The blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily) family.

The blue lotus has several common names including: Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and sacred blue lily of the Nile. It should not be confused with the "blue lily" or Agapanthus africanus, a plant of an entirely different genus.

It is believed to have been used by the ancient Egyptians as a medicine and ritual herb soaked in wine synergizes well, it has also been noted that the flowers were sometimes smoked for a mild sedative effect.