Rato Kumud, रातो कुमुद , सानो रक्तकमल, रक्तकुमुद, Nymphaea rubra ~ NepalAyurveds.com

यो रातमा चन्द्रोदयसँगै फूल रातै फुल्दछ । यो प्रायः गरम क्षेत्रका जलाशयमा पाइन्छ। यसको जरा चिफ्लो, तीक्ष्ण, सङ्कोचक, निद्रादायक, रक्तशोधक मानिन्छ । यसको धूलोले मन्दाग्नि, अतिसार, रक्तातिसार, अर्श, आन्द्राको सुक्खापन, अधिकपित्त आदिमा १/१ चम्चा ३-५ पटक खाँदा तत्काल लाभ पुऱ्याउँछ । यसको काँढापानी पिउने र टुक्रा चुस्दा विशेष लाभ मिल्छ ।

परिचय

रातो कुमुद (Nymphaea rubra) एक जलीय वनस्पति हो जसलाई सानो रक्तकमल, रक्तकुमुद वा रातो कमल पनि भनिन्छ। यो रातमा चन्द्रोदयसँगै

फुल्ने विशेषताको कारण प्रसिद्ध छ। यसको फूल राति खुल्छ र दिनमा बन्द हुन्छ। यो प्रायः गरम क्षेत्रका ताल, पोखरी, दलदल वा सुस्त बग्ने नदीहरूमा पाइन्छ। नेपालमा यो तराई र मध्य पहाडी क्षेत्रका जलाशयहरूमा पाइन्छ। यसको जरा, पात, फूल र बीज सबै औषधीय गुणले भरपूर हुन्छन्। आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सामा यसको प्रयोग धेरै रोगहरूको उपचारमा गरिन्छ।

नेपाल र अन्य देशहरूमा उपलब्धता

रातो कुमुद नेपालको तराई र मध्यम पहाडी भेगका जलाशयहरूमा प्राकृतिक रूपमा पाइन्छ। यसको खेती पनि गरिन्छ। नेपाल बाहिर यो भारत, बंगलादेश, श्रीलंका, थाइल्याण्ड, म्यानमार र अन्य दक्षिण एसियाली देशहरूमा पाइन्छ। यो वनस्पति उष्ण र उपोष्ण क्षेत्रमा धेरै पाइन्छ।

शारीरिक विशेषताहरू

फूल: रातो वा गुलाबी रंगको, रातमा खुल्ने, सुगन्धित।
पात: गोल, ठूलो, पानीमा तैरिने, माथिल्लो भाग चम्किलो हरियो।
जरा: मोटो, चिप्लो, कडा र औषधीय गुणयुक्त।
बीज: सानो, कालो वा खैरो रंगको।

औषधीय गुणहरू

रातो कुमुदमा निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:

सङ्कोचक (Astringent): शरीरका विभिन्न भागहरू सुकाउन मद्दत गर्छ।
निद्रादायक (Sedative): निद्रा नलाग्ने समस्यामा उपयोगी।
रक्तशोधक (Blood Purifier): रोगप्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढाउँछ।
ज्वरनाशक (Antipyretic): ज्वर घटाउँछ।
पाचक (Digestive): पाचन शक्ति बढाउँछ।

लाभहरू

मन्दाग्नि (अजीर्ण)
अतिसार (पखाला)
रक्तातिसार (पखालामा रगत आउने)
अर्श (बवासीर)
आन्द्राको सुक्खापन
अधिक पित्त (Hyperacidity)
अनिद्रा (निद्रा नआउने)

प्रयोग विधि

१. जराको धूलो: १/१ चम्चा दिनमा ३-५ पटक खाने।
२. काँढा पानी: जरा उमालेर पानी पिउने।
३. टुक्रा चुस्ने: जराको टुक्रा चुस्दा पित्त शान्त हुन्छ।
४. लेप: जराको पेस्ट घाउमा लगाउने।

संकलन र संरक्षण

यसको जरा वर्षायाममा संकलन गर्न उपयुक्त हुन्छ।
जरालाई धूपमा सुकाएर भण्डारण गर्न सकिन्छ।
फूल र पात ताजै प्रयोग गर्न उत्तम हुन्छ।

