WATER LILY
Fragrant Water Lily
Common North American White Water Lily
nelumbo luteam
nuphar leteum
nymphaea odorata
Nymphaceae

Used to Treat boils, bruises, cough, diarrhea,
infected glands, mouth ulcers, sore throat,
tuberculosis, wounds, and yeast infections.

Used as / for ani-inflammatory, astringent, food,
insect repellent, perfume and reducing sex drive.

The fragrant water lily was utilized in many ways
by Native Americans in the eastern United States.

Roots of this and other water lilies were used medicinally
as a poultice for sores and tumors, internally for many aliments including
digestive problems, and rinse made for sores in the mouth.

The leaves and flowers were also used as cooling compresses.

In addition, the rhizomes were occasionally used as food,
the young leaves and lower buds were eaten as a vegetable.
Even the seeds were fried and eaten or ground into flour.

Wildlife, including beaver, muskrat, ducks, porcupine, and deer
also will eat the leaves, roots, or seeds.

In moderate quantities the fragrant water lily can also benefit the lake
by providing shelter and habitat for fish and invertebrates,
shade to cool the water.

However, our native water lilies, like spatterdock (nuphar polysepalum)
and watershield (brasenia schreberi), will also provide the same benefits
as the fragrant water lily and are not invasive.


ACTIONS
DESCRIPTION
MEDICINAL