Brunfelsia chiricaspi / Chiricaspi / Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

In the Colombian, Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon, several species of Brunfelsia are traditionally used as visionary plants. Brunfelsia is added to a hallucinogenic drink called Yage made from the giant forest liana Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae). Scopoletin has been isolated from Brunfelsia, but this may not be the only psychoactive compound present. Scopoletin is a phenolic lactone (C10H8O4) that is found in many solanaceous plants, including species of Scopolia and the deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). According to Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hofmann, a sensation of chills follows the ingestion of Brunfelsia, an effect which has given rise to the name "Chiricaspi" or "Cold tree".

Related Products

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana)
Chacruna (Psychotria viridis)

Electronic Mantra Box

Description

This 220 volts Mantra box, also called "the Indian Ipod", plays 6 different sacred chants, non stop. A masterpiece of electronic simplicity, for meditation and spiritual relaxation. Specifications: 220 volts 2-Pin EU power cable, internal loudspeaker, mantra selection switch, on-off/volume knob, reset button. Colour: white, decorated with a picture of Shiva. Wall mountable. Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 15 cm, weight approximately 650 gram including printed cardboard box. Produced by "Jeel Electronics", Mumbai, India.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Mantra
Shiva

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

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Lucky dolls

Description

A famous souvenir from a thousand years old legend from Saipan. For Love, Fortune and strength, these dolls will make your dream come true. Each Bojobo dolls set comes with a male and female doll tied together. It brings you luck all the time. Bojobo dolls have been adored by people of Saipan and now the story has started to be known millions of people of the world! All you need is believe!
From the package: "...My name is Bo Jo Bo. I come from San Roque, a little village in Saipan, Mariana Islands. I've been around a long time hiding in the woods and peeping out from the Bo Jo Bo vines. I am loveable, rich and strong. If you need some of my strength, love or money you can have all I've got but you need to fold my arms for strength, cross my legs for love, and if you need money, tie my hands behind my back. Then all you need to do is hang me up where you can see me, and have faith. Remember, my love comes from the seeds of my eyes, my wealth from the coconut fiber of my arms and legs, and my strength from my Bo Jo Bo Nuts..." Produced in Bali. Includes card with Japanese and English instructions.

Ptychopetalum olacoides / Muira Puama / Olacaceae (Aster family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Potency Wood, Marapuama, Marapama, Muiratã, Muiratam, Pau-Homen, Potenzholz.

Description

Ptychopetalum olacoides is a small tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Muira Puama is also called "potency wood", referring to its main usage as an Aphrodisiac in South American folk medicine. Muira Puama is in the Brazilian, English and German herbal pharmacopoeia and also used in the United States by herbal practitioners. Muira puama has a long history of use, primarily for strengthening libido and sexual function.

Contents

The main plant chemicals found in Muira Puama include: alpha-copaene, alpha-elemene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha-muurolene, alpha-pinene, alpha-resinic acid, alpha-terpinene, arachidic acid, allo-aromadendren, behenic acid, beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, beta-resinic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta-transfarnesene, borneol, campesterols, camphene, camphor, car-3-ene, caryophyllene, cerotic acid, chromium, coumarin, cubebene, delta-cadinene, dotriacontanoic acid, elixene, ergosterols, eugenol, essential oils, gamma-muurolene, hentriacontanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, lignoceric acid, limonene, linalool, lupeol, melissic acid, montanic acid, muirapuamine, myrcene, nonacosanoic acid, para-cymene, pentacosanoic acid, phlobaphene, stigmasterols, trichosanic acid, and uncosanic acid.(2)

Synergic Combinations

Muira Puama is sometimes combined with Catuaba, Damiana or Horny Goat Weed in various formulas on the market.

Historical

Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes. In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since the 1950s. Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of herbal medicine in England. Muira puama has been gaining in popularity in the United States among herbal practitioners.(2)(3)

Plant Description

Ptychopetalum olacoides is a small tree that grows to 5 m high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest. The small, white flowers have a pungent fragrance similar to jasmine's. The Ptychopetalum genus is a small one - only two species of small trees grow in tropical South America and five in tropical Africa. The two South American varieties, P. olacoides (found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname) and P. uncinatum (found only in Brazil), are used interchangeably in South American herbal medicine systems.(1)(2)

References

(1) Ptychopetalum, Wikipedia
(2) Muira Puama, Raintree
(3) Fytotherapeutisch compendium J van Hellemont

Argemone mexicana / Prickly Poppy / Papaveraceae (Poppy family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Prickly Poppy, Thornapple, Gambode Thistle, Goatweed, Mexican Poppy, Satyanashi, Cardo Santo, Cardo Amarillo, Herbe a Femme, Chokh, Devil's Fig, Lao Shu Le, Ne, Brahmadandi, Bramha-dondi, Chicalote, Stachelmohn, Tashmezg.

