Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Potassium, Flavonoids, Stigmasterol
- Also Known As
- English: Water Lettuce, The Western Lettuce
Sanskrit: जलकुम्भी, कच्छवा
Hindi: जलकुम्भी
What is Water Lily (Jalkumbhi / जलकुम्भी)?
Jalkumbhi (Pistia stratiotes) is a free-floating aquatic plant found in stagnant waters across India. The rosette leaves are velvety, 2-3 inches wide, with prominent veins. The small flowers are inconspicuous. The whole plant is used medicinally. It is used in bleeding disorders and urinary complaints. The plant contains 22% ash (high mineral content) with significant Potassium (8%) content. It multiplies rapidly and can cover entire water surfaces. Verse: 4-5.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
How to Use Kumuda by Condition
Explore how Kumuda is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
In pittaja morbid thirst, water mixed with grapes, sandalwood, dates, vetiveria zizanioidis, honey and cold water in which red shali rice, dates, parushaka, blue water lily, grapes, honey and a baked lump of earth have been kept, may be given or water kept in earthen pot in which 64 tola of red shali rice, pounded with lodhra, liquorice, antimony and blue water lily are put and in which a baked clod of clay, water and honey have been integrated.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
Cold food and drinks, cool residence, exposure to cool air and water, cool gardens, and the touch of cool linen, hued lotus, water lily, pearl, sandal water, moon beam;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
Feel of lotus leaves, water lily, gravel, sandal water is beneficial in alcohol induced burning sensation.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
), lotus stamens, daruharidra bark, blue water lily, meda (Polygonatum airrhifolium Royle), mahameda (Polygonatum airrhifolium Royle), murva (Marsdenia tenacissima W.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
[50] The decoction of kamala and utpala (water lily) or shringhataka or vidari or the root of danairaka with honey and sugar is useful in pittaja type of dysuria.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Mrinala (lotus stalk, Nelumbo nucifera), Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Ushira (vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides), Kamala (lotus), Utpala (water lily), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Pathya (Haritaki, Terminalia chebula) -- this paste removes Pitta-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Ushira (vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides), Yashtyahva (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Vyaghranakha (Capparis sepiaria/tiger's claw), and Utpala (water lily), ground with decoction -- this paste conquers Rakta-Pitta type headache.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For the burning, throbbing headache of Pitta-Rakta origin, this intensely cooling formulation uses the classic triad of sandalwood-vetiver-licorice combined with the soothing Bala and water lily.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
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.