Description
White lotus flowers, like their relative, red lotus, have some woody parts. This includes more than just the hard, woody parts of the flower that the petals and stamens attach to. The petals are woody at the base. Much more so than blue lotus. The woody parts of these white lotus flowers have been removed. This is a very clean, high-quality material. Please have a look at the actual product image. Enjoy!
White lotus, scientifically known as Nymphaea ampla, is a species of water lily native to various regions in North America, including the southeastern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. This species of water lily is often associated with ancient Maya culture due to its depiction in Maya art and its presence in the natural environment of the Maya civilization.
Botanical name: Nymphaea ampla
Plant family: Nymphaeaceae
Also called: Dotleaf Waterlily, Mayan Water Lily, Vulva of the Water and Large Waterlily
History of Nymphaea Ampla
In Maya culture, the white water lily held symbolic significance. It was often associated with creation, rebirth, and the underworld. The Mayans incorporated water lily motifs into their art and architecture. White water lilies were depicted in various forms, including pottery, sculptures, and murals found in ancient Maya ruins. These depictions showcased the importance of the water lily in Maya cosmology and mythology. In addition to its symbolism, the water lily had religious significance in Maya religion. It was associated with water deities and spirits. Water lilies were often used in rituals and ceremonies, and their presence in religious contexts emphasized their spiritual importance.
Nymphaea ampla’s stunning white flowers and broad, floating leaves make it a popular choice for ornamental water gardens, ponds, and aquatic landscaping.
Benefits of White Lotus
Although there is limited historical data on the traditional medical use of white lotus, which is odd because it was so revered in Mayan culture, it is said to possibly be an aid to relaxation and sleep. This is not unexpected, as it is known to contain many of the same compounds that its relative, the blue lotus, contains.
Identification
Nymphaea ampla was first described by the American botanist Asa Gray in 1856.
Nymphaea ampla can be identified based on several key characteristics: The flowers are large, showy, and typically white, with numerous petals arranged in several rows and yellow stamens, although they can sometimes have a slight pink or yellow tinge. The flowers are often fragrant and open in the morning, closing later in the day.
The leaves of Nymphaea ampla are generally round or oval-shaped, range in diameter from 20 to 45 cm, and float on the water’s surface. The upper surface of the leaves is often glossy green, and the undersides are purplish-red or reddish-brown. The contrast in color between the upper and lower leaf surfaces is a distinctive feature. Both the leaves and flowers emerge on long stalks from the rhizomes and reach the water’s surface.
White lotus grows from horizontal, rhizomatous stems that creep along the mud at the bottom of ponds or shallow water bodies.
Nymphaea ampla is native to various regions in North America, including the southeastern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. When identifying this species, it’s important to consider the geographic location, as different water lily species can vary in appearance
Habitat
Nymphaea ampla is primarily found in quiet or slow-moving waters, such as ponds, lakes, and slow streams. It prefers shallow water bodies with muddy or silty bottoms.
Uses
White Lotus Tea
White lotus tea is bright yellow and has a very mild, earthy flavor that is significantly different from other lotus flowers like red or blue lotus. Some people feel it complements other lotus flowers when blended.
How to Make White Lotus Tea
Try starting out with 1 gram of white lotus petals and stamens per 16 ounces of water. Slow boil the flower in the water for at least 6 minutes, allow it to cool, and strain out the remaining material. If you would like a stronger or weaker tea, you can increase or decrease the amount of flower used and the amount of time it is boiled in small increments.
Smoking White Lotus
Like red lotus flowers, white lotus flowers have some woody parts to them that are not suitable for smoking and should be removed, as they have been removed from this material. After removing the woody parts of the flower, the smoke is quite smooth and earthy, like the fragrance of the flower, and it can be used in any pipe or rolled.
White Lotus Smudge
The use of Nymphaea ampla, or white lotus, for smudging is not a widely documented practice, if at all. However, we were able to find some modern smudging blends that do use the flower.
White lotus in Herbal Supplementation
There is very little information regarding the use of white lotus (Nymphaea ampla) in modern herbal supplementation. Please keep in mind that “white lotus” is a common name and is used for other water flowers, including nelumbo nucifera, which is an actual water lotus.
This material is meticulously processed and cleaned by hand. Please take a look at our Hand Processing Herbs page for more information.
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