Natural Soap *Bali Sensation*

Description

Handmade natural soaps from Bali, Indonesia. "Bali Sensation". Natural cream soap, handmade from Coconut essential oil, freshly made Coconut oil and cream, and other traditional Balinese skin softeners. Decorated with natural lacy Vetiver root. Packaged in colourful cotton wrapping. Available with the following fragrances: Sandalwood, Rose, Lavender, Champaca and Frangipani.

Natural Soap *Bali Sensation*

Description

Handmade natural soaps from Bali, Indonesia. "Bali Sensation". Natural cream soap, handmade from Coconut essential oil, freshly made Coconut oil and cream, and other traditional Balinese skin softeners. Decorated with natural lacy Vetiver root. Packaged in colourful cotton wrapping. Available with the following fragrances: Sandalwood, Rose, Lavender, Champaca and Frangipani.

Natural Soap *Bali Sensation*

Description

Handmade natural soaps from Bali, Indonesia. "Bali Sensation". Natural cream soap, handmade from Coconut essential oil, freshly made Coconut oil and cream, and other traditional Balinese skin softeners. Decorated with natural lacy Vetiver root. Packaged in colourful cotton wrapping. Available with the following fragrances: Sandalwood, Rose, Lavender, Champaca and Frangipani.

Cestrum nocturnum / Night Queen / 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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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.

Citrus sinensis / Orange / Rutaceae (Rue 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.

Pogostemon cablin / Patchouli / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon patchouli, Patchouli, Patchouly, Putcha-pat.

Description

Patchouli (also patchouly or pachouli) is a bushy herb of the mint family. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia. The scent of patchouli is heavy and strong. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today. Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were distinguished by the odour, which has the unusual quality of improving with age. It became popular among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, since the pungent smell of patchouli is alleged to cover the smell of burnt cannabis and body odor. Patchouli also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, a notion that probably originated in India, where it is used as an anointing oil in Tantric sexual practices.

Scent

The scent of Patchouli is heavy and strong. A rich Musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. Perfume-note: Base.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Patchouli has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits. Helpful with depression and anxiety. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.
Patchouli balances and stimulates the Yin meridians of the body. Also balancing to the base and spleen Chakra and all conditions associated with them. Aligns the lower two Chakras with the heart center, stimulating greater energy for life. The scent calms emotions and strife and can be used to ease argumentative conditions and environments. Known as an aphrodisiac, partly due to its affect on the feminine energies within the body. Also good for easing melancholy and problems with overeating. Influences particular to sex, physical energy, and money.

Contents

The principal constituents of patchouli are patchoulol (up to 50 percent), patchoulene, pogostol, bulnesol, bulnese, eugenol, cadinene, carvone, and benzoic and cinnamic aldehydes, among others.

Synergic Combinations

Patchouli blends well with Bergamot, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Ginger, Lemongrass, Pine, Rosewood, and Sandalwood.

Historical

During the 18th and 19th century silk traders from China travelling to the Middle East packed their silk cloth with dried Patchouli leaves to prevent moths from laying their eggs on the cloth. Many historians speculate that this association with opulent eastern goods is why Patchouli was considered by Europeans of that era to be a luxurious scent. This trend has continued to the present day in modern perfumery.
Patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, mostly among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, due in part to the fact that the pungent smell of Patchouli is known to cover the smell of burnt Cannabis. During the Vietnam war, American soldiers used Patchouli to mask the smell of the graves of enemy soldiers killed in combat. War protesters of the time used Patchouli on themselves, to demonstrate that "We are all one race, we are the same as the enemy soldiers". Also, the Hare Krishna movement may have been partly responsible for this surge, as the god Krishna is said to "inhabit" Patchouli.

Plant Description

Patchouli is a tropical member of the Mint family, grown in the East and West Indies. The Patchouli plant is a bushy herb reaching two or three feet in height. The plant grows well in southern climates. It enjoys hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of watering it will recover well and quickly once it has been watered. The seed-bearing purple-tinged white flowers are very fragrant and bloom in late fall. The tiny seeds may be harvested for planting, but they are very delicate and easily crushed. Cuttings from the motherplant can also be rooted in water to produce further plants. Leaves are harvested several times a year, dried, and exported for distillation of the oil, although the highest quality oil is usually produced from fresh leaves, distilled close to the plantation.

