Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Nymphaea alba L.

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

White Water-lily

Arabic Name(s)

nilufar نيلوفر
zanbaq al-ma' زنبق الماء

Hebrew Name(s)

nimfe'a levana

נִימְפֵאָה לְבָנָה

Life Form

Geophyte

Habitat

Humid habitats

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

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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.