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Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)

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Botanical Name :Nymphaea caerulea
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Species: N. caerulea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Nymphaeales

Common Name :Lotus, Blue,Blue Egyptian water lily or sacred blue lily, also known as the Egyptian Blue Lily,Blue Lotus,

Habitat :Its original habitat may have been along the Nile and other locations in East Africa. It spread to other locations, however, already in ancient times, like the Indian Subcontinent and Thailand.

Description;
The leaves are broadly rounded, 25-40 cm across, with a notch at the leaf stem. The flowers are 10-15 cm diameter. Reports in the literature by persons unfamiliar with its actual growth and blooming cycle have suggested that the flowers open in the morning, rising to the surface of the water, then close and sink at dusk. In fact, the flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open at approximately 9-9:30am and close about 3pm. 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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Floral symbolism
Ancient Egyptian funerary stele showing a dead man, named Ba, seated in the center, sniffing a sacred lily.Reports in the literature by persons unfamiliar with its actual growth and blooming cycle have suggested that the flowers open in the morning, rising to the surface of the water, then close and sink at dusk.[citation needed] In fact, the flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open at approximately 9–9:30 am and close about 3 pm. 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 or mauve petals, smoothly changing to a pale yellow in the centre of the flower.

It was considered extremely significant in Egyptian mythology, since it was said to rise and fall with the sun. Consequently, due to its colourings, it was identified, in some beliefs, as having been the original container, in a similar manner to an egg, of Atum, and in similar beliefs Ra, both solar deities. As such, its properties form the origin of the lotus variant of the Ogdoad cosmogeny. It was the symbol of the Egyptian deity Nefertem.

 

Properties and uses:
In modern culture, blue lotus flowers are used to make various concoctions including blue lotus tea, wine and martinis. Recipes for such drinks involve steeping or soaking the petals, about 10–20 grams for up to three weeks. Blue lotus ‘tea’ is prepared by boiling the entire flowers for 10–20 minutes.

Recent studies have shown Nymphaea caerulea to have mild psycho-active properties. It may have been used as a sacrament in ancient Egypt and certain ancient South American cultures. Eating Blue Lotus can act as a mild sedative. Nymphaea caerulea is distantly related to, and possesses similar activity to Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred Lotus. Both Nymphaea caerulea and Nelumbo nucifera contain the alkaloids nuciferine and aporphine. The mildly sedating effects of Nymphaea caerulea makes it a likely candidate (among several) for the lotus plant eaten by the mythical Lotophagi in Homer’s Odyssey.

This lotus is used to produce perfumes since ancient times; it is also used in aromatherapy.

Used in aromatherapy, Nymphaea caerulea is purported to have a “divine” essence, bringing heightened awareness and tranquility. Some sources cite it as an antispasmodic similar to copal resin.

Medicinal Uses:

