Padmacopoeia

Sundara Veer Raju

Nymphaea sp. Nymphaea caerulea Lotus Blue Water Lily. Sanskrit utpala, padma, Nalina, Aravinda, Jalaja, Raajeeva, Puskara, Ambuja, Abja, Pankaja, Pundarika (whitish), Kokanada (red), Indivara (bluish). Tamil Thaamarai, Ambel. The lotus as soma has been argued by Spess (2000) and McDonald (2004) and the former argues persuasively for a complex system of visionary herbalism based on the various combinations of the many species that are variously called lotus (and related water lilies). Some are listed as ranging from mildly to heavily psychoactive to nearly lethal to fatally intoxicating. The symbolisms, also expressed in art and poetry, represented specific species and corresponded with lunar or solar influences based on the blooming during the day or night. He speculates of specific parts used for specific purposes, either infused and consumed simply or fermented into alcoholic potions. Whole plants, admixtures and the various mixed resins and saps of the plants all could be expertly exploited by the ancient herbalists. Mahdihassan (2002) writes of Shiva and ascetic elixirs/soma and the lotus:

Lotus is the only plant which does not eject its seeds as such to germinate elsewhere. Its seeds mature within the seed-bud and when just germinated leave the mother plant as young living plants. It is the only plant which can be called as it were ove-viviparous. This is really a zoological term suggesting that eggs hatch within insect and the young emerge as independent motile creatures. Thus lotus represents the only case of self-generation, as it were, in the plant kingdom. And what is selfgenerating really means self-producing, besides self-growing, which is the feature of all plants. Thus the lotus incorporates fertility-cum-fecundity or growth-cum-reproduction; no other plant does this. This makes Lotus a favorite symbol. It is also a symbol for transcendence as its roots are born in mud and it rises through murky waters to blossom, above the water and dry. Although some question its psychoactive properties, it can, prepared properly, exhibit marked changes in mood, visual perceptions and produce a sense of well-being as well as aiding a meditative or even erotic state, if there need be a distinction. It has affinity with alcohol, infused in herbal wines or as tinctures, or can be subjected to a cold water extraction (snow is perfect with a little water like other ice resin operations). Here the powdered material, the petals and stamens especially, are agitated in icy water and strained and pressed through a triple-folded muslin cloth and the resultant liquid is evaporated. The product is a nice incense or smoking resin that has synergistic effects with certain other smoking herbs. Lotus seeds are an excellent tonic and fasting supplement and the various plant parts have extensive uses in Ayurveda. Puri (2007) writes earlier in India, honey obtained from lotus flower growing in Kashmir, Bengal and Himalayas, was considered the best. Ayurveda describes lotus preparations for numerous disorders ranging from infusions for piles and diabetes to gruels of white and blue lotus and sugar (sa-padma-nilotpala-sarkara) that removes pitta disorders. Nutritive tonic, aphrodisiac, astringent, nervine, rejuvenative and hemostatic and useful in raktapitta bleeding disorders and said to promote conception alleviate thirst and inflamations as well as euphoric and aiding in muscle spasms and alleviating thirst. Siddha texts discuss the medical applications of a number of species such as Nymphae edulis abd Nymphae stella and Nymphae rudra and their various characteristics that are indicated for disorders. The red drives away syphalis and urinary sugar and is good for eyes and high blood pressure and wounds. Some preparations involve the flowers and water distilled and

resulting drink cures problems of the uriniary track and excessive thirst and sores and irritation of the penis. A boiled infusion of N. Stella powdered with sugar until its like honey taken in morning and evening will cool the brain, cool the eyes and reduce palpitations of the heart. (Raamachandran 2008).Spess (2000) argues that the lotus and related plants is the soma of the Vedas and makes a cogent argument for its place in the visionary plants of ancient mystics from Egypt into India and the rest of Asia. It is certainly very gentle and subtle in its effects, perhaps more Buddhist than Vedic, though that is based on perhaps prejudicial readings of sources. But it is easy to write this herbs effects off, some claim placebo, but the extracts effect on visual perceptions alone and the noted aphrodisiac effects, beg this herb be given more attention. The petals are not a bad smoke as well and though mild, its fragrant enough and lacking acridity to be thoroughly pleasant, again with other smoked plants. Said to be especially attributed to Arya Tara and Manjugosha.