References

Patchouli, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patchouli, A Modern Herbal, by M. Grieve
Aromatherapy: Patchouli, by Kathi Keville, Howstuffworks

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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Nelumbo nucifera / Sacred Lotus / 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

Bunga Telpok, East Indian Lotus, Egyptian Lotus, Fève d'Egypte, Hasu, Kamal, Lian, Lin Ngau (China, Taiwan), Loto Sagrado, Lotus Root, Lotus Sacré, Nelumbium, Oriental Lotus, Renkon, Rosa del Nilo, Sacred Lotus, Sacred Water Lily, Teratai, Teratai/Seroja (Malay).

Description

Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred Lotus, originates from Indonesia to India and Egypt, also grows abundantly in Surinam. Sacred Lotus possesses great significance in Eastern religion, like Buddhism and Hinduism, signifying vitality and purity. Apart from its majestic beauty, the Lotus is held sacred because of the mystical effects it can produce. It was used as a traditional relaxing and inebriating smoke, similar to a mild cannabis or was brewed into a delightful tea with the idea that it would create a feeling of joy that permeated the mind and body. Sacred Lotus is also often steeped in wine. The flowers are edible, the petals often placed in soups and used as a garnish. The Lotus is the most important object of meditation in Tantric Buddhism.

Scent

Exotic floral aroma with slightly herbaceous and medicinal top notes.

Aromatic Properties

Lotus sweeps you off your feet like a young bride and carries you far and away, to other dimensions, other realms, places of infinite beauty, places of the soul beyond the living. It is excellent for people who are afraid of life, or of death; brings respite to the sick and suffering; is a beautiful meditation and prayer lifting device as well as soothing on the most profound levels.

Historical

The Lotus is one of the world's most celebrated flowers. From time immemorial to the present day, it has always been in folklore, religion and the arts in one form or the other.
Sacred Lotus is much more than a flower for Hindus. It is symbolic of all that is good and beautiful. Scriptures tell us that it first bloomed with the creation of the universe. Over the centuries it has lost none of its allure. Lotus blossoms are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists because of their ancient shamanic function. The plants are commonly grown in Asia for the rhizomes and seeds. This species is intimately linked with the Buddhist religion, symbolizing vitality and purity. Along with its ornamental value, this plant is cultivated for food and traditional Chinese medicine. Virtually all parts of the plant are edible. Its seeds are roasted to make puffs called makhanas. The plant's rhizomes are a source of lotus meal which is rich in starch. A number of wild animals feed on the plant. Fish find refuge in its underwater stalks.
Indians believe that Brahma, creator and God of the universe, sprang from a lotus blossom. And the Buddhist prayer "Om! Mani padme hum!" translates as "Oh!, the jewel of the lotus flower!" The term lotus is applied in general to several species of plants. About 100 lotus species are found in temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The pink and purple coloured variety found in the country and widely used in religion is called Nelumbo nucifera. According to Yoga and Tantra there are seven lotus wheels in the human body. The lotus is the object of meditation in Tantrik Buddhism. The lotus motif has also been extensively used in shrines, art, architecture and sculpture of the Jains. The Ionic order of architecture of the ancient Greeks is an offshoot of the Assyrian and Phoenician forms which have the lotus as their basis.
One of the oldest seeds that have yet been germinated into a viable plant was an approximately 1,300-year-old lotus fruit, recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.

Plant Description

Originally from Indonesia and India, Sacred Lotus was brought to China and Egypt thousands of years ago. From China it was taken to other parts of Asia including Japan and northern Australia. This wonderful plant is a perennial water plant, long grown in Oriental countries both as an ornamental and for its edible rhizomes and seeds. Rhizomes are thick and tuberous and creep in the earth at the bottoms of ponds or slow moving streams. The leaves are nearly round, large and long stemmed. They may float on deep water, but rise high above shallow water. It has large flowers up to 25 cm across and leaves 60 cm across. Both flowers and leaves sometimes grow up to 1.8 m above water. The fruit is an enlarged receptacle, in which the many seeds are embedded.

