Hello plant friends,
​The first time I smelled Blue Lotus, I cried. It’s such a transcendental scent, radiating pure beauty and magic— sensual, heady, revealing itself over time into this singular florality I have never ever smelled before. It’s a material I had been on a personal quest to acquire; its use in ancient Egypt, divination, all sorts of rituals spoke to me and I was so curious to what it smelled like for many years.
​
Its extraordinary price and rarity is holding many perfumers back to work with it and this is also a reason to why it isn't so readily available- at least, not the real deal. Not having been a stranger to fake lotus scents previously in my quest for finding the real thing, when I smelled the tiny drop of this Sri Lankan Blue Lotus absolute on a blotter in the South of France last year at the booth of Khush. I felt a relief. There's still beauty and truth in the world.
​
I hope you feel as much reverence and admiration for this rare gem of a material as I do and look forward to hearing your thoughts!
​
With love,
Merle
Unveiling this rare essence
​​​​We are completely immersed in our latest perfume, Nightflowers, this month. One of its most captivating ingredients is Blue Lotus Absolute (Nymphaea caerulea) - a rare essence that adds a sensual, seductive depth to the fragrance. Because Blue Lotus touches us on such a deeply emotional level, we decided to dedicate this edition of Scents of the Earth to its enchanting story!
As one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery - costing anywhere from €10,000 to €26,000 per kilo - we handle it with the utmost care. In fact, we could hardly find any other perfumes that include this extraordinary material! That makes us even more thrilled to have it as a defining element in Nightflowers and in this months membership. We hope you enjoy!
In your box this month:
Sample of Blue Lotus Absolute
Sample of Nightflowers
Dried Blue Lotus flower
By @imdad_barbhuyan
The habitat of Blue Lotus
​
The Blue Lotus thrives in warm, tropical or subtropical climates, growing in still or slow-moving water, typically in ponds, lakes and rivers. It requires full sunlight to bloom, so it is commonly found in areas with plenty of sun. The plant’s rhizomes (root-like structures) are submerged in the mud at the bottom of the water, which lacks oxygen, while its large, flat leaves float on the surface. Its flowers open during the day, starting around 9:30 am, and close in the early afternoon at 3:00 pm. The flower buds rise to the surface over two to three days, and their ability to flourish in these conditions helps the plant thrive.
"The lotus blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud.​"
​
- Indian proverb
_Verdc__leaf.jpg)
_Verdc__fruit_with_coiled_peduncle_1.jpg)
Complete specimen of Nymphaea caerulea by Conan Wolff.
Blue Lotus across different cultures
​
The Blue Lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea in Latin) has been revered across cultures for thousands of years, valued not only for its beauty but also for its deep spiritual and medicinal significance. It became especially famous due to ancient Egypt, where it was a prominent motif in art, architecture, and culture. When the tomb of King Tutankhamun was opened in 1922, his body was found covered with blue lotus petals. These petals symbolized the transition to the afterlife and became a subject of fascination in Western archaeology. It was given the name Sacred Lily of the Nile and researchers discovered that the Blue Lotus was also used in rituals to induce trance states, allowing priestesses to commune with the gods.
​
By 300 BCE, the Blue Lotus had spread beyond Egypt to Greece, where it became integrated into the religious practices of the cults of Isis and Serapis. As trade routes expanded, the flower traveled even further, appearing in regions from Britannia to India and even in Mayan religious art and ceremonies.
​
In Aboriginal traditions, the Blue Lotus holds an ancient and secret legacy dating back over 40,000 years within recorded botanical scripts. Aboriginal people incorporated it into daily culture, consuming its roots, stems, and flowers for medicinal purposes. Sacred women’s ceremonies and oral traditions preserve the wisdom of this plant till today.
Across civilizations, it remains a ancient treasure, continuing to inspire those who seek a deeper connection to the sacred mysteries of life.
​
Dream flowers by @taelien
The Blue Lotus held profound significance in ancient Egypt, symbolizing divinity, rebirth, and transformation. Temple carvings depict only priests, pharaohs, and nobility in connection to the Blue Lotus, suggesting that access to this sacred plant was reserved only for the elite. The common people, whose daily lives were rarely documented, may have had little to no direct use of it.
Interestingly, depictions of the Blue Lotus - including in the famous Turin Papyrus - suggest that the flower also played a role in sensual and fertility rites. This adds another layer to its mystical and cultural importance in ancient Egyptian society.​
A tomb painting representing Nebamun fishing and hunting. A bunch of lotuses hangs over his arm and another spray is held by his wife. (The Trustees of the British Museum).
Ritual and ceremonial use
​
The Blue Lotus played a significant role in rituals in ancient Egypt, often depicted in being held by gods and pharaohs as they inhaled its aroma. Some evidence suggests that the flower possessed psychoactive properties, which may have contributed to its use in inducing relaxation and spiritual elevation.
Its extracts were infused into oils and wines, likely enhancing religious experiences. Priests and priestesses used Blue Lotus oil during rituals to enter a meditative state and deepen their spiritual connection. Its intoxicating fragrance was believed to open the mind and elevate the soul, making it a key element in ceremonies designed to bridge the earthly and divine realms.​
Egyptian creation myth
​
In Egyptian mythology, the Blue Lotus is deeply connected to the creation of the Earth. According to legend, in the beginning, there was only the primordial waters of Nun: a vast, infinite ocean that shrouded the world in darkness. From these depths, a great Blue Lotus emerged, and as it opened, radiant light spread in all directions, banishing the darkness and illuminating the world. From within the flower Ra was born, a powerful solar deity in Egyptian mythology.
