Plant Description

Blue waterlily is a clump-forming, aquatic perennial herb with thick black spongy tuberous rhizomes anchored in the pond mud by spreading roots. The water lily does not have true stems.  The plant is growing in freshwater habitats (i.e. dams, ponds, lakes, lagoons, wetlands, and slow-moving waterways).  This beautiful blue flower is considered holy by Indians, particularly the Buddhists. Historians have always considered the blue lily symbolically rich and associated it with the ancient Egyptian culture. But recent research has discovered that it has healing properties as well. It was used by ancient Egyptians as a stimulant to increase sexual desire. It was also a symbol of the Egyptian deity ‘Nefertem’. Today we know that the sacred blue lily can be used for a variety of medical purposes. It can be used to make various healthy concoctions including blue lotus tea, wine and martinis! All you need to do is to soak the petals for up to three weeks to obtain the intoxicating beverage.

Leaves

Leaves are polymorphic, sub-orbicular to cordate or oval, about 10-45 cm long and  9-43 cm wide, base deeply hastate or cordate, margin entire or slightly undulate, apex obtuse or rounded, lowest pair of veins straight and divergently produced and basal lobes, basal lobes unequal, usually floating or submerged, membranous when young and coriaceous, prominently veined when mature beneath, long petiolate.

They are relatively short-lived and are replaced regularly throughout the growing season. They start out as a soft shiny green at the center of the plant. As they age, the petiole lengthens, pushing the leaf towards the outer perimeter making room for the new growth, and they develop light brown or purple splashes which eventually cover the leaf, leaving only the veins green. They then start to die, turning yellow then brown and eventually disappearing under the water.

Flower

The large, elegant blue flowers are held well above the water at the tip of a sturdy green stalk and appear almost constantly from spring until the end of summer (September to February). They are bisexual, star-like and regular, with 4 sepals, green on the outside and white to blue on the inside, and many blue petals. In the center of the flower are numerous blue-tipped bright golden yellow stamens.

There are a different color form other than blue that occasionally occur, e.g. white, mauve and pink, but blue is the most common and the water lilies at Kirstenbosch are blue. Flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open around 9:30 am and close about 3:00 pm and stay closed all night. The flowers and buds do not rise above the water in the morning, nor do they submerge at night. The opening and closing mechanism of the flowers is controlled by the sepals. If they are removed, the flower loses the ability to close. A fully open flower measures 15-20 cm across and each flower lasts for about four days. The flowers are sweetly fragrant and are visited constantly by bees who are the most likely pollinator.

History of Blue lotus

Blue Lotus plant was originally found in ancient Egypt, where it has grown abundantly along the Nile River for centuries. There, it has formed part of daily life and has been commonly used for a number of applications. While some valued it for its mental sharpening abilities, others admired its aesthetic beauty, and women would often decorate their hair with it in order to enhance their beauty.

Fans of the occult used it as a sacrament to aid in widening their awareness and heighten their consciousness during particular ceremonial rituals, rite of passage initiations, as well as the celebration of specific harvests.

Different Varieties

There are five African varieties:

• Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea: It is widespread all over South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana and Namibia as well as further north in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Mozambique, DRC, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania Sudan, Egypt and West Africa, from sea level to 2700 m. In the Western Cape it is often found growing with Aponogeton distachyos, the waterblommetjie.
• Nymphaea nouchali var. ovalifolia: It occurs in the former Transvaal and Botswana, as well as in Tanzania and the DRC.
• Nymphaea nouchali var. petersiana: It occurs in the former Transvaal, KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia, and in Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Angola.
• Nymphaea nouchali var. zanzibarensis: It occurs in the former Transvaal and KwaZulu-Natal, and in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and the DRC.
• Nymphaea nouchali var. mutandaensis: It occurs only in Uganda.

Blue waterlily Image Gallery

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Health Benefits of Blue Waterlily

In today’s world where the pollution levels are very high, consumers are constantly attracted to cosmetic products which includes of natural ingredients and extracts of nature. Natural extracts are also supportive in body massage and some forms of yoga. Some of the benefits of the Blue water lily are listed below:

1. Treat Depression

With the growing competition and stressful life, mental disorders are increasing at a fast pace. Root of this beneficial flower treats several mind related disorders like anxiety, stress, memory loss, depression etc. in an herbal way. It helps in improving the memory power.

