Dosage and Preparation
As tea: use 3 to 5 grams of flowers per cup (250 ml). Pour water at a maximum temperature of 85°C over the flowers and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Higher water temperatures can damage the volatile alkaloids and make the taste bitter. Strain the flowers before drinking. Combine with honey or lemon to taste.
As a wine infusion: add 5 grams of whole flowers to a bottle of dry white wine or light red wine. Let it infuse for at least 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Remove the flowers before serving. This method of preparation has been used for thousands of years in Egypt and surrounding cultures.
Storage
Store the dried flowers in a dry, dark, and sealed container, preferably in a glass jar or resealable package. When stored properly, the product will remain fresh for at least 12 months without loss of quality. Do not freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between whole flowers and ground blue lotus?
Whole flowers are unprocessed and retain their visual form. They are slightly easier to strain out of tea and are better suited for wine infusion because no fine powder remains. Ground or crushed material releases its compounds slightly faster during steeping, but the difference in effect is minimal. For ceremonial or ritual use, whole flowers are preferred because of their appearance. Do you want a ready-to-use concentrated extract? Then the Blue Lotus 15x tincture is a practical choice.
Is the blue lotus the same as the pink or white lotus flower?
No. Nymphaea caerulea (blue) is botanically related but differs from Nelumbo nucifera (pink/white), the Indian or Sacred Lotus. The blue water lily contains nuciferine and nornuciferine; the pink lotus contains different alkaloids and has a slightly different effect. In Egyptian tradition, the blue variety is specifically considered sacred.
Can I combine blue lotus with other relaxing herbs?
Blue lotus is traditionally combined with herbs such as valerian or passionflower for an enhanced calming effect. Never combine with large amounts of alcohol or with sedative medications (benzodiazepines, sleeping pills) without consulting a doctor, as the effects can add up. Also, do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How many cups of tea can I make from 10 grams?
At a dosage of 3 to 5 grams per cup, you can make 2 to 3 cups of tea from a 10-gram bag. For a wine infusion, 5 grams is sufficient for a 750ml bottle, so you can infuse two bottles with 10 grams. You can also steep the flowers a second time for a milder cup.