Description

Argemone mexicana is commonly known as Mexican Prickly Poppy or Goatweed. The leaves are variously lobed and its thorns are white and prominent with large yellow flowers. The tough stem has thorns and yellow sap. It is often found in pastures and grows in Central America, Southern USA and India. It is used in ayurvedic medicine. Dried and powdered plant material is recommended as green manure as it contain sufficient amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The Prickly Poppy is native to the New World, whereas the Opium Poppy was an Old World plant.

Nymphaea caerulea / Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile / Nymphaeaceae (Water Lily family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile, Sacred Lotus, Blue Lotus, Lily, Blue Water Lily, Blouwaterlelie, Kaaimanblom, Frog's Pulpit, Paddapreekstoel, Blou Plomb, Izubu.

Description

The Blue Lily, or Blue Lotus was the most sacred plant of Ancient Egypt. It was frequently depicted in works of art, where it is most often shown in party and other social scenes, and sometimes in scenes of sexual debauchery. The flowers were noted for their delightful perfume, suggestive of the sweat of Ra. "A divine essence, for bringing euphoria, heightened awareness and tranquility". Some people today believe that the Egyptians used this plant as a narcotic both for its healing qualities and as a recreational drug when soaked in wine, though this is a hotly debated topic.

Scent

Enchanting, aquatic, yet not like water. Somewhat like river mud, yet clean. Floral, yet austere. Ornamental and sweet smelling. Its fragrance is almost creamy, with a sharpness hiding within, similar to that of a hyacinth, a loquat and even of a banana. A transcendent, ethereal, softly sweet, and uplifting bouquet.

Aromatic Properties

The Blue Lotus is connected to the expansion of the higher mind. It eases the spirit out of the body and assists it forward towards its highest potential in the realm of Spirit. It offers one of the highest vibrations of any flower. It is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge.
As well as stimulating spiritual evolvement it acts as a "booster" to other flower essences by intensifying and spiritualizing their effects. Blue Lotus acts on all levels encouraging a gentle unfolding of the highest potential within the Self. Used as a fragrance in aromatherapy, Blue Lotus is purported to have a "divine" essence, bringing euphoria, heightened awareness and tranquility. It can be used to create a feeling of contentment and good health and for some works as an aphrodisiac. It was the Egyptian symbol for good health, good romance and birth. Blue Lotus is also a component of both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.

Contents

Nuciferin, Aporphine, Nurpharine, Nupharidine.

Historical

Fossil remains of the Blue Lotus, remarkably similar to today's plant, have been dated to the Jurassic period, and it was widely dispersed before the Ice Age, making it one of the world's first known flowering plants, if not actually the first. This gives an archaeological link to the central role played by the lotus in the creation legends of so many different cultures.
The Blue Lotus flower had a wide variety of uses and meanings to various cultures. They were used for artistic purposes, for symbols, to make bread, to make perfume, for healing and funerary purposes.
The Blue Lotus has had a profound impact on human society, and human civilization, including the Ancient Egyptians, the Chinese, the Japanese, the people of India, the Buddhists, the Greeks and numerous other cultures around the world.
The primary reason for the use of the Blue Lotus as a symbol by the Ancient Egyptians was because it symbolized the origin of life. According to Watterson, they equated the Creator-god with the Blue Lotus, which is believed to have emerged at some point in time from the primeval ocean. Nun-Ra, their primary god, was believed to have first appeared as a beautiful child floating on a great Blue Lotus. As a symbol of rebirth for the Kemet, the Lotus was closely related to the imagery of the funerary and Osirian cult. The Four Sons of Horus were frequently shown standing on a Blue Lotus in front of Osiris. The Book of the Dead contains references to "transforming oneself into a Lotus" and thus fulfilling the promise of resurrection. The Blue Lotus was found scattered over Tutankhamon's body when the Pharaoh's tomb was opened in 1922.
The precise use made by the Kemet of Nymphaea caerulea apart from in funerary rites is still being debated.
In Asia and Africa, the Blue Lotus symbolized immortality in recognition of the plant's ability to survive and resprout after long droughts, and the seed's ability to remain viable for many years.
In China it was regarded as a religious symbol, and a symbol of feminine beauty. Similarly in India, it was compared with the human female form, and in their legends they believe that Brahma, their creator of the universe, sprang from a Lotus-like blossom.
In view of the fact that people are represented sniffing Lotus flowers as early as the time of the pyramid builders, we are faced with a practice that could well date back to the dawn of civilization. At a time when man’s senses had not yet been pampered with products obtained through distillation, not to mention modern artificial preparations, sensitivity to natural scents must have been even more acute. When an Egyptian buried his nose in a Lotus flower, and perhaps kept it there for a while, the effect on him may well have been considerable, and the scent alone may have been sufficient to achieve an alteration of his consciousness.