2. Good for Diabetes

Diabetes, which has taken epidemic proportions today, can be easily and effectively treated with the seeds of this medicinal flower. Diabetic difficulties such as cardiovascular problems are potentially regulated by this sacred water lily.

3. Sharper Mind and Memory

Have you noticed recently that you’re not remembering things as well as you used to? Blue lotus flower can help a lot to you. Not only do users report a heightened sense of spiritual awareness, they also experience improved memory as well.

Blue lotus herb helps promote a healthier circulatory system, which means that blood flows through the body more easily. Sharper mind and memory is a result of the increased circulation to the brain. Blue lotus thus helps accelerate the process of forming memories.

4. Treats Gastrointestinal Problems

Stomach disorders like diarrhea and dysentery can be cured by using the rhizome of this beautiful sacred river flower. Its rhizome possesses the ability to treat dyspepsia. This flower is also used in treating jaundice and other internal gastrointestinal disorders. Consuming concoctions containing this healthy herb is known to help treat damaged liver too.

5. Menstruation Problems

Some women go through hell each month because of numerous menstruation problems. These problems can be treated and naturally cured by the usage of Blue waterlily. The use of this flower or its extracts can help normalize irregular periods and ease menstruation cramps.

6. Chronic Pain Relief

If you are suffering from chronic pain then consider incorporating the blue lotus herb into your daily herbal routine. The Ancient Egyptians discovered its pain relieving properties, and for this reason blue lotus drug has been used ever since to help manage the symptoms of various ailments.

In modern times, it has been used to alleviate the pain associated with serious illnesses such as arthritis and cancer. In addition to tea and powders, blue lotus is also found in tincture form. Those who want to take the supplement can add the desired amount to their morning coffee or tea to help manage their pain and feel better.

7. Balances Oiliness of Skin

If you are suffering from oily skin and its problems such as acne, pimples and scars then start applying the extract of Blue waterlily on the affected skin. It will help in balancing the oil content in the skin and gives you problem free beautiful skin always.

8. Treat Urinary Ailments

If you are suffering from urinary ailments then Blue waterlily would surely help you. Seeds of this flower have immense potential in regulating the urinary system and heal the ailment properly.

9. Prevents Constipation

Consumption of Blue waterlily gives you a quick and effective relief from painful constipation in a natural way. There are various medicines which are made with the extracts of Blue waterlily to cure stomach disorders. It assists in making the movement of bowel easy.

10. Natural Aphrodisiac

Blue Lotus flower is quite effective natural sex stimulant that works today as it did at the time of Cleopatra. It works well for both men and women. With Blue Lotus, you can add passion to your love life and possibly uplift your relationship to new, exciting heights. Blue Lotus extract works mostly well since you can use it to make a refreshing aphrodisiac blended with the relaxing effect of wine.

11. Relieves stress

Blue waterlily has been found to provide relief from different kinds of stress and anxiety. Roots of this plant have been shown to help promote relaxation and give a sense of euphoria. Users have reported that a cup of blue lotus tea makes them less anxious and gives them restful sleep.

12. Improved Spiritual Awareness

Those who take blue lotus supplements (available in the form of seeds, essential oil, tea, powder and extract pills) regularly report that they feel a heightened sense of awareness. This unique supplement makes people more aware of their emotions, and more associated to their spiritual side.

13. Natural Moisturizer

In several countries extracts from the seed of blue lotus is used within the preparation of the skin care product that has immediate association to the skin. Thus if you suffer from dry, flaky skin, use this natural moisturizer and display your new found glowing skin!

14. Healthy Hair

Several research reveal that blue lotus can even facilitate increase the amount, body moreover as physical property of brittle hair. So, if you’ve got limp, dull hair, grab some blue liliaceous plant extracts and use it on your hair for stunning, healthy hair!

15. Remedy for Liver Disorders

Rhizome of this scared flower possesses magical ability to cure dyspepsia. Research also shows that it is very effective in healing jaundice and various other gastrointestinal ailments. Beverage made using this herb also effectively treats your damaged liver.

16. Treat Nervous Disorders

Blue waterlily is a widely used nerve tonic which relaxes your brain cells, tissues and muscles and renders a soothing touch to them. It also helps in curing imbalances in central nervous system and disorders arising out of these imbalances.

