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Lotus Stamens Tincture
$33
Ingredients:
Organic Blue Lotus Stamens, Organic Cane Alcohol
Benefits: anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac; enhances well-being; pain relieving; improves memory and circulation; regulates irregular periods.
Blue Lotus Stamens
Blue Lotus has a long history of use as a sacred plant across cultures. In Egypt, it was associated with the sun — the lotus that opens in the morning and closes at night — and with Horus, the bull-headed god, who (like both Brahma and Buddha as well) was often depicted sitting or standing on a lotus. From Buddhists and Hindus to Syrians and Egyptians, the lotus was thought to bring prosperity, fertility, and allow the inner being to bloom. Egyptians also considered it a flower of resurrection, using it in funeral rights; it can often be seen depicted in artworks on tombs. And of course there is Homer, who wrote about the lotus-eaters in the Odyssey, hinting at its other well-known use: that of an intoxicating, possibly even psychedelic plant, used in both shamanic practice and bacchanalian celebrations.
Blue lotus has often been considered a gate-way to the divine, perhaps because of its ability to stimulate the pineal gland. It is able to support deep, meditative states and enhance intuition. It relaxes the nervous system, promotes restful sleep, and is said to have one of the highest vibrations of any plant, encouraging a gentle unfolding of the spiritual self.
On a more mundane level, it can be used for pain relief, similar to arnica; for muscle-relaxing properties; to improve memory and circulation; and to help regulate irregular periods and ease menstrual cramps in women. It is an aphrodisiac, and enhances well-being. In Ayurvedic medicine, blue lotus has been used to treat dyspepsia, enteritis, diarrhea, urinary problems, fevers, and heart palpitations.
Socially, it can be used as an alcohol replacements due to its ability to alleviate social and sexual anxiety; it can also help with withdrawals from nicotine and other drugs. Some people experience a gentle, cheerful state, with increased empathy and relaxation — if also aroused and flooded by a feeling of wellness. However, this doesn’t seem to be universal, as some people report no feeling at all.
Note: At higher doses, it can cause tremors and nausea; it should certainly not be taken with Benzodiazepins or other sedatives (whether prescribed or not) because it can increase their effects. It is also important for diabetics to monitor their blood sugar if they are interested in using the plant.