Contemporary reference to the role of Waterlilies and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) in ancient Egyptian healing suggest the possible importance of these plants as adjuncts to shamanistic healing in dynastic Egypt. Although the usual interpretation of the Waterlily and the Mandrake has been that of a part of ritual mourning, it is argued that the dynastic Egyptians had developed a form of shamanistic trance induced by these two plants and used it in medicine as well as in healing rituals. Analysis of the ritual and sacred iconography of dynastic Egypt, as seen on stelae, in magical papyri, and on vessels, indicates that these people possessed a profound knowledge of plant lore and altered states of consciousness. The abundant data indicate that the shamanistic priest, who was highly placed in the stratified society, guided the souls of the living and dead, provided for the transmutation of souls into other bodies and the personification of plants as possessed by human spirits, as well as performing other shamanistic activities.

Plant Description

An aquatic plant of the family Nymphaeace. The Blue Lotus has pointed flowers and floating leaves with smooth edges, leaves broadly rounded, 25-40 cm across, with a notch at the leaf stem. The flowers are 10-15 cm diameter. The flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open in the morning and close in the early afternoon. The flowers and buds do not rise above the water in the morning, nor do they submerge at night. The flowers have pale bluish-white to sky-blue petals, smoothly changing to a pale yellow in the centre of the flower.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Romania

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Lucid Dreaming
Nymphaea caerulea - Entheology
Nymphaea caerulea - Erowid
Nymphaea caerulea - God's favorite flower
Nymphaea caerulea - Nymphaea cults in ancient Egypt and the New World: a lesson in empirical pharmacology
Nymphaea caerulea - Nymphaea nouchali Burm. f. var. caerulea (Sav.) Verdc.
Nymphaea caerulea - Seven Facet Blue Lotus Seichem
Nymphaea caerulea - The Blue Water Lily, by Caroline Seawright
Nymphaea caerulea - The Flowers of Ancient Egypt and Today, by Jane Howard
Nymphaea caerulea - The Lotus And The Nile, by Christopher Rutledge
Oneiromancy
Psychoactive Lotus / Lily - The Vaults of Erowid

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Nymphaea caerulea / Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile / Nymphaeaceae (Water Lily family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile, Sacred Lotus, Blue Lotus, Lily, Blue Water Lily, Blouwaterlelie, Kaaimanblom, Frog's Pulpit, Paddapreekstoel, Blou Plomb, Izubu.

Description

The Blue Lily, or Blue Lotus was the most sacred plant of Ancient Egypt. It was frequently depicted in works of art, where it is most often shown in party and other social scenes, and sometimes in scenes of sexual debauchery. The flowers were noted for their delightful perfume, suggestive of the sweat of Ra. "A divine essence, for bringing euphoria, heightened awareness and tranquility". Some people today believe that the Egyptians used this plant as a narcotic both for its healing qualities and as a recreational drug when soaked in wine, though this is a hotly debated topic.

Scent

Enchanting, aquatic, yet not like water. Somewhat like river mud, yet clean. Floral, yet austere. Ornamental and sweet smelling. Its fragrance is almost creamy, with a sharpness hiding within, similar to that of a hyacinth, a loquat and even of a banana. A transcendent, ethereal, softly sweet, and uplifting bouquet.

Aromatic Properties

The Blue Lotus is connected to the expansion of the higher mind. It eases the spirit out of the body and assists it forward towards its highest potential in the realm of Spirit. It offers one of the highest vibrations of any flower. It is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge.
As well as stimulating spiritual evolvement it acts as a "booster" to other flower essences by intensifying and spiritualizing their effects. Blue Lotus acts on all levels encouraging a gentle unfolding of the highest potential within the Self. Used as a fragrance in aromatherapy, Blue Lotus is purported to have a "divine" essence, bringing euphoria, heightened awareness and tranquility. It can be used to create a feeling of contentment and good health and for some works as an aphrodisiac. It was the Egyptian symbol for good health, good romance and birth. Blue Lotus is also a component of both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.

