Blue Lotus has a story that reaches back thousands of years. Known botanically as Nymphaea caerulea, this beautiful aquatic flower was especially important in ancient Egypt, where it appeared frequently in art and cultural traditions. Today, Blue Lotus is valued for its soft, distinctive floral fragrance and offers something quite different from the familiar citrus, mint, and evergreen aromas found in many essential-oil collections.

There is one important distinction to understand before using Blue Lotus. Although it is frequently grouped with essential oils, Blue Lotus is commonly produced as an absolute or extract rather than through conventional steam distillation. Because Blue Lotus products can be sold as concentrated absolutes, extracts, or pre-diluted preparations, the directions on the specific product should always take priority.

For aromatic use, Blue Lotus has a gentle floral character that can add an unusual fragrance to a personal space. If you have a Blue Lotus preparation specifically labeled as suitable for diffusion, follow the manufacturer’s directions for the amount appropriate for your diffuser. Blue Lotus can also be paired aromatically with oils such as Frankincense, Sandalwood, Bergamot, or other floral and woody aromas.

Blue Lotus can also be incorporated into an aromatic bath when the particular preparation is labeled as suitable for that use. Concentrated aromatic materials should not simply be dropped directly into bathwater. Use an appropriate bath-dispersing base and follow the directions provided with your Blue Lotus product. This allows its floral fragrance to become part of a simple evening bathing ritual.

For topical use, Blue Lotus can make a beautiful personal fragrance. Concentrated Blue Lotus absolute should be appropriately diluted before skin application. Pre-diluted products, however, should be used according to their own label directions.

For example, dōTERRA Blue Lotus Touch contains Blue Lotus extract already diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil and is intended for topical use. Because it contains a carrier oil, Blue Lotus Touch should not be added to a water-based ultrasonic diffuser. It also does not need to be diluted again for ordinary topical use when used according to its label directions.

Researchers have examined Nymphaea caerulea and its naturally occurring chemical constituents. This botanical and laboratory research helps us understand the chemistry of the plant, but it should not be interpreted as evidence that Blue Lotus prevents, treats, or cures disease.

Blue Lotus is a good reminder that not every aromatic botanical fits neatly into the category of a traditional essential oil. Its history, unusual method of extraction, and delicate floral fragrance make it an interesting addition to the world of aromatics.

Missed last week’s essential oil? Discover how to use blue tansy oil