Blue Lotus with Stems

Blue Lotus with Stems is the whole harvested flower of the sacred blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea), blossom and stem together, carefully harvested in Sri Lanka and naturally dried to preserve its delicate nature. Leaving the stems in is a deliberate choice: the stem adds body and a deeper, greener undertone to the petals' soft floral notes, and the result is a more intense, full-bodied tea than a petals-only cut.

At a glance

• Whole harvested flower, blossom and stem together, of Nymphaea caerulea
• Harvested in Sri Lanka and naturally dried
• Stems add body and a deeper, greener undertone
• Profile: nuciferine and aporphine
• Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons for 5 to 10 minutes
• Sizes from 1oz through 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, 8oz and 12oz, plus Pound and Kilo

The herb. Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is a water lily of the Nymphaeaceae family, native to the Nile and the still waters of East Africa, that opens with the sun and closes by afternoon. Ancient Egypt held it as a sacred flower, carved into temple columns, laid in tombs and steeped in wine at ceremonial banquets, an emblem of rebirth and the rising sun. The flower's petals and stamens carry the alkaloids nuciferine and aporphine, and the long stems that hold each blossom up to the light carry a smaller share of the same compounds along with more of the plant's green, earthy character.

What's in it. This is a dried whole-plant cut, not an extract, and no potency figure applies. What the flowers and stems naturally hold is the water lily pair of alkaloids, in the balance the plant grew with:

• Nuciferine: the calm, body-easing, dreamy side of blue lotus
• Aporphine: the brighter, more lifted side
• Flavonoids, aromatics and chlorophyll-rich stem material: what gives this cut its fuller flavor

Because the stems dilute the petals slightly by weight, the cup reads as rounder and earthier rather than sharper, which many people prefer for an evening tea.

Dosage, first time. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers and stems in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. The cup comes out a deeper gold than a petal tea, with soft floral and earthy undertones and a pleasant body; strain well, since stem pieces are chunkier than petals. Drink one cup and give it half an hour before considering a second.

Regular use. Regular drinkers usually settle at one or two cups in the evening, brewed the same way each time so the experience is predictable. The infusion pairs well with other botanicals: chamomile softens it, lavender lifts it, and a pinch of mint brightens the earthy edge.

What to expect. Users describe blue lotus with stems as the fuller, more grounded version of the classic tea: a calm, relaxed body, a mellow and slightly dreamy head, and enough substance in the cup to feel like an evening ritual rather than a light floral sip. It suits winding down after work, a bath, meditation or a slow night in. It is not a stimulant and not a concentrate. For a cleaner, more refined cup without stems, see our Organic Blue Lotus Petals and Stamens; for the flower ready to smoke rather than steep, see our Blue Lotus Organic Pre-Rolls.

Side effects. Blue lotus tea is mild. Brewed very strong or taken cup after cup it can leave some people drowsy or with a dry mouth; if so, use less leaf or fewer cups next time. Stop use if anything feels wrong.

Interactions and cautions.

• Do not drink it alongside alcohol or sedative medications; a full-bodied lotus tea plus either one is more drowsiness than most people want
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing
• Do not get behind the wheel until you know your response
• This product is intended for botanical use only; blue lotus is generally legal throughout most regions, but check your local laws
• For adults 21+ only; keep out of reach of children

Ingredients and storage. 100% Blue Lotus with Stems (Nymphaea caerulea). Store in an airtight jar or the resealed bag in a cool, dark, dry cupboard; stems hold a little more residual moisture than petals, so keep the container closed and away from steam. Kept dry, it holds its aroma for a year or more.

Common questions

• Why buy Blue Lotus with Stems instead of petals only? The stems add body and a deeper, earthier flavor, giving a more intense, full-bodied cup than petals and stamens alone.
• How do I brew blue lotus with stems? Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried flowers and stems in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes and strain well.
• Does blue lotus with stems taste more bitter? Slightly greener and earthier, yes, but not harsh; chamomile or lavender rounds it out.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Blue lotus is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.