The plant, a natural sedative, originated from along the Nile River in Egypt. For thousands of years, it was used by the native people as part of religious ceremonies in which they would use these sacred blue flowers to reach higher levels of consciousness. During the third century, it was introduced to the conquering Greeks, who in turn exported it to far regions of the world.
In addition to its use in perfumes, it is still used today as a mild sedative. According to legend, it was such a good sedative that it was given to sun god Ra in an effort to sooth him as he grew old.