निष्कर्ष

रातो कुमुद एक महत्त्वपूर्ण जलीय औषधीय वनस्पति हो जसले धेरै रोगहरूको उपचार गर्न मद्दत गर्छ। यसको प्रयोगले पाचन समस्या, रक्तस्राव, अनिद्रा जस्ता समस्याहरू समाधान गर्न सकिन्छ। यसको संरक्षण र उचित प्रयोगले स्वास्थ्य लाभ प्राप्त गर्न सकिन्छ। नेपालमा यो प्राकृतिक रूपमा उपलब्ध भएकाले यसको व्यावसायिक उपयोग र संरक्षण गर्नुपर्छ।

Introduction

Rato Kumud, also known as Nymphaea rubra, is a captivating aquatic plant belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. Commonly referred to as the Red Water Lily, this perennial herb is renowned for its striking red blooms that unfurl at night, often in synchrony with the moonrise. In Nepal, it is known by various names, including रातो कुमुद, सानो रक्तकमल, and रक्तकुमुद. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Rato Kumud holds significant medicinal value, deeply rooted in traditional practices.

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

In Nepal, Rato Kumud thrives in the warm, lowland regions, particularly in the Terai belt. It is commonly found in shallow ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers at altitudes ranging from 160 to 300 meters. The plant is especially prevalent in mid-western Nepal, where it contributes to the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

Globally, Nymphaea rubra is distributed across various countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, India, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam . Its adaptability to different aquatic environments has also led to its cultivation in ornamental ponds and aquariums worldwide.

Physical Properties

Nymphaea rubra is characterized by its vibrant red flowers and distinctive foliage. The plant features large, floating leaves that are initially narrow and arrow-shaped, eventually becoming broad and heart-shaped as they mature . The flowers are substantial in size, with deep purplish-red petals and similarly colored stamens, creating a visually striking appearance .

The plant's rhizomes are rich in proteins (20.5%–43.5%) and carbohydrates (63.14%), making them a valuable nutritional source . Its density of 1.42 g/cm³ is lower than many synthetic materials, rendering it suitable for lightweight applications in textiles

Medicinal Properties

Rato Kumud has been esteemed in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. Its rhizomes are known for their astringent, sedative, and blood-purifying qualities. In traditional Nepali practices, the powdered form of the rhizome is administered to treat conditions such as indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, intestinal dryness, and excessive bile secretion.JETIR

Recent scientific studies have corroborated some of these traditional uses. Nymphaea rubra exhibits significant antidiabetic and dyslipidemic properties, as evidenced by its ability to inhibit α-amylase enzyme activity, thereby aiding in blood sugar regulation . Additionally, the plant possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its efficacy in managing various ailments

Furthermore, polysaccharides extracted from Nymphaea rubra have demonstrated immunomodulating activity, enhancing immune function and facilitating cellular communication . These findings underscore the plant's potential as a natural therapeutic agent.

Advantages

The multifaceted benefits of Rato Kumud encompass both ecological and medicinal domains:

Ecological Benefits: As an aquatic plant, Nymphaea rubra contributes to the health of freshwater ecosystems. Its floating leaves provide shade, reducing water temperature and inhibiting algal growth, while offering shelter for aquatic fauna.
Medicinal Benefits: The plant's diverse pharmacological properties make it valuable in traditional and modern medicine. Its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects offer therapeutic potential for various health conditions.
Ornamental Appeal: The striking red flowers and lush foliage of Rato Kumud enhance the aesthetic value of ponds and aquariums, making it a popular choice for ornamental cultivation.

Uses

Rato Kumud is utilized in various forms to harness its medicinal properties:

Powdered Rhizome: Traditionally, the rhizome is dried, ground into a fine powder, and consumed to alleviate digestive issues, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal ailments.
Decoction: Boiling the rhizome in water to prepare a decoction is another common method, often used to treat similar conditions.
Infusion: The flowers and leaves can be infused in hot water to create herbal teas that promote relaxation and sleep.
Topical Application: Extracts from the plant may be applied externally to soothe skin inflammations and promote wound healing.

Using Method

For internal use, the powdered rhizome is typically administered in doses of one teaspoon, taken three to five times daily, depending on the severity of the condition. The decoction is prepared by boiling a measured amount of the rhizome in water until the volume reduces by half, then consumed after cooling.

When preparing an infusion, fresh or dried flowers and leaves are steeped in hot water for several minutes before consumption. For topical applications, extracts or pastes made from the plant parts are applied directly to the affected area.

Harvesting and Preservation

Harvesting of Nymphaea rubra is typically conducted during its flowering season, which spans from October to November . The rhizomes are carefully extracted from the aquatic environment, cleaned, and dried under shade to preserve their medicinal properties.

For preservation, dried plant materials should be stored in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

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