Lotus

Therapeutic Profile + Benefits

Lotus has been widely used as an aphrodisiac, hypnotic, sedative, and spiritual tool for thousands of years. In particular, the Egyptians would smoke Lotus resins with opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) to avoid opioid addiction and neurotoxicity. Intoxicating fermented brews of Mandrake and Blue Lotus were also employed to induce prophetic visionary states that would assist the user in laying down in a death like sleep to pass through the realms of the underworld, and wake up "resurrected" to a new enlightened state that was said to unify the lands of Upper and Lower Egypt - symbols for the Above and Below - Inside and Out - Consciousness and Matter. Beyond the stories chiseled into stone and tomb, we now have our modern understanding of what compounds Blue Lotus contains and how those organic extractions affect our bodies and minds. Blue Lotus is now known to add major therapeutic value to conditions such as:

Depression
Focus
Motor control
Sex drive
Addiction
Motivation
Anxiety
Lucid dreaming
Suicide
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
ADD/ADHD
Traumatic brain injury
Hoarding
Seizures

Erectile Dysfunction
Memory
Parkinsons
Heart arrhythmia
Hormone imbalance
Menstruation
Melanoma
Longevity
Genetic disorder
Mitochondrial function
Neurotransmitter balance

Addiction & Substance Abuse:
Lotus contains two major alkaloids within it, Aporphine and Apomorphine. Both compounds are known to have powerful effects on Dopamine receptor sites found within the limbic system of the brain. Working together, these two alkaloids have powerful modulating effects of the dopaminergic system which can often times become damaged due to prolonged use of substances and stimulants such as Opium, Alcohol, Cocaine, Nicotine, and, Amphetamines.

Such substances are known to release large amounts of dopamine in the limbic system, a reward system area of the brain that is responsible for behavior, emotion, and motivation. In time, and with consistent use of these substances, the dopaminergic system can become deficient in dopamine and the natural release of dopamine from physical activity, eating, positive emotion, or sex can be disrupted. This broken dopamine cycle leaves the substance user to seek the drug more and more as to assist in the release of dopamine so that they may feel good and "normal." Using substances consistently to release dopamine can disrupt natural rhythms and upset body chemistry. The disruption of natural dopamine release and the overabundant use and release of dopamine is how a substance can lead to addiction or how behavior, mood, and eventually physical distress can follow with consistent use of a drug.

The Alkaloids found within Lotus have been shown to stimulate dopamine production within the dopaminergic system helping to restore normal dopamine levels. At the same time, Aporphine and Apomorphine work as dopamine receptor antagonists and agonists, binding with dopamine receptors to modulate their expression and then influence neurons to increase the amount of dopamine receptor sites found at the synapse so that the body can receive and interact with its own endogenous dopamine supply. This means that the brain will now be more sensitive and aware of its internal production and release of dopamine, gently influencing the individual to seek external stimulants less and less.

The alkaloid effect of Blue Lotus lasts in the body for roughly 90 minutes. These alkaloids are excreted via the urinary system leaving the brain cleansed and replenished so that the individual has reduced their desire for external stimulants. The body can now produce its own dopamine more easily, reward itself, modulate mood, behavior, and cravings for addictive substances.

Depression, Anxiety, and Mood:
A healthy dopamine system also plays a major role in combating depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that a lack of dopamine or blocked dopamine receptors can lead to a state of fear, anxiety, and even emotional eating. A damaged dopamine system means that the energy, motivation, and reward systems of the brain are not being properly stimulated leaving the individual to feel unmotivated, sad, fearful, or anxious.

There are also dopamine receptors found in the atria and ventricles of the Heart. If these receptors are blocked or damaged by the overuse of stimulants (caffeine, sugar, nicotine, cocaine) and the release of dopamine still occurs due to a substance or emotion, the presence of dopamine can cause the heart to contract more intensely leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, hyperventilation, and potentially a panic attack. Such a response puts the body into a state of stress causing cortisol to be released, the immune system to be compromised, and inflammation to occur. This could lead to headaches, migraines, or a general exacerbation of injuries and pain along with an uncomfortable state of anxiety followed by depression.

A healthy dopamine system has been shown to drastically reduce the release of cortisol keeping the body free from stress. The tonifying and modulating effects that Apomorphine, Aporphine, and Nuciferine found within Lotus have on the dopaminergic system mean that they can play a role in reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. In a stress free state, where the body is producing healthy levels of dopamine and receptor sites, elevated mood, energy, and motivation are experienced leading the individual to a happier more satisfying life. Such actions mean that Lotus may assist in weening off Antidepressants and Benzodiazepines so that joy and peace may be inherent to the individual.

Focus, Memory, and Dream Recall:
The limbic system of the brain, especially the Hippocampus and Amygdala, play a crucial role in our ability to recall and remember. Healthy neurotransmitter and receptor function is vital to our ability to learn, remember, and stay focused. Blue lotus contains a variety of phytosterols, compounds that are helpful to ensure neurotransmitters fire properly between nerve synapses and work together to record information. This ability of Lotus to aid in focus and memory also translates into the sleeping state. With regular use of Lotus extracts, the user can strengthen their limbic system and in turn their recall, including dream recall.

Aphrodisiac, Sex drive, and Erectile Dysfunction:
Lotus has long been understood to have aphrodisiacal qualities and was often used in traditional beverages to increase virility, sex drive, and arousal. Nuciferine, one of the major alkaloids in Blue Lotus has been shown to relax the nervous system allowing the user to feel open yet alert and to stimulate the pituitary gland which controls the sexual organs and sex drive. More recently, another one of Blue Lotus alkaloids, Apomorphine, has been used in treatments for erectile dysfunction. Its effects on the dopamine receptors can also be seen to help increase blood flow, which can lead to easier erection if awareness is directed to a sexual encounter. The ability of Blue Lotus to tone the nervous system and decrease stress/anxiety means that orgasms can be more stimulating or easier to achieve.

Aphrodisiacs were not always used specifically for sex. Building a sensual relationship with yourself, spiritual deity, or creative power were also common points of interest. Increased sexual acuity could be focused internally as a rejuvenating or inspirational force, which could help the user better understand who they are, their passions, and general ability to generate sovereign experiences that would strengthen the internal bond to self, love, sense of security, and personal gratitude.

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