What drug is in the lotus flower?

What drug is in the lotus flower?

The blue lotus flower (Nymphea caerulea) is an Egyptian water lily containing apomorphine and nuciferine. Apomorphine has been described as a psychoactive alkaloid and is a non-selective dopamine agonist primarily used to treat Parkinson’s disease as it stimulates dopamine receptors and improves motor function.

What else could the Lotus Eaters represent?

Those who ate the plant never cared to report, nor return. Figuratively, ‘lotus-eater’ denotes “a person who spends their time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns”.

Are lotus plants narcotic?

The Blue Lotus was a sacred plant in Ancient Egypt, it is used for various religious ceremonies. As an effective narcotic, the Egyptian Blue Lotus could well be the mythical food of the lotus-eaters.

What is unique about the Lotus Eaters?

The Lotus-Eaters were creatures that appeared to look very innocent, with looking like normal human beings. Odysseus and his men had lived on the sweet, intoxicating fruits of a tree, producing its lotus-like flowers. They got this name due to their unique properties and that kept them in a state of forgetfulness.

What happens if you eat the lotus flower?

The Lotus plant is very powerful. It causes those who eat it to forget: The plant Lotus caused anyone to eat the flower or seeds to forget who he was, and his only interest was to eat more of the plants. The Lotus plant is so powerful until Odysseus had to force his crew back on the ship.

What are the effects of eating a lotus flower?

Lotus contains chemicals that decrease swelling, kill cancer cells and bacteria, reduce blood sugar, help the breakdown of fat, and protect the heart and blood vessels. Chemicals in lotus also seem to protect the skin, liver, and brain.

Are Lotus Eaters evil?

First, we must consider the nature of the Homeric Lotus Eaters. They are often associated with drowsy narcosis, but their real evil in the eyes of Odysseus was the forgetfulness their fruit induced in his men.

Why did Odysseus not stay among the lotus eaters?

Odysseus is opposed to eating the lotus fruit because he sees the effects that it has on his crew members: it makes them forget how badly they want to return home to Ithaca and their families, and they only want to stay in the Land of the Lotus Eaters. The lotus tree’s fruit can cause drowsiness and lethargy.

Do lotus flowers make you hallucinate?

The Egyptians revered this flower and used it to experience spiritual awakenings, fully aware of its effects. The psychoactive component Atropine makes this flower a strong hallucinogen. Ancient Egyptians used the Blue Lotus in combination with Mandragora (another psychoactive plant) to conduct healing rituals.

What are the effects of Blue Lotus?

Today, the blue lotus flower has been used primarily as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever. However, at higher doses achieved by inhalation, users can experience euphoria and hallucinations. The psychoactive effects of the flower are attributed to two aporphine alkaloids, apomorphine and nuciferine.

What is the meaning of a Lotus?

The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.

What happens if you eat Blue Lotus?

Consuming blue lotus flower may make you feel “high” and result in a gentle euphoria. Some people have drawn comparisons to the high you experience after consuming cannabis, though this can be largely individual.