Blue lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea) is a flowering aquatic plant that grows in the Nile and other parts of Africa. The flowers are unusual in that they grow on top of long stems above the water, rather than below it like many other flowers do. Blue lotus has been used since ancient Egyptians until the modern people era for its sedative effects.
Traditionally, dried blue lotus flowers were brewed into tea or consumed as an herbal supplement. The dried blue lotus leaves are also sometimes smoked for their euphoric effects on the mind and body (and this practice goes back centuries). Currently, there’s not much scientific research about how safe or effective blue lotus extract is when taken as a supplement—but more information is emerging about its usefulness in treating anxiety disorders and other conditions that may benefit from calming effects with little risk of side effects compared to prescription drugs like benzodiazepines.
What Is Blue Lotus Extract?
Blue lotus is a flowering plant that grows in wetland areas of Asia, particularly Thailand, and India. It is in the family Nymphaeaceae and has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Blue lotus contains many active ingredients, including alkaloids and flavonoids that have been shown to produce sedative effects when consumed by humans.
How Is It Used as a Supplement?
Blue lotus extract can be taken as a supplement in capsule form or as a tincture. For anxiety and insomnia, the recommended dosage is 200-400 milligrams of dried lotus flower extract taken three times daily with meals. For depression and stress relief, the recommended dose is 300 milligrams of dried blue lotus flower taken twice daily with meals.
For those who prefer to take their supplements in liquid form, blue lotus extract can be added to tea or other foods for topical delivery of the active compounds contained within it (this method is known as “infusion”).
Is It Safe to Use?
Blue lotus extract is a safe and effective natural supplement. No serious side effects have been reported, but it’s important to note that you should consult a doctor before taking blue lotus if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a pre-existing medical condition (such as heart disease, or diabetes) or are taking prescription medications for health issues
The following are some general guidelines for using blue lotus:
Does It Have Any Health Benefits?
Blue lotus extract has been shown to have several health benefits. In addition to being used as a sedative and anti-anxiety agent, it has also been used as an antidepressant and anticonvulsant. Additionally, it may be helpful for people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and depression because it can help reduce anxiety. Blue lotus extract might also be beneficial for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autism spectrum disorders due to its ability to improve focus, attention span, memory recall, communication skills, and social interactions.
How Does Blue Lotus Extract Work in the Body?
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is GABA. Blue lotus extract increases levels of this neurotransmitter, which makes it an effective natural anxiolytic and treatment for anxiety disorders.
Can You Take This Supplement With Other Supplements?
- Avoid taking alcohol or other drugs that potentiate GABAergic activity.
- If you are taking medications, talk to your doctor about whether or not it is safe for you to take blue lotus extract.
- If you are taking other supplements, talk to your doctor about whether or not it is safe for you to take blue lotus extract in conjunction with those other supplements.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen
What Are the Dose Recommendations for Blue Lotus Extract?
It’s essential to remember that no recommended dose has been established for blue lotus extract. However, studies have shown that the plant’s most active ingredients are safe at doses of up to 500 mg/kg body weight and do not produce adverse effects. The lack of a dose-response relationship suggests that it would be challenging to determine how much blue lotus extract you should take based on your weight alone.
It leaves us with one final question: how much should I take? Unfortunately, we don’t have an exact answer yet–but hopefully, this guide will help point you in the right direction!
To sum up, blue lotus extract is a powerful supplement that can help you achieve a better night’s sleep, reduce stress and anxiety levels, increase focus and concentration at work or school, and even lift your mood. It may also provide some health benefits like boosting immune system function due to its antiviral properties against certain viruses like influenza A (H1N1).