The five precious medicines, and one list is from Beyer (1978) which is stag tser (vyaghra-hantaka), kantakara, aparajitam, utapala, and indrapani which he says are Potentilla discolor, Sambucus racenisam Clitoria ternate, Nymphaea caerules, and Belamcanda chinensis. Robert Beer (2004) describes the blue lotus Skt. utpala or nilabja or nilakamala as especially sacred to Green Tara, representing purity and compassion. He notes that ut pa la in Tibetan usually refers to blue lotus but also mentions other colors. The White lotus, Sanskrit upadarika, kumudo, Tib. pad ma dkar po or edible lotus, Nymphaea esculenta is esteemed by White Tara, its sixteen or one hundred petals symboling purity and perfection. The red or pink Melumbium speciosum is known as Sanskrit kamala Tibetan pad ma dmar po is the one most used in dais or lotus seats. The yellow utpala is really a water lilly, while the black or night lotus is a dark indigo species of nilakamala or blue lotus.

Types of lotus: There are two different genera of plants referred to as "lotus" and available through ethnobotanical websites. True lotus is the genus Nelumbo, of which there are two species. Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus, pink or white flowers) is native to Asia and the yellow flowered Nelumbo lutea is found in eastern North America. The genus Nymphaea, or water lillies, has many species. Commonly used species include Nymphaea caerulea (blue flowers, native to Egypt) and Nymphaea alba (white flowered).

Bioassays: a collection and summary of experiments using different types of lotus and lilly, in order to compare and contrast their effects. In each case the lotus or lilly was combined in equal portions with Cannabis and smoked, as this is SWIM's preferred use of lotus - as and additive and potentiator of MJ.

Nelumbo nucifera: Potency rating: 5/5 Enjoyability rating: 5/5 Notes: This is definately the most potent lotus sampled. The smoke is sweet and silky and vaguely reminiscent of opium in taste. Almost immediately after inhaling a dizzy, dreamy rush engulfs the body. A very strong feeling of relaxation, it is easy to sit calmly. Numerous interesting sensations have been experienced using this lotus. Often there is a feeling of floating, being tossed around by gentle waves or actually feeling waves of water lap over the body. I felt a spiritual connection with the lotus, like it was a conscious entity telling about its life experiences. A feeling of radiant energy inside that one normally associates with psychedelics. Visual experiences form this lotus have also been intense. Commonly amazing patterns and auras form around bright lights. Once I was looking at the sky and the constellation of orion was "drawn" in the sky, like in a book of constellations. Also when walking felt like I became attached to the sky, and I wasn't moving at all but rather the whole earth was just rotating under me. Effects last about 4 hours peaking at about the one hour point. Nelumbo lutea: Potency rating: 4/5 Enjoyabilitiy rating: 4/5 Notes: Smooth smoke, similar to N. nucifera. Strong euphoric aspect, feelings of floating a foot above my body. It feels good to breath, air is life is euphoria. Pleasant tingling body high. I'm very relaxed and don't desire to smoke any more marijuana (which is somewhat unusual). This feeling reminds me of the early stoner days when there wasn't this issue of tolerance. Crown and heart chakras in particular seem to be pulsing with energy. I have a vertigo sensation, like I'm spinning and falling, but it is enjoyable. In all respects Nelumbo lutea was similar to Nelumbo nucifera. Nymphaea caerulea: Potency rating: 3/5 Enjoyability rating: 3/5

