Herbal remedies have been around for thousands of years. In fact, you will be surprised to know that to date, an estimated 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional herbal medicines for primary health care. (Yup, even in the contemporary era full of scientific and medical advancements, roughly 6.2 billion individuals still prefer plants over pills to quell their life’s illnesses.)
Two such herbs that have gained mainstream traction in recent times are Kratom and Blue Lotus. Thanks to their phenomenal pharmaceutical properties!
Kratom is an ethnobotanical that has been around for centuries. It is having a renaissance in the West. Whether you have been on your toes all day or you are simply looking for a twist to enjoy a lazy evening, the herb is the savior. Part of the plant family Rubiaceae, kratom leaves produce alkaloids that benefit the human body. Typically, the impact is dose-dependent, simulative at lower and relaxing at higher doses. It surfaces within five to ten minutes of ingestion and lasts for two to five hours.
However, Kratom isn’t the only all-natural remedy in our coping tool belts. Trust us; there are other awesome compounds too that will perform wonders!
If your grandma or an elder were used to narrating historic salacious tales and folklores, then you most probably would have heard some involving Blue Lotus. Aptly described as “More than just a ravishing sight,” the flower in-stores impressive remedial qualities. It has come a long way from being used as a symbol of beauty by ancient Egyptians to treating lucid dreams. Scientifically recognized as Nymphaea Caerulea, Blue Lotus inherits from the genus Nymphaea. This beautiful water flower is also popular as Blue Egyptian Lotus, Blue Egyptian Water Lily, Sacred Blue Lily, or Sacred Narcotic Lily of the Nile.
We know you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between Kratom and Blue Lotus? Which one of these should I be using and how?” Keep on reading because we’ve got answers to all your questions.
How Are The Two Similar?
Do you find yourself struggling with laziness and uneasiness? Both Kratom and Blue Lotus will be your saving grace!
1. Usage
Kratom boasts an impressive array of therapeutic usages, depending on the dose. In addition, each strain, origin, and colour in its vast family feature a unique alkaloid profile. This enables users to reap different benefits from every variant of the plant. However, each Kratom works differently for every individual. So one has to self-experiment to discern which works best.
The benefits of blue Lotus largely coincide with that of Kratom. If you’re struggling with restlessness or low moods, then this might be the substance for you! As in the case of Kratom, the experience varies from one person to another. So, don’t shy away from trying out different methods to see how you can make the most of this flower.
2. Preparation
The ancient tradition had traces of the natives eating raw kratom leaves and blue lotus flowers during the long working hours, and it required no preparation. Eventually, the trend of having Kratom and Blue Lotus teas emerged. However, with the world advancing, enthusiasts have invented all sorts of innovative ways to tap into their benefits.
For instance, today, scores of Kratom supplements are popping up from extracts to tinctures, capsules, and powder. So, you can add the powder to the next cup of tea, toss and wash straight out of the jar or sneak in a capsule! Likewise, you can brew a refreshing Blue Lotus tea, or if you’re not in the mood for tea, then the trendy blue Lotus dried oils, powders, extracts, and vapes are your best bet.
Besides, there is a lot more to this cheeky plant than pleasure. Its potent euphoric and aphrodisiac properties became the prime centre of attraction in Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. The pharos considered it a symbol of beauty and had their tombs decorated with it. The Egyptian ladies loved styling it in their hairdos. And well the erotic rock art, the carvings, paintings, and artifacts from the era all attest to the symbolism and significance of the flower.
What Makes The Two Different?
1. Legality Status
Blue lotus can be freely planted, bought, and sold in the United States. However, regulatory bodies are yet to approve its use for human consumption.
On the contrary, while Kratom is legal, it is not federally regulated in the U.S. In addition, the DEA has listed it as a Drug of Concern, and six states have completely banned its use.
2. Biology
While one is a gigantic tree that thrives on the lush steep lands and tropical rainforests, the other is a flower floating on ponds in a warm environment.
Kratom tree grows as high as 80 feet with a circumference of 3 feet. The leaves are an all-time favorite part and are primarily consumed for their benefit. They contain the highest concentration of alkaloids and are much sought after for their aroma, flavor, and potency.
On the other hand, Blue Lotus is an aquatic plant with large, rounded leaves and bluish-mauve flowers with pale-yellow tints in the center. They emerge on the water surface (lily pads) every few days and bloom as soon as they are ready- opening at about 9:30 in the morning and closing at around 3 in the evening with stems remaining submerged. They are commonly consumed on account of convenience and euphoric and aphrodisiac tendencies.
3. Chemistry
While both substances contain alkaloids, their chemical buildup is distinct.
Kratom leaves are rich in Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that give the leaves their signature relaxing and uplifting attributes. On the other hand, a Study by the Virginia Commonwealth University unveiled that the two main compounds responsible for Blue Lotus’s psychoactive and medicinal effects are apomorphine and nuciferine. These two understudied chemicals are present in high concentrations in the flowers and roots of the plant.
Both, the alkaloids in Speciosa as well as Lily Blue, release dopamine- in the brain to produce sedation and calmness.
Benefits of Kratom Over Blue Lotus
Let’s take a quick look at the benefits of Kratom over Blue Lotus:
1. An Effective Energizer
Ever since the herb was discovered, the local mine and farm workers were fond of its pick-me-up effect to productive their long working sessions. Kratom is sure to lend a kick that is stronger yet sustained than any other herb in the market- whether it’s morning, evening, or a full night shift.