The entire plant is used in medicine.  The Sacred water lotus has been used in the Orient as a medicinal herb for well over 1,500 years.  The leaf juice is used in the treatment of diarrhea and is decocted with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza spp) for the treatment of sunstroke.  A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of premature ejaculation. The flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic. A decoction of the floral receptacle is used in the treatment of abdominal cramps, bloody discharges etc.  The flower stalk is used in treating bleeding gastric ulcers, excessive menstruation, post-partum hemorrhage.  The stamens are astringent and used in treating urinary frequency, premature ejaculation, hemolysis, epistasis and uterine bleeding.  A decoction of the fruit is used in the treatment of agitation, fever, heart complaints etc.  The seed is used in the treatment of poor digestion, enteritis, chronic diarrhea, insomnia, palpitations etc.  The plumule and radicle are used to treat thirst in high febrile disease, hypertension, insomnia and restlessness.  The root starch is used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery etc, a paste is applied to ringworm and other skin ailments. It is also taken internally in the treatment of hemorrhages, excessive menstruation and nosebleeds. The roots are harvested in autumn or winter and dried for later use.  The root nodes are used in the treatment of nasal bleeding, hemoptysis, hematuria and functional bleeding of the uterus.  The plant has a folk history in the treatment of cancer, modern research has isolated certain compounds from the plant that show anticancer activity.   The leaves, which have antipyretic and refrigerant properties, are used against symptoms of summer-heat, such as headache, respiratory congestion, chronic thirst, and dark scanty urine.  The peduncle relieves stomachaches, calms restless fetus, and controls leukorrhea.
An aphrodisiac for both men and women as well as a general remedy for all illness enhancing sexual vigor and general good health. A tonic like ginseng, pain reliever like arnica, circulation stimulant richer than ginkgo biloba, and sexual stimulant richer than Viagra. It creates a feeling of well being, euphoria and ecstasy, as well as being widely used as a general remedy against illness, and is still used as a tonic for good health, consumed as an extract, 6-12 drops or up to 1 tsp to 1 Tbs in juice taken 1 to 3 times daily.  Traditionally,  fresh Blue Lotus was made into a tea or drank after being soaked in wine, usually followed by a cigarette made of the dried plant material.  Dried flowers are sometimes smoked for a mild sedative effect.   By itself, Lotus produces an opiate-like intoxication. Traditionally, Nymphaea caerulea was drunk after being soaked in warm water or wine, while the dried flowers were also smoked. About 5 grams of dried petals steeped in small amount of alcohol for a few hours to a week is said to have a synergistic effect with the Lotus, producing a euphoria. The overall effect of this combination is a narcotic empathogenic experience. According to recent studies, Blue Lily was found to be loaded with health-giving phytosterols and bioflavonoids. It turned out to be one of the greatest daily health tonics ever found.

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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaea_caerulea
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/139664/
http://pandasthumb.org/archives/2009/08/post-37.html
http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Asia/Vietnam/photo84293.htm

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/139664/

http://psychoactiveherbs.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=52_127&products_id=306&osCsid=9eadd1bef28b39cf098b4a6844a7056f

http://www.thefloweringgarden.com/nymphaea-caerulea.htm

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Herbs & Plants

Lotus Flower

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Name : Padma

Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Proteales

Family: Nelumbonaceae

Genus: Nelumbo

Species: N. nucifera

Other names: Blue lotus, Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, and sacred water-lily.

Bengali  Name : Padma Phul

Lotuses are 5 species of water lilies, three in the genus Nymphaea and two in Nelumbo; both genera are members of the water-lily family, Nymphaea lotus, the Egyptian white lotus, is believed to be the original sacred lotus of ancient Egypt. It and the Egyptian blue lotus, N. caerulea, were often pictured in ancient Egyptian art.

The common Egyptian “lotus” is actually correctly called a water lily: the white lotus opens at dusk, the blue water lilly opens in the morning.

The white lotus is a shallow-water, night-blooming plant with a creeping rootstock (rhizome) that sends up long-stalked, nearly circular, dark green leathery leaves, which float on the surface. The flowers, up to 25 cm (10 in) across, remain open until midday. The blue lotus is a smaller, less showy day-blooming plant.

Habitat: Grows along lakes and rivers in wet soil.Now lotus flower is grown in most of the countries in the world.
Cultural Significance:
The lotus flower appeared in legends originating from ancient Egypt. It played an important part in ancient Egyptian religion. The pure white lotus flower, the only plant to fruit and flower simultaneously, emerges from the depths of the muddy swamp. Growing from the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams, the exquisite Lotus flower rises above the water and is usually white or pink with 15 or more oval, spreading petals, and a peculiar, flat seedcase at its center.

