Herb's Introduction: Lilium polyphyllum, commonly known as the White Himalayan Lily or simply White Lily, is a perennial, bulbous herb belonging to the family Liliaceae. It is a significant plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, particularly as one of the key ingredients of the Astavarga group of herbs, which are renowned for their rejuvenating and tonic properties. The plant is critically endangered due to over-exploitation for its medicinal bulbs, which have been harvested for centuries to meet the demand of pharmaceutical industries, especially for the preparation of traditional remedies like Chyawanprash.
Name in Different Countries
English: White Lily, White Himalayan Lily, Many-leaved Lily.
Sanskrit: Kakoli, Kshira Kakoli, Vayasoli, Svadumanisi, Madhuraa, Kshira, Vayhasthaa, Karnikaa.
Other: The name "Kakoli" is widely used in India, particularly in the context of Ayurvedic medicine.
Terminology Binomial Name: Lilium polyphyllum D.Don
Family: Liliaceae
Synonyms: Lilium punctatum Jacquem. and Lilium polyphyllum var. uniflorum Boiss.
Ayurvedic Terminology:
Kakoli: A name for the plant, often used to refer to the bulb.
Kshira Kakoli: A specific name that translates to "milky Kakoli," likely referring to the milky juice or sap of the plant's root.
Astavarga: A group of eight medicinal plants in Ayurveda, which includes Lilium polyphyllum (Kshira Kakoli) and its counterpart Roscoea procera (Kakoli). These eight herbs are highly valued for their ability to promote vitality and rejuvenation.
Availability
Lilium polyphyllum is a critically endangered species, with its wild populations scattered and very few. It is native to the Himalayan region and is found in parts of Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and India (specifically in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand). Its over-exploitation for medicinal purposes has led to a drastic decline in its numbers in its natural habitat. Due to its endangered status and limited availability, its use in traditional medicine has been challenged, and substitutes are sometimes used. However, some suppliers offer the bulbs, though conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.
External Look
Plant: It is a bulbous herb that can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Stem: The stem is erect, slender, and leafy, reaching heights of 60-120 cm.
Leaves: The leaves are linear to lanceolate, about 10-12 cm long, and slender with many nerves. The lower leaves are often arranged in a whorled pattern.
Flowers: The flowers are fragrant and about 5 cm in diameter. They are held in terminal racemes and typically bloom from June to August. They are dull yellowish or greenish on the outside and white within, with long, distinct purple streaks. The segments are oblanceolate and strongly reflexed or curved, giving the flower a pretty, cup-shaped appearance.
Bulb (the medicinal part): The bulb is the primary medicinal part of the plant. It is an underground stem with fleshy, conical, and translucent scales that store food. It is white, long, and narrow, with long roots that can grow deep into the soil.
Healing Properties and Advantages
The bulb of Lilium polyphyllum is the most important medicinal part of the plant and is a rich source of various phytochemicals, including saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. These compounds are responsible for its wide range of therapeutic properties.
Tonic and Rejuvenating: It is a well-known tonic, especially for those suffering from emaciation and general debility. As part of the Astavarga group, it is highly valued for its rejuvenating effects, promoting vitality and strength.
Anti-inflammatory: Research has indicated that the plant possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating various inflammatory conditions. It is traditionally used for soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and is applied to burns, ulcers, and wounds.
Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Health: It is considered a potent aphrodisiac (Sukrala) and is used to treat seminal weakness and other sexual disorders.
Respiratory Support: The bulbs are used as an expectorant to help with coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Antipyretic and Refrigerant: It has a cooling effect on the body, making it useful in treating intermittent fevers, burning sensations, and hyperdipsia (excessive thirst).
Diuretic: It helps in increasing urine flow and is used in conditions like strangury (painful urination).
Gastrointestinal Health: It is used to treat various digestive issues, and its soothing and astringent properties help with conditions like hematemesis (vomiting of blood).
Overall Well-being: The herb is known to promote general well-being, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
Uses
Ayurvedic Formulations: The bulb is a vital ingredient in several well-known Ayurvedic formulations, including:
Chyawanprash: A famous rejuvenating tonic that promotes vitality and immunity.
Astavarga Churan: A powder made from the eight herbs of the Astavarga group.
Jivaniya Ghrita: Medicated ghee used for promoting strength and vitality.
Culinary Uses: In some regions, such as parts of Uttarakhand and Gangotri, the bulbs are consumed as a vegetable. They can be cooked with vegetable oil and potatoes.
Traditional Remedies:
Emaciation and General Debility: The tuberous root is dry-roasted and used as a tonic to combat emaciation and as a source of energy.
External Application: Preparations of the bulb are applied topically to the skin to treat wounds, burns, and skin inflammation due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sexual Health: It is used in formulations to treat impotency and other sexual disorders.
Fever: The bulb's cooling properties are used to reduce fever.
Using Way
The bulb of Lilium polyphyllum is the primary part used for medicinal purposes. It can be consumed in various forms:
Powder: The dried bulb is ground into a powder, which can be mixed with milk or other substances and consumed, particularly for improving strength and vitality.
Decoction/Infusion: The bulbs can be boiled in water to create a decoction.
Roasted: The tuberous root can be dry-roasted and eaten as a tonic.
Medicated Oil/Ghee: The bulb is often blended with other herbs to make medicated oils or ghritas (clarified butter), which are then consumed or applied externally.
Vegetable: In regions where it is traditionally consumed as a food, it can be cooked as a vegetable.
Conclusion
Lilium polyphyllum, or Kakoli, is a highly valuable medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional systems like Ayurveda. Its powerful tonic, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties make it a prized ingredient in many formulations, particularly those aimed at promoting overall vitality and health. The plant's significance as one of the key members of the Astavarga group highlights its unique and potent therapeutic value. However, its critically endangered status due to relentless over-exploitation poses a serious threat to its existence. This necessitates urgent conservation efforts, including both in-situ and ex-situ protection methods, to ensure that this precious "White Himalayan Lily" can continue to provide its healing benefits for future generations. While traditional knowledge of its uses is extensive, there is a need for more scientific research to validate its pharmacological effects and support its sustainable cultivation
