From The Desk of Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt
Today I have the great pleasure to announce that again a long-missed aromatic beauty is available after an extended absence. A few years ago our producer of Blue Lotus Absolute made the wax residue from the production process available in the form of Blue Lotus Wax. It was an immediate sellout, as it is much less pricey than the absolute, yet still carries the classic Nymphea cerulea (Blue Lotus) fragrance. After persistent requests, they finally produced the wax again for us. Therefore, we can offer a small quantity at a very reasonable price. This wax is pure plant material extracted from the Nymphea flower. Its consistency is soft and emollient, a perfect balm with a ravishing subtle fragrance.
I am delighted to share this elegant, exotic Blue Lotus Wax offering with you while it lasts. I recommend comparing and contrasting the fragrance of absolute and the wax as a unique educational fragrance exploration.
Properties and Fragrance
Blue Lotus is known to promote a meditative state of mind and also to be an aphrodisiac. The true Blue Egyptian Lily, Nymphea cerulea, commonly referred to as Blue Lotus - grows wild in tide pools in Sri Lanka. Whereas White Lotus and Pink Lotus are true Lotus species, Blue Lotus is not. The true Blue Lotus (Nymphea cerulea) is rarely found in the regular aromatics market: the fragrance of an authentic Blue Lotus Absolute is quite faint and will always reflect the different unsaturated hydrocarbons present in the extract.
The Blue Lotus Conundrum
True Nymphea cerulea absolute contains two hydrocarbons as its main and characteristic components: 6-(Z), 9-(E) Heptadecadiene and 8-Heptadecene, both with 17 carbon atoms. Apparently, these molecules do not originate from terpene synthesis but from the lipid metabolism. Given that these components resemble the structures of unsaturated fats, they impart the absolute with slightly fatty notes that are warm and sumptuous with a smooth texture. They conjure images of rich facial creams, natural balms, and even the nostalgic comfort of vintage lipsticks.
However, if one is not familiar with the absolute, one might expect a perfume-like fragrance. The fragrance of Blue Lotus Absolute is highly refined, though quite different from what one might expect. These differences in expectation are even visible in analyses made from ‘composed’ Blue Lotus vs. the genuine absolute.
Mythology
A large element of fascination with Blue Lotus is found in myths that feature this otherworldly botanical. Below is an excerpt from Helena Petrovna Blavatsky's work, The Secret Doctrine. Blavatsky frequently delved into the symbolism of plants, symbols, and ancient traditions, and this passage reflects her philosophical and mystical approach to understanding the universe.
"This mysterious and sacred plant has been considered through the ages, both in Egypt and in India, as a symbol of the Universe. Not a monument in the valley of the Nile, not a papyrus, without this plant in an honoured place. On the capitals of the Egyptian pillars, on the thrones and even the head-dresses of the Divine Kings, the lotus is everywhere found as a symbol of the Universe. It inevitably became an indispensable attribute of every creative god, as of every creative goddess, the latter being, philosophically considered, only the feminine aspect of the god, at first androgynous, afterwards male." - Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
A Chinese Take on the Water Lily and the Lotus
While Nelumbo from the actual Lotus genus (pink and white) is a species different from Nymphea (Water Lily), we share the poem below with artistic license, honoring the way it captures the Lotus' beauty. Enjoy this poem by the Chinese Poet, Po shih Ch’ang-ch’ing chi.
“Up among the little peaches are the little lotus boats,
Half picking pink lotuses, half white lotuses;
Unlikely are evil wind or waves from south of Kiang
Here at Nelumbo Pool, before the couch on which I lie.”
- Po shih Ch’ang-ch’ing chi
(This poem is featured in The Aromatherapy Course, 4th Edition, Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy.)
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