Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

White Water-lily

Hebrew Name(s)

nimfe'a levana

נִימְפֵאָה לְבָנָה

Arabic Name(s)

nilufar نيلوفر
zanbaq al-ma' زنبق الماء

Life Form

Geophyte

Habitat

Humid habitats

Click Flora of Israel Online to view distribution and other botanical details.

For distribution and other botanical details for this plant

Click to view:

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

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.

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.