Medicinal Use of Water Lily as a Home Remedy
Waterlily, especially the white waterlily (Nymphaea
nouchali or Nymphaea alba), is a beautiful aquatic flower commonly
found in ponds, lakes, and wetlands across South and Southeast Asia, including
Bangladesh and India. In Ayurveda and traditional folk medicine, waterlily is
not just a decorative plant — it is revered for its wide range of healing
properties. Every part of the plant, including the flower, root, leaves, and
seeds, offers unique medicinal benefits.
Waterlily is cooling, demulcent, astringent, and slightly
sedative in nature. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments, ranging from skin issues to digestive disorders. Below is a comprehensive guide
to the medicinal uses of waterlily as a home remedy.
1. Cooling Tonic for the Body
Waterlily has strong cooling properties and is ideal for
use during hot seasons or in conditions involving excessive heat in the body.
Use:
Make a tea by boiling dried waterlily petals in water. Drink it once or twice a
day. It helps reduce internal heat, treats heatstroke, and cools the liver.
2. Treatment for Diarrhea and Dysentery
Waterlily root and flower both have natural astringent
qualities that help in controlling loose stools and treating dysentery,
especially in children.
Use:
Crush dried petals or root and mix with honey. Take 1 teaspoon twice daily
until symptoms improve. You can also prepare a decoction from the root and
drink it warm.
3. Relief from Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
The soothing, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory nature of
waterlily helps reduce the burning sensation and frequent urination associated
with UTI.
Use:
Boil waterlily root and leaves in water and drink this herbal tea 2 times a
day. It flushes out toxins and soothes the urinary tract.
4. Skin Care and Inflammation
The waterlily flower has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
properties. It is used to treat skin irritation, acne, rashes, and minor burns.
Use:
Grind fresh petals and apply directly to the skin. You can also soak petals in
rose water and use them as a face pack for glowing skin and reduced redness.
5. Sexual Health and Vitality
In Unani and Ayurvedic traditions, waterlily is
considered an aphrodisiac and is used to improve libido, especially in men. It
also helps reduce involuntary seminal discharge and strengthens reproductive
health.
Use:
Prepare a mixture of powdered dried seeds with honey and take 1 teaspoon daily
at bedtime. This remedy promotes fertility and strengthens the reproductive
system.
6. Treating Insomnia and Restlessness
Waterlily has mild sedative properties, helping to calm
the nerves and promote better sleep.
Use:
Drink warm water with lily flower tea before bedtime. It acts as a natural
tranquilizer without causing dependency.
7. Healing Mouth Ulcers
Its cooling and soothing properties make waterlily useful
for treating mouth ulcers and inflammation of the gums.
Use:
Make a gargle by boiling petals in water and use it twice a day. It reduces
inflammation and promotes healing.
8. Control Excessive Menstruation
In traditional medicine, waterlily is used to manage
menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) due to its astringent nature.
Use:
Dried petal powder mixed with raw sugar or misri can be taken with cold milk
twice a day during heavy periods.
9. Boosting Heart Health
Waterlily helps in calming the heart and may support
cardiovascular health due to its soothing and cooling nature.
Use:
Consuming waterlily tea or decoction regularly during the summer helps maintain
heart health and blood pressure.
10. Detox and General Health
The plant is rich in antioxidants and acts as a mild
detoxifying agent when taken regularly in small amounts.
Use:
Soak petals overnight in clean water and drink in the morning. It purifies the
blood and improves skin and liver function.
Precautions:
- Use
only fresh and clean plants from unpolluted water sources.
- Avoid
during pregnancy and lactation without medical advice.
- Always
consult an herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner before using for chronic
conditions.
Conclusion
Waterlily is a miraculous aquatic herb with wide-ranging
benefits in home remedies. Whether it's treating urinary problems, improving
skin health, promoting sleep, or enhancing reproductive vitality, this natural
healer has earned its place in traditional medicine systems. When used with
proper knowledge and care, waterlily can be a gentle yet powerful tool for
natural healing and wellness.
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