The lotus flower has been featured extensively throughout the art of ancient Egypt. In various works of art, you may see it held in the hand of a god or human, serving as a border to outline a section of the artwork, unfolding to reveal various gods or humans, and many other depictions. The ancient Egyptians from the 4th dynasty greatly valued the sacred lotus, in religious ceremonies and funerals. The ancient Egyptians developed the art of counting to a high degree, but their system of numeration was very crude. For example, the number 1,000 was symbolized by a picture of a lotus flower, and the number 2,000 was symbolized by a picture of two lotus flowers growing out of a bush.

Hindus associate the lotus (Padma) blossom with creation mythology, and with the gods Vishnu, Brahma, and the goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati. From ancient times the lotus has been a divine symbol in Hindu tradition. It is often used as an example of divine beauty, for example Vishnu is often described as the ‘Lotus-Eyed One’. Its unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. Particularily Brahma and Lakshmi, the divinities of potence and wealth, have the lotus symbol associated with them. In Hindu iconography, deities often are depicted with lotus flowers as their seats. In Hindi it is called कमल (Kamal) which is also a popular name for men, the female form is Kamala.

The lotus flower is quoted extensively within Puranic and Vedic literature, for example:

One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water. Bhagavad Gita 5.10

Borrowing from Hinduism, in Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The Buddha is often depicted sitting on a giant lotus leaf or blossom. According to legend, he was born with the ability to walk and everywhere he stepped, lotus flowers bloomed.

Drawing in turn on these Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, the international Bahá’í community adopted this symbolism in the design of the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India.

The Chinese also revere the sacred lotus as a symbol of purity and elegance, and it is a common motif in ancient Chinese poetry. A famous statement about the lotus’ symbolism in Chinese culture is made by Confucian scholar Zhou Dunyi: I love the lotus because, while growing from mud, it is unstained.

Click to see: –>Padma
Description:
Lotus offers one of the highest spiritual vibrations amongst other flowers. It is a water plant growing in shallow ponds, lagoons, marshes and flooded fields. Of immense spiritual essence its unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. It is found in parts of the Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Guinea and throughout India.

…click to see the pictures….>….(1)…..(2)..(3)......(4)...(5)..…..(6)...

The long stemmed lotus plant with its base on the muddy bottoms of the ponds bloom full to its glory above the water. It is usually white or pink with large attractive petals and a flat seedcase at its center. Leathery textured leaves, dark green in colour they are disc-shaped and up to 90 cm wide. It blooms at night. This plant is an aquatic perennial, but if its seeds are preserved under favorable circumstances, they may remain viable for many years. Lotus plant should be planted in spring, in sunny areas in medium or clay loam. Lotus is considered sacred among Buddhists and Hindus. It is the symbol of sun, of creation and rebirth and one of the important flowers used for the worship of Devi Durga.

The roots of Nelumbo nucifera are planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of the water surface. The flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimeters above the water. The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5 meters. The leaves may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter.

There are a number of different cultivars, the flower colours varying from snow white to yellow to a light pink. It is hardy to USDA Zone 5. The plant can be propagated from seeds or rhizomes. 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.

Medicinal Uses:
The various parts of the lotus are prepared in many ways. Leaves are often used fresh to staunch bleeding and reduce fever as a poultice, and have been prepared in various ways to treat a wide variety of ills. These preparations include decoctions, alcohol extraction, boiling to paste and dried in tea.

Traditional medicine has used the lotus leaf, stamen, stem, flower and root to treat a wide variety of ills. Modern science has identified at least seven different chemical actions that support the traditional uses. The most potent of these are the astringent qualities and antibacterial action of the flowers and leaves. Lotus leaves also have an unusual quality that has been widely studied in Western science * the ability to remain dry in water. Among the conditions that the lotus leaf has been used to treat are piles, leprosy, parasites, fever, vomiting, infection, ringworm and sexually transmitted diseases.

Precautions
The lotus is widely consumed as a food throughout southern Asia. There are no cautions connected with its use.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.kingtutshop.com/freeinfo/Lotus-Flower.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_flower
http://www.bangalinet.com/bengal_plants1.html

 

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