Nymphaea alba White water lily (Nymphaeaceae)

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Nymphaea alba
White water lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Nymphaea alba plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Nymphaeaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as White water lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as N. occidentalis. Castalia alba. C. speciosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Nymphaea alba
Common Name:  White water lily
Family:  Nymphaeaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  One report suggests that the plant is poisonous but gives no further details[19]. The plant contains the toxic alkaloids nupharine and nymphaeine, these substances have an effect on the nervous system[240].

Mature Height:     Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Marshes, ponds, slow moving streams, lakes and canals up to 1.2m deep[7, 9, 17].

Medicinal Information: The rhizome is anodyne, antiscrophulatic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent and sedative[4, 7, 9, 240]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of dysentery or diarrhoea caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It has also been used to treat bronchial catarrh and kidney pain and can be taken as a gargle for sore throats[254]. Externally it can be used to make a douche to treat vaginal soreness or discharges. In combination with slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) or flax (Linum usitatissimum) it is used as a poultice to treat boils and abcesses[254]. The rhizome is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[254]. The flowers are anaphrodisiac and sedative[254]. They have a generally calming and sedative effect upon the nervous system, reputedly reducing the sex drive and making them useful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and similar disorders[254]. A complete cure of uterine cancer by a decoction and uterine injection has been recorded[4]. According to one report the plant is not used in modern herbal practice, though it has been quoted as a remedy for dysentry[9].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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