The Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily) family. The flowers of the blue lily have been found to contain apor-phine, a substance that is closely related to the opiate apomorphine.

The Blue Lotus has several common names including: Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily of the Nile. It should not be confused with the "blue lily" or Agapanthus africanus, a plant of an entirely different genus.

Blue lily's were the most important cultivated "ritual" plants of ancient Egypt. Growing wild in the lowlands of the Nile they were estemed for there beauty, symbolism and probably also for there inebriating effects to produce a shamanic ecstasy among the elite priesthood. It is believed the ancient Egyptians used Blue Lotus wine as a medicine and ritual herb. The petals when soaked in wine synergize well. It has also been noted sometimes egyptians smoke blue lotus for a mild sedative effect. The Blue Lotus petals can also be made into a relaxing blue lotus tea.