INFUSE Blue Lotus Elixir — the flower of the Nile, in a drop

Le dernier territoire souverain. On y entre par les plantes, par le silence, par le retour aux songes des anciens.

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Le dernier territoire souverain. On y entre par les plantes, par le silence, par le retour aux songes des anciens.

— Le dernier territoire souverain. On y entre par les plantes, par le silence, par le retour aux songes des anciens.

In the Egyptian tombs of the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE), a blue flower returns again and again: in the hands of the gods, floating in the sacred pools, laid upon the altars of Osiris. It is not Nelumbo nucifera, the Buddhist Indian lotus. It is Nymphaea caerulea — the blue water-lily of the Nile. Two very different plants, often confused.

Why authenticity matters — the 2024 crisis

The Blue Lotus market is in the grip of a documented authenticity crisis. As much as 60-80% of the products sold as "Blue Lotus" on the European and American markets are either Nelumbo nucifera (Indian lotus, a different pharmacology), or Nymphaea alba (the European white water-lily, near-inactive), or blends with other tropical Nymphaea.

Nymphaea caerulea is cultivated mainly in Egypt (the Nile delta), South India, Sri Lanka, and in specialised greenhouses in India. INFUSE sources its flower from Sri Lanka.

Pharmacology — nuciferine and apomorphine

Nuciferine: the principal aporphine alkaloid of Nymphaea caerulea. A partial D2 dopaminergic agonist; a mild antipsychotic-like action has been documented in preclinical studies of the isolated compound. A relaxing of the nervous system without marked sedation. The action on dopamine accounts for the oneiric dimension and the light euphoria.

Apomorphine (traces): a non-selective dopaminergic agonist. Known in pharmacology as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. In trace amounts within the flower, its action is too faint for any direct therapeutic effect — but it contributes to the overall profile of action.

Normuciferine, nuciferoline: other aporphines present, their pharmacology less documented.

Synergy with alcohol: the Egyptians macerated the flowers in wine for days. Alcohol dissolves the aporphine alkaloids better than water alone — this is not a cultural effect, it is a chemistry of extraction.

The INFUSE elixir — preparation

INFUSE Blue Lotus Elixir: a maceration of dried Nymphaea caerulea flowers in an organic food-grade alcohol (40%), 4 weeks at room temperature, away from the light. No heat — the aporphine alkaloids partly degrade at high temperature.

Triple filtration. An organoleptic test (the characteristic blue-violet colour, a light floral scent). Bottled in amber glass.

Final alcohol content: ~30%. Use: a few ml in warm water, in cacao, or in rose hydrosol. In the evening, before bed.

Red lines

Apomorphine can interact with antidopaminergics (neuroleptics, metoclopramide). Those under psychiatric treatment should consult a professional before use. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. Contains alcohol. The light sedation can potentiate other sedatives — do not combine with benzodiazepines, alcohol in quantity, or opiates.

Two flowers are sold under this name. Nymphaea nouchali — the 'false' blue lotus, beautiful and powerful in its own way, which we also offer. And Nymphaea caerulea, the true flower, the one we are committed to. We have not validated our flower through scientific testing; as of today it is much closer to true caerulea without our being able to claim it is exactly that. In use, its effects are clearly deeper than the nouchali's — a higher load of nucifirine/apomorphine, not lab-measured but evident in experience. We work with passionate blue-lotus people and our contacts in Sri Lanka to grow the true flower and secure a regular supply. A commitment in progress.