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What Is Lotus Essential Oil?

By Angie Johnson-Schmit
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 23,371
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Lotus essential oil can be used in aromatherapy, or to add scent to personal care products, such as body lotions, massage oils or bath soaps. Both the actual lotus flower and the essential oil have historically been connected with the concepts of spirituality and relaxation. Prized for its intense scent, this aromatherapy oil is believed to create a sense of serenity. The fragrance is often described as floral and earthy. This oil can be used as a single note scent, or as part of a blend, in a variety of aromatherapy products.

Frequently associated with ancient Buddhist, Indian, and Egyptian mythologies, the lotus blossom has deep roots in Eastern history. The life cycle of this aquatic perennial has been connected symbolically to the concept of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism. An Indian creation myth includes the unfolding of a lotus to represent the origin of the universe as it is dreamed into existence. Egyptian mythology has a similar creation myth, although the flower in this tale is the blue lotus. Aromatherapy practitioners sometimes attempt to connect similar ideas of spiritual enlightenment to lotus essential oil effects.

The scent of lotus essential oil is thought to encourage the body to breathe more deeply. Ancient Romans are believed to have used it in compresses and plasters to help with respiratory problems, like asthma. Lotus oil is sometimes used in conjunction with meditation. The combination of deep breaths and the perceived effects of relaxation from the scent are thought to increase feelings of tranquility.

Essential oils from the lotus, or Nelumbo nucifera, flowers are usually obtained through a process of solvent extraction. The resulting oil is so highly concentrated and potent that very small amounts can be used for aromatherapy purposes. Due to the high cost of the extraction process, it is one of the most expensive aromatherapy supplies on the market. This essential oil can be purchased wholesale, usually from companies that specialize in aromatherapy or Ayurvedic supplies.

This essential oil can be found in a variety of commercially-available personal care and beauty products. It can also be easily added to homemade bath or masssage oils, lotions, and candles — or used in an aromatherapy diffuser. It tends to work best when used in small amounts. Undiluted lotus essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin or ingested, as the solvents used to make it leave trace chemicals in the final product.

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Discussion Comments
By candyquilt — On Aug 04, 2011

I heard that some people have been using lotus essential oil to get "high" so to speak. My friend told me that she saw this guy dip his cigarette in this oil and then smoke it. Isn't that very dangerous?!

I don't know who ever came up with this idea but I think that could cause some serious health issues because you are inhaling the oil directly into your lungs.

It upsets me so much when I hear about young people doing crazy things like this to feel better emotionally. Lotus essential oil is valuable, it has been used for centuries medically and I know that it has relaxing effects. But it doesn't mean that it is totally safe! Who knows what kind of damage it could cause if it is used regularly like that. Scary!

By serenesurface — On Aug 04, 2011

@Simrin-- I thought that pink lotus essential oil is cheaper than white. As far as I know, white lotus oil is the most expensive of them all.

My mom said that when she was a child in India, women used to wear either lotus or jasmine essential oils as perfume. I think that's a great idea but I've never done it because of chemical remnants that might be in it like the article mentioned. I'm sure the oil that my mom used in India was more natural.

I'm also afraid that the scent will linger on for weeks, because the Blue lotus essential oil I have is very potent. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it was diluted with water.

By SteamLouis — On Aug 03, 2011

I go to a professional aromatherapist regularly for anxiety and stress. She uses lotus essential oil but maybe a drop mixed in with some other oils. It smells great and it really is very relaxing.

I have heard of blue lotus oil before, but my aromatherapist uses pink lotus essential oil. She says that it is very expensive and hard to find, but also very pure and beneficial.

I'm very happy with it, these aromatherapy sessions have done a lot for my stress and anxiety. I prefer this to having to take anxiety medications.

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