Notes: Smoke is reasonably smooth but not as pleasant tasting as Nelumbo species. The beautiful contrast of blue/purple petals and yellow stamens makes this lotus look very appealing, especially when a little greenery is mixed in. Effects come on slightly slower than Nelumbo. A feeling of relaxation and calm, with some degree of mood enhancement. It mellows out all the rough edges one might be feeling. Visually things become brighter and more colourful than before. Sometimes there is a bit of a dissociated sensation, as if viewing the world from a great distance. There is a reasonably strong sedative effect from this type of lotus. It helps getting to sleep but also just makes one a bit sleepy and lazy during the experience. Effects last about four hours and peak around an hour to an hour and a half into the experience. This type of lotus has also been experimented with in tea form. The effects are less noticeable but also much longer lasting in this form. Just a general mellow feeling, a brightening of the day and reduction in anxiety and worries. Combines well with psychedelics to partially counter anxiety or tension in the trip and to heighten visual sensations. Nymphaea alba: Potency rating: 1/5 Enjoyability rating: 2/5 Notes: This species of lotus is similar to Nymphaea caerulea in terms of the mild relaxation, calmness and tranquility, but it seems to lack the sedative aspect. One remains more alert and the high is overall of a lesser intensity. Not as strong of a floating, drifting feeling. Nymphaea odorata: Potency rating: 2/5 Enjoyability rating: 2/5 Notes: This lotus was hard to find - but a single flower from a wild specimen from BC eventually found its way into my possession. Very similar in effect to Nymphaea alba, a gentle relaxed euphoric feeling. I was able to sit perfectly peacefully and not be troubled by anything. The effects came on somewhat slowly, creeping up in intensity for about an hour. Lights and colours appeared brighter than normal. This lotus is a subtle

enrapturement, long slow waves dragging one in. Nymphaea candida: Potency rating: <1/5 Enjoyability rating: 0/5 Notes: This lotus was very smooth, almost flavourless. A slight "up" feeling that seemed more reminiscent of caffeine than lotus, which quickly faded. Really there was nothing here that could be distinguished from the marijuana the lotus was combined with.

General Lotus information: The term lotus used here refers to two separate genera of the Nymphaeceae family; Nelumbo, or true lotus, and Nymphaea, water lily. Both Nelumbo and Nymphaea are aquatic plants with floating leaf pads on the surface of the water, and flowers that may be either on the surface or raised above the water. Some species open their flowers at night, and some during the day. Common pollinators are moths, bees and flies. The flowers usually have numerous floral organs (sepals, petals, stamens and gynoecia), and are considered to be a primitive flower form. Both Nelumbo and Nymphaea have psychoactive properties. The Nelumbo genus consists of only two species; Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus or pink lotus), a pink or white flowered species which grows in Asia and is a traditional symbol of the Buddhist religion; and Nelumbo lutea, a North American species with yellow flowers. The genus Nymphaea is composed of many species with white, pink, yellow, red, purple or blue flowers, occuring in temperate to tropical regions worldwide. Not all

Nymphaea species have been confirmed to have psychoactivity. Both Nymphaea and Nelumbo species have been extensively hybridized and crossbred to obtain a wide variety of cultivated lotus varieties and various colours.

Traditional use and history: Nymphaea caerulea, the blue water lily, is extensively portrayed in ancient Egyptian art. One of the earliest known lotus portrayals is a fresco depicting lotus as an offering to Osiris from the 4th Egyptian Dynasty 2720-2560 BC. The great temple of Karnack has pillars crowned with carved representations of this flower. The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyris of Ani) ca. 1500-1350 BC depicts and explanations shamanic transformations associated with the use of Nymphaea caerulea. The Egyptians believed that the world rose from the primordial waters in a water lily, and the lily symbolically represented the sun, healing and sexuality. There is archaeological evidence that lotus flowers would be soaked in wine to create either a medicine or a drug, and combinations of blue lily and mandrake (Mandragora) were used by Egyptian priests to enter a ritualistic trance state. Blue lily flowers were also included in Egyptian burials. When Tutankhamens sarcophagus was opened, blue lily flowers were found inside, as well as a carving depicting Tutankhamens head emerging from a lily flower. There is also a carving of Tutankhamen holding a Nymphaea flower and two Mandragora plants, and wearing a collar depicting mandrake fruits, and other scenes in which Tutankhamen is plied with opium poppies. Other carvings, frescos and artifacts depicting Nymphaea and related psychoactive plants are common in Egypt between 1500 and 1000 BC. Although Nelumbo nucifera is used as both medicine and food in much of Asia, there is no good evidence for its use as a psychoactive substance. In Buddhism the sacred lotus is a very common, venerated symbol. It is

included in many Buddhist works of art, and the common meditation position used in Buddhism is called the full lotus. The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and contemplation. Across the Atlantic, there is evidence of the use of Nymphaea alba in Mexico and other parts of Mesoamerica. In some parts of Chiapas Mexico, Nymphaea is still being used as a ritual psychoactive. Many Mayan temples have depictions of the leaves and flowers buds of water lily, often in close proximity to carvings of psychoactive mushrooms. Some carvings that were originally interpreted as mushrooms have now been suggested to better represent lotus buds. The use of this plant by the Mayans is unclear, but their general fascination with psychoactive plants of all kinds (mushrooms and lily certainly do not exhaust the plant motifs) suggest that water lily was used as a ritual psychoactive by Mayan priests.

