It’s no surprise that more and more people are turning to natural remedies and exploring the many potential benefits they offer. Some people also want to know how two botanicals will interact with each other, possibly acting synergistically and enhancing what each has to offer on their own. Two such botanicals that people frequently have questions about combining are kratom and blue lotus.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of kratom and blue lotus, their primary mechanisms, the potential benefits and effects of each, and whether they are suitable in a synergetic combination.
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna Speciosa, originates from Southeast Asia. However, 90% of the kratom in the United States is exported from Indonesia. Kratom consists of over 40 alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most significant and believed to be largely responsible for the majority of the plant’s potential effects.
Kratom leaves are harvested at different maturation times, producing different vein colors, which further change each strain’s potential benefits and effects. With dozens of different strains and three traditional color varieties, kratom can vary in its effects due to differences in alkaloid makeup and composition. Some strains or varieties may be more energetic and stimulating, whereas others might be more calming and sedating.
The different potential effects can also vary by dosage, with lower dosages (around 3 grams) being potentially more energetic and larger doses (5+ grams) potentially being more calming and even sedating.
Kratom comes in various forms, including strains, color varieties, and types (powders, capsules, extracts, etc). As mentioned above, strain, color variety, and dosage concentration may all play a role in the potential effects one might experience with kratom.
On the other hand, kratom also comes with a variety of risks. Some of the most common side effects are listed below. However, more severe ones could manifest, especially in those who are mixing kratom with certain drugs and medications and those who have certain health conditions.
| Dose Level | Beginner | Moderate | High | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount in Grams | 1 to 2 grams | 2 to 4 grams | 4 to 5 grams | Greater than 6 grams; Not recommended as the risks also get higher |
Being educated on kratom’s effects and risks and listening to your body are important when using kratom products. Starting with less than 1 gram as your initial dose is recommended for beginners to assess how their body reacts to kratom and to rule out things such as allergic reactions.
Kratom may also be habit-forming, so avoiding daily use and taking breaks is essential to reduce these risks. Those who have medical conditions should also discuss kratom with their doctor prior to use.
Kratom and its alkaloids act on multiple neurotransmitters to produce its potential effects, such as stimulation and relaxation (and everything in between). Kratom may affect serotonin neurotransmitters and certain serotonin receptors, possibly affecting sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and digestion. However, there is some evidence that combining kratom with certain substances like antidepressants and serotonin agonists may lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a dangerous condition.
Dopamine is another highly recognized neurotransmitter, mainly recognized for influencing pleasure and reward in mammals, and kratom is thought to have some effects on the dopaminergic system. However, taking kratom cautiously is also important because consistent use and high dosages may also downregulate the dopamine system, possibly leading to habit formation and other negative effects.
Blue Lotus is completely different from kratom in terms of its natural components and mechanism of action. It’s actually an aquatic plant native to the Nile River Region. Moreover, despite its name, Blue Lotus also goes by the names “Blue Water Lily,” “Egyptian Lotus,” and “Nile’s Sacred Blue Lily.” The ancient Egyptian people used Blue Lotus as an aphrodisiac, mood-booster and calming agent
Blue Lotus holds historical importance in Egypt, which explains why you’ll often see its picture on tomb walls and ancient papyri. Historians believe it was once the center of traditional medicine, which the Ancient Egyptians used to help treat certain conditions. Like kratom, Blue Lotus is not approved for human consumption in the U.S.; however, it is still legal to purchase and possess, except in Louisiana, where it’s prohibited.
Blue Lotus has two primary compounds contributing to its psychoactive effects: Apomorphine and Nuciferine.
Apomorphine is a psychoactive compound that mimics dopamine. The apomorphine content in Blue Lotus is believed to be one reason the plant is thought to elevate moods and reduce tension.
The effects of Nuciferine are different than those of apomorphine and it is believed the main potential benefits of this natural compound are calmness and relaxation.
As with kratom, limited research and studies revolve around Blue Lotus, including benefits and risks. However, some of the most commonly reported potential benefits include the following:
Blue Lotus is also reported to contain antioxidant-like substances such as kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin. These compounds may potentially promote better health, preventing free radicals from damaging body cells.
However, despite having some potential health benefits due to the antioxidant contents, Blue Lotus is psychoactive due to the apomorphine and nuciferine, which also carry a host of adverse effects. Also, like kratom, mixing Blue Lotus with other substances, especially certain medications, and those having health conditions could be at risk for more serious adverse effects.
| Kratom | Blue Lotus | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Egypt |
| Chemical Composition | Over 45 alkaloids, primary ones include Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine | Apomorphine and Nuciferine |
| Potential Benefits | Energy-stimulating Elevating mood Promoting relaxation Calming Enhancing focus and concentration | Calming Relaxation Aphrodisiac (Libido booster) Mood boost |
| Common Risks | Nausea Kratom wobbles Headaches Dizziness Fatigue and weakness Blood pressure changes Sudden mood swings Constipation | Confusion Drowsiness Chest pain Nausea and vomiting Dry mouth Dizziness Slurred speech |
Unfortunately, there is still no evidence-based data or research investigating the combination of Blue Lotus and Kratom. While there are no documented studies directly researching the combination of the two, what is known is that kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and Blue Lotus’s main active components, Apomorphine and Nuciferine, are processed by the same liver enzyme CYP3A4 which could lead to a slower metabolism and elimination from the body of either substance.
While there have been some anecdotal reports of people combining Blue Lotus and Kratom on Reddit, claiming to have some potentiation and overlapping effects, it does not mean it should be done or is a good idea. Since kratom and blue lotus have not been studied well enough on their own, adding them together could increase the risks of adverse effects. Until more research is done, just stick with either substance on its own and make sure to run it by your doctor first prior to using either of them alone.
Kratom and Blue Lotus each possess unique characteristics and potential benefits, with their effects coming from completely different components and mechanisms of action. Kratom works on different systems in the body; however, both botanicals may have some overlap in their potential functions on dopamine and certain receptors. Both may be habit-forming, with kratom leading the risk in that area, and both have a competitive metabolism in the liver through the CYP3A4 enzyme.
Despite kratom possibly being synergistic in combination with the potential benefits of blue lotus, always remember that they should not be mixed due to a lack of study and research on the combination. Using either Blue Lotus or Kratom on their own with other medications and drugs is also a risk, so always avoid this, too, and discuss it with your doctor.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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