Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Nympharin, Nymphalin, Tannins, Starch
- Also Known As
- English: White Water Lily
Sanskrit: कुमुद, कैरव, कुमुदिनी, शीतलोपल
Hindi: कोका, कुमुदिनी
What is Night Lotus?
Most flowers open with the sun. Night Lotus (Kumuda) does the opposite: it opens at night and closes during the day, floating white on ponds and lakes across India.
In English it is the White Water Lily, botanical name Nymphaea alba Linn. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4, also mentions related species with red flowers (Nymphaea rubra) and blue flowers (Nymphaea stellata).
The flower, root and stem are all used, and the rhizome is starchy and nutritious. Ayurveda values Night Lotus as a cooling plant: it calms Pitta, the body's heat, supports the heart, enhances the complexion and settles the mind.
Benefits of Night Lotus
Bleeding Disorders
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Night Lotus as Raktapittahara, alleviating bleeding driven by heat. Its cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and astringent taste make it a classical choice for bleeding disorders (Raktapitta).
Heart Support
It is described as Hridya, a heart tonic, which links it to heart disease (Hridroga) in our knowledge graph. Use it only as a complement to medical care.
Skin and Complexion
As a Varnya herb, a complexion enhancer, it is used to calm Pitta-aggravated skin, the hot, red, inflamed kind.
Calming the Mind
The classical text describes it as sedative and calming. Its sweet, cooling, unctuous qualities suit people who run hot and irritable.
How to Use Night Lotus
The flower, root and stem of Night Lotus are used medicinally. Our sources do not give standard doses or preparation methods, so we do not publish them.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhizome (root) | Practitioner-determined | Heat-driven bleeding, nourishment | As directed |
| Flower | Practitioner-determined | Calming, complexion, heart support | As directed |
Because Night Lotus is cooling and calming, it is traditionally matched to Pitta conditions: heat, inflammation, irritability and bleeding. Work with a practitioner for internal use, especially for bleeding or heart complaints.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no specific contraindications or drug interactions for Night Lotus, so this section is brief.
Its properties suggest where to be careful. It is cold, sweet and unctuous, so people with a cold, heavy Kapha tendency, sluggish digestion or congestion may find it aggravating.
Bleeding and heart symptoms need medical assessment. Do not use any herb in place of treatment for unexplained bleeding or chest symptoms, and tell your doctor if you take heart medication. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor first.
Recommended: Start Here
Night Lotus is not a widely sold supplement in the West, so the simplest way to start is to find a reputable source of the flower or rhizome powder and use it under a practitioner's guidance.
It is best suited to you if your complaints come with heat: flushed or inflamed skin, irritability, or heat-driven bleeding. Its cooling, calming nature is the reason to choose it.
Find White Water Lily on Amazon ↗ Kumudini Powder ↗
Safety note: check the botanical name Nymphaea alba on the label, and see a doctor for any bleeding or heart symptoms before using herbs.
Night Lotus vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Night Lotus | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| White vs red water lily | Nymphaea alba, white flowers | Nymphaea rubra, red flowers | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes the species together; the white variety is the main Kumuda. |
| White vs blue water lily | Nymphaea alba | Nymphaea stellata, blue flowers | A related species. Check the botanical name on any product. |
| Night Lotus vs heating herbs | Cold, sweet, calming | Pungent, heating herbs | Choose Night Lotus for heat and bleeding; avoid it for cold, heavy conditions. |
Night Lotus for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources contain no safety data for Night Lotus in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid medicinal use unless your doctor approves.
Children
Our sources give no child doses. Use only under a practitioner's guidance.
Elderly
Older adults with heart conditions should treat Night Lotus as a complement to, never a replacement for, medical care, and check for interactions with their medication.
Athletes
Our sources describe no athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Night Lotus the same as the lotus flower?
Not exactly. Night Lotus (Kumuda) is the White Water Lily, Nymphaea alba, which opens at night and closes during the day.
Which parts are used?
The flower, root and stem. The rhizome is very starchy and nutritious.
What does Night Lotus contain?
Its constituents include nympharin, nymphalin, tannins and starch.
What are its classical properties?
It tastes astringent, sweet and bitter, is light and unctuous, cold in potency, and sweet after digestion. That profile cools and calms Pitta.
How to Use Night Lotus by Condition
Explore how Night Lotus is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.