2. Mood Lifter
A recent 2019 Study concluded that Kratom is hands-down the most efficient way to flush off negative vibes, cease terrible mood swings and exude a fresh air of optimism. The findings established that “daily kratom use produced both stimulant and positive effects”. This boosts the mood and lets users enjoy each moment to the fullest.
3. A Potent Relaxant
Besides the pharmaceutical uses, Kratom will help one take an edge off the exhausting routine with a calming, gently relaxing vibe. This is indeed demonstrated by a study conducted on rats published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that Kratom lowers the elevated corticosterone levels associated with depressive symptoms.
4. Relief
The bold flavor and aroma of Kratom work amazingly well for relieving the weary body, and bones inside out by binding with the receptors in the brain. In fact, a 2015 Study that investigated closely into the “Effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in Mitragayna Speciosa ” found the latter to be 13 times more potent than regular relief medications.
Benefits of Blue Lotus over Kratom
Next, we will closely examine the benefits of Blue Lotus over Kratom.
1. Can be easily and freely bought
As compared to Kratom, the legality status of Blue Lotus is more relaxed. Unlike Kratom, FDA doesn’t classify it as a Controlled Substance. This essentially means that its powders, teas, extracts, and oils are always popping among the legions of products in any nearby pharmacy or convenience store – that you can legally purchase in most countries throughout the world.
2. Less Side Effects
As mentioned earlier, Blue Lotus is mild, which ultimately translates into lesser health risks and side effects – unless consumed in massive quantities. Another exception lies when it is consumed alongside other relievers or medications.
3. Cheaper
Do you know brewing a refreshing cup of Blue Lotus at home is much cheaper and economical than a cup of Kratom tea? A premium quality 1 oz (28 grams) pack of Kratom powder is priced at $15 to $30 whereas a standard 1 oz pouch of Blue Lotus is available at $9 to $15. However, buying Kratom in bulk might turn the table in its favour.
4. Can be used for Beauty
Ever since the flower was discovered, one of it’s legacy that has carried forward through the ancient civilizations to the modern era was its use as an important cultural and fashion symbol – be it in decorative arrangements or hairstyling.
5. A Powerhouse of Antioxidants
Blue lotus is packed with a plethora of powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin that are key to maintaining good mental and physical health.
6. Can be Smoked and Vaped
Luckily, there is a bit of good news with Blue Lotus. One can make the experience unique and vibrant every time by practicing just a little bit of caution. They can smoke it by rolling the dried flowers or vape by adding the finely ground powder to a vaporizer and inhaling it.
Can We Overdose on Kratom-Blue Lotus Mixture?
Remember, too much of anything is bad. Likewise, excess consumption of Kratom, Blue Lotus, or both entails significant health risks – although the side-effects of Kratom are relatively more intense. It is essential to get familiar with them to take timely action.
What to Expect After A Kratom-Blue Lotus Mixture?
A lot of consumers find it intriguing to mix Kratom with Blue Lotus. The impact of Blue Lotus is mild on its own. However, when combined with Kratom, it will traverse you to a whole different world. Unfortunately, there is a lack of formal clinical evidence on how a Kratom-Blue Lotus mixture affects the consumer’s mood, mind, and behavior. More scientific experimentation is needed to explore the arena fully. However, some information can be extracted from the real-life experiences of regular users. So, if you wish to satisfy the curious devil inside you, here is what you should expect:
For reference, one can add 3 to 4 grams of Kratom with 2 to 3 grams of Blue Lotus. The sweet flavor of blue Lotus will mask the bitter earthy taste of Kratom, making it a pleasant experience to ingest.
A stimulating impact will first surface, making users more energetic, sociable, and talkative. Next, you will feel enveloped amidst gentle calmness and unimaginable relaxation. Also, the warmth, intoxication, and body buzz will be a lot more prominent than usual, and you will feel an irresistible urge to take a nap.
One user stated that “Blue Lotus seems to cause more relaxation and perhaps potentiation when using Kratom. Overall I would say mixing Blue Lotus with Kratom is worthwhile based on this experience. And, another one tried combining Kratom with 50:1 Blue Lotus. He felt a distinct headspace and was significantly at peace. “I never really believed in Blue Lotus until now; it is great when combined with Kratom,” he added.
Conclusion
The comparison between Kratom and Blue Lotus is best summarized as “Different by origin, united by utility.” Not only do they have similar uses, but they also work well in combination. Now you wouldn’t expect that from two plants with starkly different chemical compositions and appearances, but nature is full of surprises!
While consumers report satisfactory experience from combining the two ingredients, more clinical research is needed to support the claims. Without medical evidence, many loopholes linger around, such as the safety, efficacy, optimum dosage, possible interactions, and associated risks. That’s because some compounds in Kratom are known to interfere with drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver to ensure dangerous reactions with other herbs or medications.
Evelyn is an avid enthusiast of kratom. She is heavenly driven by a passion for alternative remedies and natural wellness solutions. With a background in pharmacology, she dedicates herself to staying at the forefront of research and developments in the field.
As a writer and content creator, Evelyn produces informative articles, blog posts, and videos, covering a wide range of topics that includes benefits, risks, usage tips, and the latest research findings. She aims to empower individuals to make well informed decisions about their health and wellness journey through her work, and promote safe and legal access to Kratom.
Learn more about our editorial process over here.