Abstract

This paper offers a discussion on the significance of the historical and mythical episodes mentioned by both Herodotus and Homer concerning the Lotus Eaters, who lived in an island off the coast of northern Africa. Lotophagi was not well-regarded because the flower made the local population happy, aloof, and often sleepy. As the Greek crew tasted it, they themselves became insubordinate. Such myths answer several questions concerning the restricted use of flowers in our diet due to narcotic, allergenic, and poisonous active ingredients. On the other hand, myths, popular names, and folk stories instruct us of their possible use for their healing properties. The lotus flower in post-modernity is used in flower essence therapy as a remedy, with a similar role as that illustrated by Herodotus and Homer. The cautious measures taken today have to do with the development of preparation and dosage. The reoccurrence of the healing purpose of a flower in mythology and folk tales and the popular names given to them constitute a phenomenon that has the empirical experience of generations grounding it. Such principle also lies at the core of defining the function of flower essence in promoting our health.