Nymphaea caerulea, known primarily as blue lotus or blue water lily and is a water lily in the genus Nymphaea. It is historically known to be used as a sleep aid, as a natural anti-anxiety remedy, and as a stress reliever.
Like other species in the genus, the plant contains the alkaloid nuciferine and originates from along the Nile River in Egypt. For thousands of years it was used by the native people as part of ceremonies. During the third century it was introduced to the conquering Greeks who in turn exported it to far regions of the world.