Contents

Nuciferin, Aporphine, Nurpharine, Nupharidine.

Historical

Fossil remains of the Blue Lotus, remarkably similar to today's plant, have been dated to the Jurassic period, and it was widely dispersed before the Ice Age, making it one of the world's first known flowering plants, if not actually the first. This gives an archaeological link to the central role played by the lotus in the creation legends of so many different cultures.
The Blue Lotus flower had a wide variety of uses and meanings to various cultures. They were used for artistic purposes, for symbols, to make bread, to make perfume, for healing and funerary purposes.
The Blue Lotus has had a profound impact on human society, and human civilization, including the Ancient Egyptians, the Chinese, the Japanese, the people of India, the Buddhists, the Greeks and numerous other cultures around the world.
The primary reason for the use of the Blue Lotus as a symbol by the Ancient Egyptians was because it symbolized the origin of life. According to Watterson, they equated the Creator-god with the Blue Lotus, which is believed to have emerged at some point in time from the primeval ocean. Nun-Ra, their primary god, was believed to have first appeared as a beautiful child floating on a great Blue Lotus. As a symbol of rebirth for the Kemet, the Lotus was closely related to the imagery of the funerary and Osirian cult. The Four Sons of Horus were frequently shown standing on a Blue Lotus in front of Osiris. The Book of the Dead contains references to "transforming oneself into a Lotus" and thus fulfilling the promise of resurrection. The Blue Lotus was found scattered over Tutankhamon's body when the Pharaoh's tomb was opened in 1922.
The precise use made by the Kemet of Nymphaea caerulea apart from in funerary rites is still being debated.
In Asia and Africa, the Blue Lotus symbolized immortality in recognition of the plant's ability to survive and resprout after long droughts, and the seed's ability to remain viable for many years.
In China it was regarded as a religious symbol, and a symbol of feminine beauty. Similarly in India, it was compared with the human female form, and in their legends they believe that Brahma, their creator of the universe, sprang from a Lotus-like blossom.
In view of the fact that people are represented sniffing Lotus flowers as early as the time of the pyramid builders, we are faced with a practice that could well date back to the dawn of civilization. At a time when man’s senses had not yet been pampered with products obtained through distillation, not to mention modern artificial preparations, sensitivity to natural scents must have been even more acute. When an Egyptian buried his nose in a Lotus flower, and perhaps kept it there for a while, the effect on him may well have been considerable, and the scent alone may have been sufficient to achieve an alteration of his consciousness.

Contemporary reference to the role of Waterlilies and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) in ancient Egyptian healing suggest the possible importance of these plants as adjuncts to shamanistic healing in dynastic Egypt. Although the usual interpretation of the Waterlily and the Mandrake has been that of a part of ritual mourning, it is argued that the dynastic Egyptians had developed a form of shamanistic trance induced by these two plants and used it in medicine as well as in healing rituals. Analysis of the ritual and sacred iconography of dynastic Egypt, as seen on stelae, in magical papyri, and on vessels, indicates that these people possessed a profound knowledge of plant lore and altered states of consciousness. The abundant data indicate that the shamanistic priest, who was highly placed in the stratified society, guided the souls of the living and dead, provided for the transmutation of souls into other bodies and the personification of plants as possessed by human spirits, as well as performing other shamanistic activities.

Plant Description

An aquatic plant of the family Nymphaeace. The Blue Lotus has pointed flowers and floating leaves with smooth edges, leaves broadly rounded, 25-40 cm across, with a notch at the leaf stem. The flowers are 10-15 cm diameter. The flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open in the morning and close in the early afternoon. The flowers and buds do not rise above the water in the morning, nor do they submerge at night. The flowers have pale bluish-white to sky-blue petals, smoothly changing to a pale yellow in the centre of the flower.

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Articles

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Lucid Dreaming
Nymphaea caerulea - Entheology
Nymphaea caerulea - Erowid
Nymphaea caerulea - God's favorite flower
Nymphaea caerulea - Nymphaea cults in ancient Egypt and the New World: a lesson in empirical pharmacology
Nymphaea caerulea - Nymphaea nouchali Burm. f. var. caerulea (Sav.) Verdc.
Nymphaea caerulea - Seven Facet Blue Lotus Seichem
Nymphaea caerulea - The Blue Water Lily, by Caroline Seawright
Nymphaea caerulea - The Flowers of Ancient Egypt and Today, by Jane Howard
Nymphaea caerulea - The Lotus And The Nile, by Christopher Rutledge
Oneiromancy
Psychoactive Lotus / Lily - The Vaults of Erowid

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