NYMPHACEAE

A dicot family of 8 genera of aquatic plants. The long-stemmed leaves are usually large and arise from submerged roots to float on the surface of ponds and lakes. Flowers solitary, regular and beautiful.

Nymphaea odorata

White water lily, white pond lily

images

Family Nymphaceae

Description

A hardy robust perennial aquatic plant which dies back in winter. Leaves simple, orbicular apart from a cleft where the stalk is attached, growing singly on long petioles from a horizontal rhizome to float on the surface of the water. Green above, reddish below and when young. Flowers large, 8–20 cm in diameter, with 3–5 green-backed sepals. Petals white, numerous, united to the ovary. Stamens many, carpels many with yellow stigmas. Single buds develop under water and rise to float on the surface when they open. Flowers close at night and open for 2–3 days before withdrawing under water again. Blooms in summer.

Odour—slight; taste—mucilaginous and slightly pungent.

N. odorata is native to North America and is considered synonymous with N. alba.

Habitat and cultivation

Native to Great Britain and Europe except in the extreme north. Grows in sheltered parts of lakes, slow moving streams, ponds, canals and dykes. Also grows in North America and elsewhere as an ornamental pond plant. Propogated by seed or division of rhizomes in winter. Prefers slightly acid water rich in nutrients up to 3 m deep. It may be increased from seed or by dividing the rhizomes. Duck and other water birds eat the foliage and kill the lilies and fish will loosen the roots if containers of rich soil are not weighted down with stones.

Parts used

The dried rhizome and/or root collected in autumn or spring.

Active constituents

The roots and rhizomes have not been well studied or characterized.

1) Polyphenols mainly tannins (hydrolysable) and derivatives of gallic and tannic acids1

2) Flavonoids

Also mucilage and probably some alkaloids (Nymphaea species have been used historically as hallucinogens all over the world).2 The roots and rhizomes readily accumulate ions of elements like iron, manganese, copper, phosphorus, calcium, chromium but may also take up undesirable heavy metals like cadmium.1,3,4

Nutritional constituents

Vitamins: C

Actions

1) Astringent

2) Demulcent

3) Antimicrobial

Scientific information

There are no human-related studies into the medicinal benefits of this herb and only a very few animal studies that indicate potential benefits due to its anti-oxidant activity.5,6 This would accord well with the suggested high levels of polyphenols, known to be strong anti-oxidants, which are found in Nymphaea.1 The tannin and mucilage content probably account for the modern uses listed.

Anecdotally, it has been recorded as an effective treatment for uterine cancer.

Medicinal uses

Gastro-intestinal tract

Externally

Pharmacy

Three times daily  
Decoction of dried herb –   1–2 g
Fluid Extract (25%) –   1–4 ml

Historical uses

Dysentery, gonorrhoea, scrofula; bronchial and urinary problems; fluxes in men and women. Externally: inflamed mucous membranes and skin.