Chemistry and pharmacology: The psychoactive effects of both Nelumbo and Nymphaea species are attributed to the presence of the benzoisoquinoline alkaloids aporphine and nuciferine (1,2-dimethoxy-aporphine). These alkaloids are believed to act as dopamine agonists. Nuciferine acts specifically as a dopamine-receptor blockade. The ring structure of these alkaloids bears a resemblance to morphine, and it is possible that lotus exerts some of its effects through indirect activation of opioid receptors. Lotus has been noted to have both sedative and analgesic effects similar to opiates, and in World War I strong alcohol extracts of Nymphaea alba were occasionally used as a substitute for morphine when it was not available. Lotus has also been reported to contain a variety of flavonoids and anthocyanins, although unclear whether these compounds are psychoactive, and whether any of the effects of lotus are due to these other compounds. These are mainly pigments used for colouration, and so they vary greatly from species to species. These flavonoids have been found to have antioxidant, antiviral, anti-HIV and anticancerous effects.

Species of Nuphar (pond lily, closely related to Nymphaea) have been found to contain sesquiterpene thioalkaloids with anticancerous activity. In addition to aporphine and nuciferine, Nymphaea caerulea has been found to contain the two delphinidin 3-galloylgalactoside anthocyanins, as well as the flavonols myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and rhamnoside derivatives of these compounds. Nelumbo nucifera has been found to contain aporphine and nuciferine, as well as the related isoquinoline alkaloids liensinine, negferine and isoliensinine in both leaf and flower tissue. Flavonoids including quercetin derivatives have also been isolated from Nelumbo nucifera. The subjectively strongest types of lotus are Nelumbo nucifera and lutea, which have a higher concentration of aporphine and nuciferine than do most Nymphaea species. This indirectly supports the role of these alkaloids as the principle psychoactive substance in lotus. However, there are also subjective differences between different species of Nymphaea. Nymphaea caerulea has a stronger sedative effect than does Nymphaea alba, and both these species have been reported to have stronger effects than other species such as N. lotus or N. odorata. Subjective effects and usage: Lotus is commonly smoked, soaked in wine, or made into a tea. Smoking lotus results in a strong relaxed, calm feeling, and tingling in the limbs, noticed within minutes of smoking the lotus. The effects build for about 30 minutes, and euphoria and a floating sensation become increasingly strong. The effects of lotus have been compared in to cannabis and opium. These sensations are strong until about an hour and half into the experience, at which point the euphoria drops off and the sedated, relaxed feeling increases. During the peak of the experience some mild visual distortions may be noticed. These effects will continue for about four hours after smoking the lotus. When lotus is smoked, it is often combined with cannabis. This combination is held to be more euphoric and relaxing than either cannabis or lotus on its own.

Oral ingestion of lotus as either tea or an alcoholic extraction leads to a much longer duration of effects. It may take an hour or two for the effects of ingested lotus to manifest. The experience is often not as intense as smoked lotus, but the feelings of relaxation and calmness typically last six to eight hours. Large doses of lotus may last for even longer periods of time. Some users report effects lasting 24 hours from such a dose of lotus. Alcohol is often cited as an agent that potentiates and synergizes with the effects of lotus. An alcohol lotus extraction provides stronger effects than a tea, and the alcohol also does a better job of extracting the alkaloids from lotus than water does. The combination of alcohol and lotus increases both the euphoric and the sedative effects of the lotus. Some of the milder subjective effects of lotus may be indistinguishable from the effects of alcohol when these substances are combined. Although lotus leaves little or no hangover, frequent use of lotus seems to lead to a tolerance for its effects. However, lotus is not addictive in the way that typical opiates are. High strength extractions of lotus and lotus essential oil have sometimes been used, and any risk of addiction would likely arise from prolonged, chronic use of these concentrated extracts. Lotus is generally regarded as non-toxic.

Sundara Veerraju