The Blue Lotus became more than just a symbol of light, it embodied the essence of creation itself. It was also believed that Nefertum, the god of perfume and healing, arose from its core. This sacred flower served as a reminder of the birth of life, the power of the sun, and the transformative force that connects the divine with the human experience.​​
Let us travel to ancient Egypt...​
Blue lotus, the afterlife and sex in Ancient Egypt:
The lotus, a deeply spiritual symbol in India...
In Hinduism, the lotus flower is a symbol that carries deep spiritual meaning. It represents purity, enlightenment and transcendence because it grows in muddy waters yet remains untainted.
The lotus is linked to several important deities in the Hindu tradition:​​
Often depicted sitting on a lotus, Vishnu, the preserver god in Hinduism, symbolizes divine sustenance and protection.​
The goddess of fortune and prosperity, Lakshmi, is frequently portrayed sitting or standing on a lotus flower, symbolizing the beauty, grace, and abundance that emanates from her.
The creator god in Hinduism, Brahma, is often shown emerging from a lotus that grows from Vishnu's navel, representing the creation of the universe.
The blue lotus holds a distinct significance in comparison to other lotus flowers. It is a symbol of wisdom and higher knowledge in Hinduism. The blue lotus is associated with the god Vishnu or Brahma and represents the awakening of spiritual awareness and insight. The color blue reflects the vastness of the sky and the depth of understanding.
By @imdad_barbhuyan
Medical properties and more...
The Blue Lotus is a captivating plant known for its remarkable therapeutic properties. This is something we experienced as well, working on our perfume Nightflowers! Blue lotus is packed with alkaloids like Apomorphine, Aporphine and Nuciferine which offers a variety of health benefits. Apomorphine enhances dopamine levels and lift your mood. Aporphine promotes euphoria and supports muscle control, while Nuciferine induces a sense of calm and relaxation.
​
Beyond its mood-enhancing effects, Blue Lotus is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. It serves as a natural antidepressant, sleep aid and aphrodisiac, boosting vitality in both men and women. The plant also supports digestion, detoxification and menstrual health, while its anti-aging properties make it a popular choice in skincare.
The blue lotus is also valued in Ayurveda (tradition Hindi medicine system) for its calming and healing properties. It is believed to aid meditation, reduce stress, and enhance spiritual awareness. Practitioners use it in herbal medicine to promote relaxation and balance between mind and body.​
Harvesting Blue Lotus​
The Blue Lotus used in Nightflowers is harvested in Sri Lanka. While the lotus once thrived in the waters of the Nile in ancient Egypt and was cultivated in special lakes and ponds exclusively for the Nymphaea caerulea, it no longer grows there naturally. Today, some Egyptians cultivate it on a very small scale in different regions, but for larger-scale production, it is now primarily grown in Southeast Asia.
In Sri Lanka, the harvest of Blue Lotus is deeply rooted in tradition and remains an important part of the local culture. However, with growing environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change, sustainable harvesting practices are essential to preserve this sacred flower.
​
We collaborate with a company that partners with a single, socially responsible producer. This initiative not only ensures ethical sourcing but also supports the local economy by providing employment to approximately 400 men and women.
Images from our Blue Lotus supplier in Sri Lanka.​
​​​​
Aromatic profile
​
The aroma profile is floral, sweet and earthy, with a vanilla-like undertone. It blends the honeyed sweetness with the freshness of lily, creating an enchanting scent that is both captivating and soothing. The fragrance is rich with heady floral notes, warm spice accents and has an exotic appeal. It carries a touch of lychee, with dewy facets that evoke a sense of freshness. Overall, the aroma remains consistent, though nuances subtly appear during the dry-down, adding depth to the fragrance.
Blue Lotus in Nightflowers
​
Blue Lotus Absolute is one of the defining ingredients in our latest perfume Nightflowers. The Blue Lotus brings a magical depth to the scent: it is round, soft, and has a subtle vanilla-like warmth. At the heart of the perfume, it blends seamlessly with jasmine, creating a harmonious and intoxicating experience. As you’ve read, Blue Lotus is known for its aphrodisiac and transcendent qualities, something I find truly fascinating. It’s a scent you can completely lose yourself in. Dreamy, slightly fruity and transportive. It lingers beautifully on the skin, and I have yet to find another material that feels so otherworldly, capable of carrying you into a different realm.
We found only one other perfume that included Blue Lotus Absolute in its formula: Nymphaea Caerulea by Régime des Fleurs. However, it is currently off the market and was priced at $490 for just 8ml - a truly exclusive creation. Given how much we love the scent of Blue Lotus, we can only imagine that it must have smelled just as otherworldly!
Disclamer​
While Blue Lotus has been traditionally associated with various therapeutic benefits, our Nightflowers perfume is designed purely for fragrance purposes and does not contain medicinal extracts. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are seeking health benefits from Blue Lotus, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
The ancient craft of lotus silk
Last week we came across this beautiful article by Atmos about lotus silk. The abundance of the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower, makes it an accessible raw material, but transforming it into silk is an intricate and time-consuming process. Artisans use sustainable and handcrafted methods to extract fine threads from lotus stems, and weave them into a fabric renowned for its softness and durability. Read it here.
'Lotus silk keeps an ancient craft alive' from Atmos.​​​​
Listen to the sound of Nightflowers
Reach out or say hi
Thank you so much for accompanying me on this fascinating journey through the realm of perfuming materials, where we explore not only the sensory beauty of scents but also the deeper intelligence of plants and their natural essences. It’s been a wonderful adventure, navigating the intricacies of fragrance and nature’s wisdom. I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights on this experience!
​
​
​
or DM @linguaplanta