A perennial aquatic herb. Leaves rounded, cordate, entire; rhizome black; flowers solitary, white, 10-13 cm. across, floating; fruit a spongy berry ripening under water; seeds minute, striate, punctate, buried in pulp.

Antidysenteric, astringent, aphrodisiac, a heart stimulant, useful in improving memory and narcotic (rhizome); alleviates spasms and sedative (alcohol extract of rhizome); anaphrodisiac and sedative (flowers)

Plants for a Future

Nymphalin (flower); luteolin, beta-aminoadipic acid and gossypitrin (leaf); nypheine (root).

In dysentery and irritable bowel syndrome, as an astringent and a narcotic (rhizome); for gastrointestinal disorders and jaundice; to treat bronchial catarrh and kidney pain and can be taken as a gargle for sore throats (root decoction); in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety (flower).

Do no use if pregnant.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.