How to make blue lotus tea is a question that many people are curious about, especially those who are interested in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Blue lotus tea is a fragrant and mildly intoxicating beverage derived from the blue lily flower (Nelumbo nucifera), an endangered plant that was historically used for many herbal remedies and as an aphrodisiac. It is claimed to benefit sleep, anxiety, and erectile dysfunction¹. In this article, we will explore the origins, effects, and methods of making blue lotus tea, as well as some tips and precautions to enjoy this ancient drink safely and responsibly.
What is Blue Lotus Tea?
Blue lotus tea is made by steeping dried blue lotus flowers in hot water. This process extracts the unique plant’s compounds and flavors that offer an intoxicating fragrance and a distinctive taste with associated benefits. Some appreciate blue lotus extract for its calming properties. It’s essential to note that thanks to the presence of compounds like nuciferine and aporphine, the tea may be associated with psychedelic effects and lucid dreaming, lending to its modern uses as a mind-altering drink². This delicate floral infusion can be further enhanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves to create a delightful blue lotus chai or masala chai with milk, allowing you to savor and experience blue lotus in a uniquely spiced blend³.
The History and Culture of Blue Lotus Tea
Blue lotus tea has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was considered a sacred plant and a symbol of the sun god Ra. The blue lotus flower was often depicted in art, literature, and rituals, as it was believed to have mystical and spiritual properties. The ancient Egyptians used blue lotus tea as a ceremonial drink, a medicine, and an aphrodisiac. They also smoked or sniffed the flowers to induce euphoria, relaxation, and altered states of consciousness. The blue lotus was also revered in other ancient cultures, such as India, China, and Thailand, where it was associated with purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The blue lotus was also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as insomnia, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
The Effects and Benefits of Blue Lotus Tea
Blue lotus tea is not only a delicious and aromatic drink, but also a natural remedy that can offer various effects and benefits, depending on the dosage, preparation, and individual response. Some of the most common effects and benefits of blue lotus tea are:
- Relaxation and stress relief: Blue lotus tea can help calm the mind and body, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. It can also help improve sleep quality and duration, as well as induce lucid dreaming.
- Mood enhancement and euphoria: Blue lotus tea can also stimulate the production of dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for happiness and pleasure. It can also enhance the senses, creativity, and imagination, and induce a mild euphoria and a feeling of bliss.
- Aphrodisiac and sexual enhancement: Blue lotus tea can also increase libido, sexual arousal, and performance, as well as intensify orgasms and sensations. It can also help with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, as well as balance hormones and menstrual cycles.
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory: Blue lotus tea can also act as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory, as it can block pain signals and reduce inflammation in the body. It can also help with headaches, cramps, arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions.
How to Make Blue Lotus Tea: Different Methods and Recipes
Making blue lotus tea is easy and simple, as you only need dried blue lotus flowers and hot water. However, there are different methods and recipes that you can try to customize your blue lotus tea experience, depending on your preferences and desired effects. Here are some of the most popular methods and recipes for making blue lotus tea:
- Hot water infusion: This is the simplest and most common method of making blue lotus tea. You just need to boil some water, add some dried blue lotus flowers (about 2-3 tablespoons per cup), and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. You can also add some honey, lemon, or sugar to sweeten the taste. This method will produce a light and floral tea that can offer mild effects and benefits.
- Milk infusion: This method is similar to the hot water infusion, but you use milk instead of water. You can use any type of milk, such as cow, almond, soy, or coconut. You just need to heat some milk, add some dried blue lotus flowers (about 2-3 tablespoons per cup), and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. You can also add some vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor. This method will produce a creamy and rich tea that can offer stronger effects and benefits, as the milk can help extract more of the active compounds from the blue lotus flowers.
- Wine infusion: This method is more potent and intoxicating, as it involves soaking the dried blue lotus flowers in wine for several days. You can use any type of wine, such as red, white, or rosé. You just need to fill a glass jar with some dried blue lotus flowers (about 10-15 grams per liter of wine), and pour some wine over them until they are fully submerged. You then need to seal the jar and store it in a dark and cool place for 3-5 days, shaking it occasionally. You can then strain the wine and enjoy it as a drink or use it to make blue lotus tea. This method will produce a potent and flavorful wine that can offer powerful effects and benefits, as the alcohol can help extract more of the active compounds from the blue lotus flowers.
