How is Blue Lotus Consumed?

TL;DR: Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) can be brewed as tea, soaked in wine, smoked, vaporized or taken as an extract, and each method feels a little different. Tea is the classic starting point at 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flower steeped for 5 to 10 minutes, and whichever way you go, start small.

Blue lotus is one of those plants where the way you take it changes the whole experience. We sell the dried flowers, extracts and vapes, and the question we get most is simply, "What do I do with it?" Here are the most common ways people use blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), with the practical details we'd give you at the counter.

Blue lotus tea

Tea is one of the most popular ways to take blue lotus and it's where we point most beginners. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried blue lotus flowers in hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes. It's known for a calm, easy feeling.

A few tips. Use water just off the boil, not a hard rolling boil. Cover the mug while it steeps so the aroma stays in the cup. The flavor is floral and a little bitter, and a spoon of honey helps. If you want it stronger, steep longer or add a bit more flower instead of boiling it harder.

Wine infusion

Historically, blue lotus was often soaked in wine, since people believed it brought out more of the wine's character. This is the method you see tied to ancient Egypt. To try it, soak the flowers in wine for anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how strong you want it, then strain.

We'll be straight with you here. Alcohol and relaxing botanicals stack, so go light, and don't plan on driving. Most people who try this keep it to a small ritual glass, not a night out.

Smoking and vaporizing

Blue lotus can be smoked on its own or blended with other herbs. People say it comes on quicker this way, though it tends to feel milder. It's a common base in herbal smoking blends because it burns smooth.

For a more modern approach, you can vaporize the dried flower in a dry herb vaporizer. It's efficient, and a lot of people find it cleaner than smoking since nothing is burning. Blue lotus vape carts made with extract are another option if you want no prep at all. Start with a puff or two and wait a few minutes before taking more.

Extracts, tinctures and resins

Blue lotus extracts come as tinctures or resins and can be taken directly or added to drinks or food. Extracts are usually much more concentrated than the flower, so a smaller amount is usually enough. A few drops of tincture in water or tea is a normal starting point. Resin is thick and sticky, and people usually take a tiny piece or dissolve it in something warm.

Storing your flowers

Whatever method you use, dried blue lotus keeps best in an airtight jar out of the light. Heat, sun and humidity flatten the aroma, and the aroma is a big part of the experience. We keep ours in dark glass with a small desiccant pack, and a good batch holds up for months that way. If your flowers smell like hay instead of sweet and floral, they're old. They're still safe, just weaker, so use a little more or make a fresh order.

Whole flowers also hold up better than broken bits and powder, since less surface is exposed to air. If you like to grind for smoking or vaping, grind only what you need for that session.

How to pick a method

Here's the quick way we break it down for customers:

• For a slow, calm ritual, go with tea.
• For something traditional on a special evening, try a small wine infusion.
• For something quick, vaporize or smoke it.
• For small, measured amounts that travel well, use a tincture or extract.

Common questions

How long does blue lotus tea take to kick in?
It's gradual, and slower on a full stomach. Give it a while before you decide to drink more.

Can I reuse the flowers?
You can get a weaker second steep out of them, but the first cup gets most of it.

Is blue lotus legal?
It's not federally scheduled in the US, but a few places restrict it, so check your local rules.

Whichever method you try, start with a small amount to see how your body responds, especially if you're new to blue lotus. You can shop flowers, extracts and vapes in our blue lotus collection.