Related Terms

• Afzelin, alkaloids, American white pond lily, American white water lily, Castalia odorata (Dryander), cow cabbage, fragrant water lily, gallic acid, icariside, large white water lily, lignans, lily pad, myricitrin, Nuphar advena, Nuphar luteum, Nymphaea alba, Nymphaea ampla DC., Nymphaea caerulea Sav., Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea odorata (Dryander) Aiton, Nymphaea odorata Ait. ssp. tuberosa (Paine) Wiersma and Hellquist, Nymphaea rubra, Nymphaea stellata Willd., Nymphaea tuberosa, Nymphaeaceae (family), nymphaeoside A, sweet water lily, sweet-scented water lily, tannins, tartaric acid, water cabbage, water lily, water nymph, white pond lily.

Background

• The use of white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) for medicinal purposes originates from Native American traditional medicine.

• Several other species from the Nymphaea and Nuphar (another water lily genus) genera have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and homeopathic practices.

• The dried root and rhizome of the white water lily have been taken by mouth to treat gastrointestinal, genital, and bronchial conditions. The leaves and roots have also been used externally, as infusions to treat lesions and inflammation associated with mucous membranes, and as poultices to treat a variety of dermatological conditions.

• Some of the medicinal properties of white water lily may be attributed to its reported antibiotic and astringent properties, which may be the result of tannic and gallic acids found in the plant tissue.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, bladder disturbances, bleeding, boils, bronchial irritation, burns, canker sores, chemopreventive, congestion, dermatitis, diarrhea, edema (swelling), exhaustion, eye inflammation, gastrointestinal inflammation, gonorrhea, hallucinogen, hepatoprotection (liver protection), kidney problems, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), menstrual problems, narcotic, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), periodontal disease, pharyngitis (sore throat), prostate problems, thrush, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, tumors, ulcers (mouth and throat), uterine cancer, uterine inflammation, uterine prolapse, vaginal disorders, venereal diseases.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for white water lily. White water lily has been given as an infusion, fluid extract, powder or tincture. An infusion has been made with 30 grams of the powdered root, macerated, and boiled in 300 milliliters of water for 30 minutes. About 30-60 milliliters of this infusion has been taken 3-4 times daily, between meals. Also, 1-2 grams of the dried root steeped in 150 milliliters boiling water for 5-10 minutes and strained has been used.

• As a fluid extract, 1-5 milliliters of a 1:1 extract in 25% ethanol has been used. As a powder, 1-2 grams given in milk or sweetened water has been used. As a tincture, 1-10 drops of tincture made from 240 grams of the root in 76% ethanol has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for white water lily, and use in children is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to white water lily (Nymphaea odorata).

Side Effects and Warnings

• There is little information on the adverse effects of Nymphaea odorata. According to historical use, white water lily may have central nervous system-related side effects. For example, other Nymphaea species have hallucinogenic and narcotic effects, but it is unclear whether white water lily would cause these as well. Use cautiously in patients with psychological and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including seizure disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• White water lily is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Based on historical use of other Nymphaea species as a hallucinogen and a narcotic, central nervous system (CNS) related side effects may be possible. White water lily may interfere with the effects of drugs acting in the central nervous system, such as opioids and other pain-relievers, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and medications used to treat dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

• White water lily tinctures may contain high alcohol content. Patients should not take disulfiram (Antabuse®) or metronidazole (Flagyl®) with alcohol due to an increase in unwanted side effects.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Based on historical use of other Nymphaea species as a hallucinogen and a narcotic, central nervous system (CNS) related side-effects may be possible and white water lily may interfere with the effects of herbs acting in the central nervous system, such as herbs used to treat pain, depression, psychological conditions, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Bhandarkar MR, Khan A. Antihepatotoxic effect of Nymphaea stellata willd., against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in albino rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;91(1):61-64. View Abstract

2. Dipasquale R. Nymphaea odorata: white pond lily. Medical herbalism 2000;11(3):6-7.

3. Emboden WA. Transcultural use of narcotic water lilies in ancient Egyptian and Maya drug ritual. J Ethnopharmacol. 1981;3(1):39-83. View Abstract

4. Khan N, Sultana S. Anticarcinogenic effect of Nymphaea alba against oxidative damage, hyperproliferative response and renal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Mol.Cell Biochem. 2005;271(1-2):1-11. View Abstract

5. Zhang Z, ElSohly HN, Li XC, et al. Phenolic compounds from Nymphaea odorata. J Nat Prod 2003;66(4):548-550. View Abstract