Water Lily

(Water Lettuce)
Sanskrit: जलकुम्भी • Botanical: Pistia stratiotes Linn.

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.

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

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.