Photo: Sreejith K ( talk ) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Nilotpala नीलोत्पल
Nymphaea nouchali · Nymphaeaceae
Also known as: Blue Lotus, Blue Water Lily, Nelophar
Part used: Flower
Nilotpala (Nymphaea nouchali) is the blue water lily, whose flowers are used in Ayurveda as a cooling, astringent drug. It is used in burning, bleeding, excessive thirst and palpitation, and appears throughout the classical Pitta-pacifying formulations. It is distinct from the lotus, which is a different plant.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Nymphaea nouchali
- Part used: Flower
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Flower/rhizome in cooling formulas and syrups.
Nilotpala in other languages
Introduction
Nilotpala (blue water lily, Nymphaea nouchali) is a cooling, calming flower used to soothe Pitta, quench thirst and steady the heart. Sweet and astringent, it cools burning and supports the complexion.
Classification
Of the Nymphaeaceae family, Nilotpala is grouped among the cooling, Pitta-pacifying dravyas. Its bitter-astringent-sweet taste and cooling potency calm heat and firm the tissues.
Uses & benefits
Blue lotus is a cooling drug used in burning, thirst and bleeding of Pitta origin, and described as Hridya — settling to the heart and mind. It appears in the classical cooling asavas and in preparations for excessive menstrual bleeding.
Nilotpala for burning sensation
A classical Dahaprashamana drug used wherever heat and burning dominate.
Nilotpala for bleeding disorders
Cooling and astringent, used in Raktapitta and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Nilotpala for excessive thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs, particularly in fever.
Nilotpala for palpitation
Described as Hridya, used where a fast heart accompanies heat and anxiety.
Nilotpala for diarrhoea
Its astringency is used in loose stool of Pitta origin, with burning.
Nilotpala for the skin
Applied as a paste in burning, rashes and inflamed skin.
Nilotpala for leucorrhoea
Used for white discharge on the same cooling astringent principle.
Nilotpala for insomnia
Traditionally used for restless sleep in Pitta constitutions, taken as an infusion.
Nilotpala as a Vrishya drug
Named among the reproductive tonics in some classical texts, consistent with its cooling nourishing character.
Nilotpala in cooling formulations
Present in Chandanasava, Ushirasava and most of the classical Pitta compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Flower/rhizome in cooling formulas and syrups. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Nilotpala?
The citations held for Nilotpala in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Raktapitta & Trishna); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpavarga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Nilotpala?
Cited among cooling herbs. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta & Trishna.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Nilotpala?
Described as cooling and Pitta-pacifying. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Pushpavarga.
What is Nilotpala traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Blue lotus is a cooling drug used in burning, thirst and bleeding of Pitta origin, and described as Hridya — settling to the heart and mind. It appears in the classical cooling asavas and in preparations for excessive menstrual bleeding.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Nilotpala?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Nilotpala classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Nilotpala carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Nilotpala is used medicinally?
The part used is Flower.
How much Nilotpala is taken, and how?
Flower/rhizome in cooling formulas and syrups. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Nilotpala be avoided?
Very safe; a gentle cooling herb.
Where does Nilotpala grow?
The blue water lily grows in ponds and lakes across India, opening its flowers on the water's surface.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Pushpavarga
Described as cooling and Pitta-pacifying. - Charaka Samhita — Raktapitta & Trishna
Cited among cooling herbs.
Modern research
-
A comprehensive review on Nymphaea stellata: A traditionally used bitter
(see source). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research (2011)
A comprehensive review of Nymphaea nouchali/stellata (Nilotpala / blue lotus) documenting antioxidant, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective pharmacology.
View study doi:10.4103/0110-5558.72424
Safety & precautions
Very safe; a gentle cooling herb.
Where it grows
The blue water lily grows in ponds and lakes across India, opening its flowers on the water's surface.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nilotpala used for?
Burning sensations, bleeding disorders, excessive thirst, palpitation, diarrhoea with burning and inflamed skin. It is a cooling astringent drug used across the classical Pitta-pacifying formulations.
Is Nilotpala the same as lotus?
No, though they are confused constantly. Nilotpala is the blue water lily, Nymphaea nouchali, whose leaves float on the water. Lotus is Nelumbo nucifera, whose leaves are held above it. They are different plants with overlapping cooling uses.
What is the dose of Nilotpala?
Flower powder 1–3 g per day, or infusion 40–80 ml. It is usually taken within a compound such as Chandanasava rather than alone.
What is Nilotpala called in Hindi?
Neel Kamal. In English it is the blue water lily or star lotus. The Sanskrit means blue lily, which distinguishes it from the red and white varieties also mentioned in the classical texts.
Are there side effects of Nilotpala?
Well tolerated at classical doses. It is cooling and astringent, so it is less suited to cold Kapha conditions and heavy use may constipate. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Can Nilotpala help with anxiety?
It is used where anxiety comes with heat, palpitation and restlessness — the Pitta pattern — rather than for anxiety generally. For the racing, fearful Vata pattern, Brahmi or Ashwagandha suit better.
Which part of the water lily is used?
The flower, dried and powdered or used as an infusion. The rhizome is eaten as food in some regions but is not the principal medicinal part.