17. Used In Body Massage

Oil extracted from the petals of this sacred flower demonstrates to be very good body message oil. This oil is completely pure and helps in soothing each and every cell of the body. It loosens up your body muscles and makes you rejuvenated. This sacred flower has magical pain relieving properties and use to relax tired and stiff body muscles.

Traditional uses and benefits of Blue waterlily

• It is used as anesthetic, astringent, antiseptic and an aphrodisiac to relieve pain, increase memory, increase circulation, promote sexual desire etc.
• Tea made from dried flower or leaves of Blue waterlily can reduce mucus formation.
• The plant is believed to contain Ginseng which acts as an anesthetic.
• Blue lotus flower Tea is believed to kill ring worms in the stomach.
• Anti-inflammatory properties of Blue Lotus relieve swelling.
• Blue lotus is rich in vitamin B which promotes cellular energy production.
• Herbal tea prepared from the flower reduces stress and removes gastrointestinal disorders. Acid re flux and stomach disorders like gastric ulcers and cramps are also cured.
• Tea prepared with the leaves of the plant provides relief for fatty liver. More importantly, it improves the functioning of the liver.
• Paste made from the flowers is used as a moisturizer to protect the skin and to make the skin shine.
• L-carotene present in the flower boosts the metabolism thus preventing weight gain.
• Linoleic acid in the flower improves the immune system and helps in preventing various disorders like diabetes, arthritis and heart ailments.
• When rubbed on the skin, the leaves cure infection on the skin, with their antibacterial property cures the infection on the skin.
• Tea of the flowers kills ring worms in the stomach.
• Oil extracted from the flower increases melanin production on an external application and protects the skin from sun heat and also prevents graying of hair prematurely.
• Leaf of the plant is astringent. The leaf tea is consumed to cure internal bleeding and oozing of blood through urine.
• Tea made from the dried leaf is helpful in reducing mucus formation and cold and other sinusitis disorders.
• Consumption of the parts of the plant in any form relieves chronic pain from the body due to any type of illness, particularly due to arthritis and cancer.

Culinary uses

• In modern culture, blue lotus flowers are used to make various concoctions including blue lotus tea, wine and martinis.
• Flowers are used in salads and the stem is steam cooked and added to dishes with other greens and consumed.
• Flower is added and cooked along with rice and many other food preparations for its fragrance.

Blue lotus dosage

Blue Lotus is typically taken as a tea, with a recommended dose of 5 grams per person, steeped in boiling water and then allowed to cool before drinking it directly. The Egyptians also used to soak it in wine for hours at a time, at the same dose of 5 grams per bottle.

Blue Lotus Beverage

If you’re not looking to smoke anything, you can always make tea or wine. The tea is fairly easy to make. You have to soak about 5 grams of the plant in hot water and allow it to cool before you can consume it.

For the wine, the recipe is a bit more time-consuming, but still fairly easy to accomplish. Place 10 grams of your blue lotus herbal mix inside a mason jar and fill the rest with your favorite wine. Let the mixture sit for a week, or two if you want an extra-potent solution. Shake this daily without opening the jar. You can mix other stuff in there to add some flavor, like vanilla or damiana. Another thing we recommend is dropping a spoonful of honey into the Mason jar to sweeten the drink once it’s ready.

Other Facts

• This lotus is used to produce perfumes since ancient times; it is also used in aromatherapy.
• Indians consider the petals of the flower as representing the five elements of the earth.
• It is an ornamental plant because of its attractive flowers and is most commonly used for the traditional and cultural festivals in Sri Lanka.
• According to Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka, this flower was one of the 108 lucky signs found on Prince Siddhartha’s footprint.
• Some compounds of the plant work in inducing renal failure in cats. Even small amount of pollen can induce poisoning in cats.

Precautions

• It should not be used during pregnancy or if you have certain allergies.
• If you are on other medications, then it should be consumed only after a consultation with your medical professional.
• When taken in large doses, it has been found to cause nausea, mild jittery feelings, hot flashes and even hallucinations.
• It should never be taken with illegal drugs like cannabis or prescription pills as it may cause severe nausea and disorientation.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506589#null

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282908&isprofile=1&gen=Nymphaea

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=NYCA3

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=25433

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Nymphaea_caerulea

https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q148880

https://enacademic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/958741

https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id215361/

https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/nymphaea_caerulea.htm

https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/264154

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/NYMCA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaea_caerulea

http://pza.sanbi.org/nymphaea-nouchali-var-caerulea

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