WATER LILY

Latin Name: Nymphaea alba

Alternate Names: White Pond Lily, Water Nymph, Cow Cabbage, Water Cabbage, Water Cabbage

Family: NYMPHAEACEAE

Parts Used: Rhizome, rootstock, leaves, flowers.

Properties: Alterative, Anaphrodisiac, Anodyne, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Demulcent, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Catarrh, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Gonorrhea, Insomnia, Leukorrhea, Pain, Scrofula

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture.

Topical Uses: Bruises, Inflammation, Leukorrhea, Sore Throat, Tumors, Uterine Cancer, Wounds

Topical Applications: Use as a vaginal douche for Leukorrhea or uterine cancer. Use a poultice for wounds, bruises, tumors and skin inflammation. Gargle for mouth inflammation and sore throat, and use as an eyewash. Root and leaves are used to make lotions to soften skin and treat wounds. Fresh root can be used as a soap. The smoke from the root is said to drive away crickets. 

Culinary uses: Young leaves are edible when cooked. 

Energetics: Bitter, Sweet, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins, mucilage, nymphaline, nupharine, flavonoids, glycosides.

Contraindications: Do not confuse this plant with Nymphaea tuberosa, which can be toxic. The tuberosa variety has a tuberous rootstalk and flower that is almost odorless. 

Comments: The genus name alludes to nymphs, which are water fairies. It is an aquatic plant.

The common name Water Lily also includes the species Nymphaea odorata, which is used interchangeably with Nymphaea alba.