Water lily
Useful properties and use of white water lilies
Useful properties of a water lily
The water lily is a perennial aquatic plant that has a round rhizome and leaves floating on the surface of the water. Large white flowers with numerous petals conquer with their charming appearance. The fruit of the plant is round and green, it ripens directly under water. The water lily blooms in the summer months, from June to September. Such an unusual plant forms its thickets in slowly flowing or stagnant waters. As a rule, the water lily settles in lakes and ponds, where the depth is no more than two meters. This plant is widespread in the Caucasus, Belarus, Central Asia, the Urals and the Far East.
Water lily rhizomes contain a huge amount of tannins, nympheir alkaloid and starch. The glycoside nymphaline of the crystal type was found in the flowers. Such a plant is indicated for headaches and tumors. Water lily root in the form of a decoction will help get rid of diarrhea, as well as relieve pain in the bladder. In ancient times, water lily seeds were used for heavy periods. A medicinal decoction of flowers is prescribed for insomnia and jaundice. A unique wine tincture from the roots of the plant relieves severe lacrimation and profuse purulent discharge.
As an astringent, a decoction of flowers is used to treat discharge from the female genital tract. Water lily is also effective for severe neuroses, neuralgia and rheumatism. It should also be noted that this plant has a powerful antipyretic effect.
Water lily application
Water lily leaves are recommended for external use as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The rhizomes of the plant perfectly relieve pain and unpleasant symptoms in inflammatory processes of the epidermis. In the form of mustard plasters, it is recommended to use the root part for acute viral infections and colds. Healing root tincture is indicated for various tumors of the spleen, as well as for serious malignant tumors.
For the manufacture of antipyretic and at the same time hypnotic, you need to take 1 tablespoon of fresh petals and boil them in one glass of water. After three hours of infusion, you can take an infusion of 100-120 ml 2 times a day. For heart weakness, it is recommended to mix 4 tablespoons of water lily petals and 4 tablespoons of hawthorn, pour the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water, and then leave for two hours. The medicine should be taken in 100-150 ml 3 times a day. The minimum course of treatment with such a fantastically effective remedy is at least 14 days.
Water lily flowers
Graceful buds appear first, followed by bright yellow flower crowns. In the evening, the flowers always close, then go under the water. The next morning, the flower will again appear from under the water. The water lily is firmly attached to the bottom with long roots. The flowers are very similar to the cups of roses, but they are twice their size.
Water lily leaf
Rounded water lily leaves have a greenish tint. They often turn red underwater. Different plant species differ significantly not only in the depth of immersion, but also in the size of the leaves.
Water lily root
The thick rhizome contains essential oils, starch, sugars, proteins and an especially rare alkaloid. A special paste is made from the roots, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antichomonas action. A decoction from this part of the plant is indicated for the treatment of tuberculosis, for serious diseases of the bladder and kidneys. Healing tincture in significant doses has a tonic and stimulating effect on the human body. It should be noted that the raw rhizomes of the water lily are extremely poisonous.
Where does the water lily grow?
There are over 50 different plant species, which differ in size and diving depth under water. The most common are snow-white, white, tetrahedral, fragrant, tuberous, dwarf, blue, hybrid and tiger water lilies. Many species can be found in the European part of Russia, Siberia and Transcaucasia, as well as in Central Asia. The water lily settles in the steppes and forest zones - where there are ponds, lakes and rivers with stagnant water.
White water lily
White water lily is a perennial plant with a large rounded rhizome. On the surface of the water, its flowers and part of the leaves float. This type of plant forms its thickets in shallow (up to two meters) reservoirs. Large flowers have graceful numerous petals and a flat stigma of a yellowish tint. The roundish green fruit ripens under water. The white water lily blooms all summer months until mid-September. The roots of this plant are used as an excellent astringent, and the infusion of flowers has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Red water lily
The red water lily is a rather slow growing plant that, with its large rounded leaves, is able to cover the entire surface of a small pond, the depth of which does not exceed 60 cm. It has luxurious cherry-red flowers. Such an ornamental aquatic plant will be an excellent decoration for your backyard pond.
Yellow water lily
The yellow water lily is considered a very rare variety, since it has an atypical flower color. This graceful plant prefers reservoirs with a depth of 25 to 50 cm. This graceful water lily with golden flowers is perfect for artificial ponds.
Contraindications to the use of water lilies
All medicines containing any parts of the water lily should be ingested with great care. It is not recommended to overestimate the dosages prescribed by your doctor yourself. Moreover, such a plant is contraindicated for hypotensive patients, since it helps to lower blood pressure.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
