Why Blue Lotus is my favorite ritual
By Timo Vossen
I love creating rituals at home, especially before I go to bed. My favourite night time ritual is making tea with the Blue Lotus flower. I light some candles, burn incense, play my singing bowls and drink the Blue Lotus Tea. It always gets me in the mood to write new poems or do some journaling.
The first time I drank Blue Lotus Tea was on a date. She got it from a friend but we both never drank it before. I remembered that it looked beautiful but tasted like nothing. When I was traveling around Goa (India) I met a South African woman who actually owns a Blue Lotus brand. The flowers she sells come from a farm she works with in Sri Lanka. She taught me the perfect way to make a cup of Blue Lotus Tea. So, in this blog post I will share my favourite Blue Lotus Chai Tea recipe!
But first, what is Blue Lotus?
Blue Lotus is a water lily from Egypt. If you look at ancient Egyptian wall paintings you’ll see it everywhere. Historically, the Egyptians loved soaking Blue Lotus petals in wine. The alcohol extracted the plant’s natural compounds, creating a relaxed, euphoric state for celebrations. Now, as a yoga teacher, I can tell you from experience: wine and a yoga practice don’t mix well! Luckily, a tea infusion works great too!
Blue Lotus isn't a heavy psychedelic; its charm lies in its subtle, gentle nature. Because the plant interacts gently with dopamine pathways in the brain, it tends to lift your mood into a soft, peaceful space where mental chatter naturally slows down. Everything can also feel just a bit more vivid. Scents, colors, and textures seem richer, which makes it a great companion for meditation or creative practices. And if you drink it toward the end of the day, it has a way of calming your mind before sleep. It has also been proven to create lucid dreams.
A Note on mindful use: Because Blue Lotus has natural calming and mild psychoactive properties, individual responses can vary. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications (especially sedatives), it's always wise to check with your doctor first.
My Go-To Recipe: Blue Lotus Chai
While you can drink Blue Lotus as a simple herbal infusion, my personal favorite way to prepare it is as a warm, spiced chai.
Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
1 dried whole Blue Lotus flowers (or ~2 tbsp loose petals)
2 tea mugs of water
1 small cinnamon stick
3–4 cardamom pods (gently cracked)
2 slices fresh ginger
1 star anise
3 black peppers
2 cloves
1 tbsp black tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)
Instructions
Simmer the Spices: In a small saucepan, bring the water, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, star anise, clove, black peppers and black tea to a gentle simmer for 5–7 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing.
Add the Lotus: Turn off the heat and let the water cool slightly (around 80–85°C). Add the Blue Lotus flowers. Tip: Steeping the petals in water that isn't boiling hot preserves their delicate essential oils and subtle aroma. Cover and steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
Combine & Warm: Strain out the spices and flowers into your favorite mug.
Enjoy a mindful ritual.
Next time you feel like your mind is running in five different directions at the end of the day, skip the extra scrolling. Brew a warm cup of Blue Lotus Chai Tea.
— Timo
Experience Blue Lotus with Timo
Want to explore this ritual together? In Timo’s Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony, you’ll brew chai and take time to experience its scent and taste. Through yoga and sensory practices, the evening offers space to slow down and notice more of what’s around you.
Saturday 28 November | 20:00–22:15 | Studio HOT, Utrecht
Learn more and book your spot