In the Lotus Sutra, the lotus flower is said to have bloomed everywhere the baby buddha stepped. The entire lotus flower is considered by many cultures to be sacred for it's enchanting effects. It is of course edible, even down to the roots. It has been cultivated and used medicinally or ceremoniously for hundreds, if not thousands of years as an aphrodesiac, mood stabilizer and health potion.

 According to ACS Laboratory, the chemical nuciferine found in blue lotus can relax arteries and ease inflammation. Many anti-phsychotic drugs share the D2 dopamine and 5-HT2A serotonin receptors with the the flower's G-proteins (National Library of Medicine, link at bottom). 

I love the petals and stamens in a mild tea. 1 gram should make 2 or 3 cups (you decide how str...

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