Nymphaea alba

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Nymphaea alba L.

Nymphaeaceae

  • White Water-lily
  • nilufar نيلوفر
  • zanbaq al-ma' زنبق الماء
  • nimfe'a levana
  • נִימְפֵאָה לְבָנָה

Geophyte

  • Humid habitats
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and other botanical details.

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Nymphaea alba L.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Gastrointestinal

Abdominal pain

Carminative

1. Decoct flower + " 'innab" (Zizyphus jujuba) + "tajerizi" (Solanum nigrum) & drink. (See CAUTIONS for Solanum nigrum).
2. Cook flowers in water & drink.

Flower Z
Gastrointestinal

Constipation

Laxative

This recipe is in 2 parts A & B: A. Prepare extract/infusion of flowers + Viola odorata + Ziziphus jujuba & drink without taking any other fluids. B.The following day eat Cassia fistula to clean gut. For next 24 hrs eat very little to let the stomach rest. (May cause a white tongue & headache.)(See NOTES & CAUTIONS.)

Flower Z
Gastrointestinal

Jaundice

Hepatic

Preparation/Admin. not specified.

Flower Z
General

Fever

Anti-pyretic

Cook flowers in water & drink. (See also fever & malaria preparation for Solanum nigrum).

Flower Z
Infectious Diseases

Measles

Anti-Infective

Cook flowers + Zizyphus jujuba + Cordia myxa; strain, squeeze mixture & drink.

Flower Z
Respiratory

Colds

Anti-Infective

Cook flower in water + " 'innab" (Zizyphus jujuba),(See NOTES1) + "tajazi" (Solanum nigrum) & drink. (See NOTES 2 & CAUTIONS for Solanum nigrum.)

Flower Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

1. Z notes that a side effects of treatment for constipation includes a white tongue & headache but does not specify which ingredients in the recipe are responsible. (See also CAUTIONS.)
2. Some recipes contain " 'innab" which Z identifies as Zizyphus jujuba. This seems to be the Persian name; "anab", "annab" for this species.
3. Some recipe also contain "tajazi" or "taujadazi" the Persian name for Solanum nigrum. (See also CATIONS for Solanum nigrum.)

Cautions

Nymphaea alba contains toxic alkaloids nupharine & nymphaeine which affect the nervous system & have a sedative effect.