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.

Nelumbo nucifera - Wikipedia
Psychoactive Lotus / Lily - The Vaults of Erowid

Nelumbo nucifera / Sacred Lotus / 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

Bunga Telpok, East Indian Lotus, Egyptian Lotus, Fève d'Egypte, Hasu, Kamal, Lian, Lin Ngau (China, Taiwan), Loto Sagrado, Lotus Root, Lotus Sacré, Nelumbium, Oriental Lotus, Renkon, Rosa del Nilo, Sacred Lotus, Sacred Water Lily, Teratai, Teratai/Seroja (Malay).

Description

Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred Lotus, originates from Indonesia to India and Egypt, also grows abundantly in Surinam. Sacred Lotus possesses great significance in Eastern religion, like Buddhism and Hinduism, signifying vitality and purity. Apart from its majestic beauty, the Lotus is held sacred because of the mystical effects it can produce. It was used as a traditional relaxing and inebriating smoke, similar to a mild cannabis or was brewed into a delightful tea with the idea that it would create a feeling of joy that permeated the mind and body. Sacred Lotus is also often steeped in wine. The flowers are edible, the petals often placed in soups and used as a garnish. The Lotus is the most important object of meditation in Tantric Buddhism.

Scent

Exotic floral aroma with slightly herbaceous and medicinal top notes.

Aromatic Properties

Lotus sweeps you off your feet like a young bride and carries you far and away, to other dimensions, other realms, places of infinite beauty, places of the soul beyond the living. It is excellent for people who are afraid of life, or of death; brings respite to the sick and suffering; is a beautiful meditation and prayer lifting device as well as soothing on the most profound levels.

Historical

The Lotus is one of the world's most celebrated flowers. From time immemorial to the present day, it has always been in folklore, religion and the arts in one form or the other.
Sacred Lotus is much more than a flower for Hindus. It is symbolic of all that is good and beautiful. Scriptures tell us that it first bloomed with the creation of the universe. Over the centuries it has lost none of its allure. Lotus blossoms are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists because of their ancient shamanic function. The plants are commonly grown in Asia for the rhizomes and seeds. This species is intimately linked with the Buddhist religion, symbolizing vitality and purity. Along with its ornamental value, this plant is cultivated for food and traditional Chinese medicine. Virtually all parts of the plant are edible. Its seeds are roasted to make puffs called makhanas. The plant's rhizomes are a source of lotus meal which is rich in starch. A number of wild animals feed on the plant. Fish find refuge in its underwater stalks.
Indians believe that Brahma, creator and God of the universe, sprang from a lotus blossom. And the Buddhist prayer "Om! Mani padme hum!" translates as "Oh!, the jewel of the lotus flower!" The term lotus is applied in general to several species of plants. About 100 lotus species are found in temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The pink and purple coloured variety found in the country and widely used in religion is called Nelumbo nucifera. According to Yoga and Tantra there are seven lotus wheels in the human body. The lotus is the object of meditation in Tantrik Buddhism. The lotus motif has also been extensively used in shrines, art, architecture and sculpture of the Jains. The Ionic order of architecture of the ancient Greeks is an offshoot of the Assyrian and Phoenician forms which have the lotus as their basis.
One of the oldest seeds that have yet been germinated into a viable plant was an approximately 1,300-year-old lotus fruit, recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.

Plant Description

Originally from Indonesia and India, Sacred Lotus was brought to China and Egypt thousands of years ago. From China it was taken to other parts of Asia including Japan and northern Australia. This wonderful plant is a perennial water plant, long grown in Oriental countries both as an ornamental and for its edible rhizomes and seeds. Rhizomes are thick and tuberous and creep in the earth at the bottoms of ponds or slow moving streams. The leaves are nearly round, large and long stemmed. They may float on deep water, but rise high above shallow water. It has large flowers up to 25 cm across and leaves 60 cm across. Both flowers and leaves sometimes grow up to 1.8 m above water. The fruit is an enlarged receptacle, in which the many seeds are embedded.

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.

Nelumbo nucifera - Wikipedia
Psychoactive Lotus / Lily - The Vaults of Erowid