Blue Lotus Tea (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea)

Blue Lotus Tea (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea) also known as Nel Nelum or Egyptian lotus

1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Blue lotus tea is often praised for its calming and relaxing effects. It may help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of tranquility. The flower contains compounds like aporphine and nuciferine, which are believed to have mild sedative properties.
2. Improved Sleep: Due to its calming effects, blue lotus tea is sometimes used as a natural sleep aid. It may help individuals with insomnia or difficulty falling asleep to relax and achieve better sleep quality.
3. Enhanced Mood: Some users report that consuming blue lotus tea can elevate mood and induce feelings of euphoria. This effect is attributed to the presence of psychoactive alkaloids like aporphine and nuciferine, which may interact with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
4. Pain Relief: Blue lotus has been traditionally used for its analgesic properties. It may help alleviate mild pain and discomfort, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
5. Antioxidant Properties: Blue lotus contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby supporting overall health and well-being.
6. Digestive Health: In some traditional systems of medicine, blue lotus has been used to support digestive health. It may help soothe gastrointestinal discomfort and improve digestion, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
7. Aphrodisiac Effects: Blue lotus has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac in various cultures. It is believed to enhance libido and sexual performance, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking.

Here’s a simple recipe to make blue lotus Tea.

Instructions:

1. Boil water: Start by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan.
2. Prepare the blue lotus flowers: If you’re using dried blue lotus flowers, measure out your desired amount. Typically, 2-3 grams of dried flowers per cup of tea is a good starting point. If you’re using tea bags, one tea bag per cup should suffice.
3. Steep the blue lotus: Place the dried blue lotus flowers or tea bags into a teapot or cup.
4. Pour hot water: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, pour it over the blue lotus flowers or tea bags.
5. Steep: Let the blue lotus steep in the hot water for about 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor and potential effects.
6. Strain (if necessary): If you used loose blue lotus flowers, strain the tea to remove the solids before serving.
7. Optional: Add sweetener like honey or sugar to taste, or a squeeze of lemon for flavor. Some people also like to add other herbs or spices like mint or ginger for additional flavor.
8. Serve: Pour the tea into cups and enjoy your calming and aromatic blue lotus tea!

Note: Blue lotus tea is known for its subtle psychoactive effects, so it’s best to start with a small amount to gauge your tolerance and sensitivity to its effects. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing medical conditions.