What Is White Lotus Spice?

Plant Origin

• The colloquial use of the name "lotus" may cause initial confusion regarding identification of the plant species that originates white lotus spice. The pink-flowering sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is not the plant associated. Instead, white lotus is known botanically as Nymphaea alba, also known simply as a white waterlily. It is native to Europe and extreme Northern Africa, producing multiple white-petaled flowers that open during the day. This species is closed related to the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) of Egyptian lore and the Nile River. Both white and blue lotus plants contain alkaloids used similarly for pain abatement or recreational use.

The Spice

• While root extract of both white and blue lotus is available on the international market, the spice derives from dried flower petals. Blue lotus spice is more expensive than white lotus spice. White lotus spice particles are less colorful and therefore not in as high of demand. Pulverized or entire white lotus petals may be smoked internally or as an incense, soaked and dissolved in alcoholic beverages or infused in edible oils.

Components

• However taken internally, white lotus spice contains alkaloid compounds that have both a numbing, soothing effect on people as well as euphoric, even mildly hallucinogenic effect. In World War I and in German colonies in Africa, white or blue lotus spices were used as an alternative to opium as an anesthesia. While the effects of white lotus spices are much like apomorphine, the chemical in the plant material is aporphine. Aporphine creates apomorphine-like effects, but these two alkaloids are structurally different on a molecular level. Through potential internal chemical reactions or the human body's metabolism of white lotus spice, some aporphine may be converted into apomorphine molecules. Apomorphine causes a narcotic-like effect, with sensations akin to floating and euphoria.

Ethics and Use

• While the use of white lotus spice is not illegal in the United States as of publication, the U.S. Customs Service may prohibit importation. Individual states may have laws that regulate the legal age for purchase and use of white lotus spice, especially if sold as a smoking herb or alternative to tobacco. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacture or quality of white lotus spice, and consumers solely bear the risk. Without regulation, there is no guarantee of the purity and concentration of the herbal concoction marketed and sold.