- Chai or masala tea: This method is more exotic and flavorful, as it involves adding some spices and herbs to the blue lotus tea. You can use any spices and herbs that you like, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, or star anise. You just need to boil some water, add some dried blue lotus flowers (about 2-3 tablespoons per cup) and some spices and herbs of your choice, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. You can also add some milk and honey to make it creamier and sweeter. This method will produce a spicy and aromatic tea that can offer moderate effects and benefits, as well as a warm and cozy feeling.
Tips and Precautions for Drinking Blue Lotus Tea
Blue lotus tea is generally safe and well-tolerated, as long as you drink it in moderation and with caution. However, there are some tips and precautions that you should follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable blue lotus tea experience:
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as you become more familiar with the effects and benefits of blue lotus tea. The recommended dose is about 2-3 tablespoons of dried blue lotus flowers per cup of water or milk, or about 10-15 grams of dried blue lotus flowers per liter of wine. However, this may vary depending on the quality and potency of the blue lotus flowers, as well as your individual sensitivity and tolerance.
- Do not drink blue lotus tea if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition or allergy that may be affected by blue lotus tea. Blue lotus tea may have some effects on the uterus, hormones, blood pressure, and blood sugar, so it may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems. Blue lotus tea may also cause allergic reactions in some people, such as skin rashes, itching, or swelling, so it may not be safe for people with allergies or sensitivities to blue lotus or other plants.
- Do not drink blue lotus tea if you are taking any medication or supplement that may interact with blue lotus tea. Blue lotus tea may have some effects on the brain, nervous system, and liver, so it may not be safe for people who are taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, painkillers, or other drugs that may affect these organs or functions. Blue lotus tea may also interact with some herbs or supplements that may have similar or opposite effects, such as St. John’s wort, valerian, kava, or ginkgo biloba.
- Do not drink blue lotus tea before driving, operating machinery, or performing any tasks that require alertness, concentration, or coordination. Blue lotus tea may impair your judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, so it may not be safe for you to drive, operate machinery, or perform any tasks that require alertness, concentration, or coordination after drinking blue lotus tea. You may also experience drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion, which may affect your ability to function normally.
- Do not drink blue lotus tea with alcohol or other substances that may enhance or worsen its effects. Blue lotus tea may potentiate or synergize with alcohol or other substances that may have similar or opposite effects, such as cannabis, mushrooms and LSD.
- MDMA, or ecstasy, as they may enhance or worsen its effects. This may result in unpredictable and potentially dangerous consequences, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, or panic attacks.
- Drink blue lotus tea in a safe and comfortable environment, with a trusted friend or partner. Blue lotus tea may alter your perception, mood, and behavior, so it is important to drink it in a safe and comfortable environment, where you feel relaxed and secure. It is also advisable to have a trusted friend or partner with you, who can monitor your condition, assist you if needed, and share your experience. Drinking blue lotus tea alone or in an unfamiliar or stressful setting may increase the risk of negative or unpleasant effects, such as fear, anxiety, or paranoia.
Conclusion
Blue lotus tea is a fascinating and ancient drink that can offer a range of effects and benefits, from relaxation and stress relief, to mood enhancement and euphoria, to aphrodisiac and sexual enhancement, to pain relief and anti-inflammatory. However, blue lotus tea is not a magic potion that can solve all your problems or grant all your wishes. It is a natural and potent plant that should be treated with respect and caution, as it may also have some side effects and risks, especially if consumed in excess or in combination with other substances. Therefore, it is important to follow the tips and precautions mentioned above, and consult your doctor before drinking blue lotus tea, especially if you have any medical condition or allergy, or are taking any medication or supplement. If you are interested in trying blue lotus tea, you can buy dried blue lotus flowers online or from herbal shops, and follow the methods and recipes described above to make your own blue lotus tea at home. Alternatively, you can also buy ready-made blue lotus tea bags or capsules, which may be more convenient and standardized. However, make sure to buy from reputable and trustworthy sources, and check the ingredients and dosage carefully. Remember, moderation is key, and quality is better than quantity. Enjoy your blue lotus tea experience, and stay safe and healthy!
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Source:
(1) How to brew and sip Blue Lotus Tea – SimplyBeyondHerbs. https://simplybeyondherbs.com/blue-lotus-tea/.
(2) How to Make Blue Lotus Tea BEST Methods | Mythical herbs. https://www.mythicalherbs.com/how-to-make-blue-lotus-tea/.
(3) Blue Lotus Tea, Benefits, Side Effects, Taste, Making It. https://teahow.com/blue-lotus-tea-benefits-side-effects-taste-making-it/.