity as a libido enhancer did not wane as many modern couples use it as an aphrodisiac to improve physical intimacy in their relationships. The alkaloids in the flower can also help improve fertility levels in both men and women.
It has anti-diabetic properties
Drinking a cup of blue lotus flower tea may help prevent or delay diabetes since it reduces cholesterol levels in the body and it contains components that can help regulate insulin secretion such as nuciferine and Nymphayol. However, this plant should not be consumed by patients who take anti-diabetes medications since the blood sugar levels may go down to a dangerous level. In this case, it is advisable that a physician should be consulted first.
It can boost the immune system
Blue lotus is a powerhouse of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals or unstable atoms that can cause illnesses and trigger premature aging by causing damage to the cells. For this reason, tea made from this plant can help prevent illnesses and delay the signs of aging. No wonder, this herb was considered sacred to the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Even in those times, its ability to heal was widely recognized.
It is a mild sedative
The sacred blue lily is a mild sedative that may provide a mild sense of euphoria, promote calmness, and induce sleep. Users have reported that a cup of blue lotus flower tea lowers their stress levels and helps them to be less anxious. They are also able to have restful sleep. Thus, people with insomnia may benefit from it.
The blue lotus flower was often associated with the divine by ancient Egyptians. It is not only beautiful, but it is magical as well as it may bring peace, tranquillity, and good health to those who consume it.
If you’re as enamoured by the sound of this plant and tea as we were, you may just love the taste and benefits of this tea as well. Shop our range of Blue Lotus Flower tea at Tea Life today!
