White Water Lily (Kumuda)
Nymphaea pubescens
| Synonym | Nymphaea lotus var. pubescens |
|---|---|
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Sanskrit | Kumuda |
| हिंदी | कुमुदिनी |
| മലയാളം | ആമ്പൽ |
| Parts used | flower, rhizome |
This water lily is a floating aquatic herb with large, toothed, round leaves that are hairy beneath and white to pinkish flowers that open at night. It grows in ponds, lakes and paddy fields across India, including Kerala.
In Ayurveda it is linked with Kumuda, the night-blooming lily of the classical texts. Its flowers are traditionally used in cooling skin-care preparations and pastes, and the rhizome has been eaten as a food in rural India.
Articles are for general information about Ayurveda and personal care and are not medical advice. For any health condition, please see a qualified doctor.
