NepalAyurveds.com: Nilo Kumud

Nilo Kumud, नीलो कुमुद, नीलोत्पल, निलकमल, Nymphaea stellata

यो गर्मी क्षेत्रका जलाशयमा रातमा चन्द्रोदयसँगै नीलो फुल्छ । यो मीठो, सुगन्धित, शीतल, पित्तनाशक, कपालरक्षक, रुचिकारक र धातुपौष्टिक मानिन्छ । मूत्राशयको बिरामी र थोपा थोपा मुत्नेमा यसको जराले तत्काल लाभ दिन्छ । यसको फूल निद्रादायक र कामेच्छानाशक मानिन्छ । मात्रा : ३-५ ग्राम लेदो / चूर्ण, काँढापानी १ / १ माना, स्वरस : २०-३० ग्राम, भस्म २-३ ग्राम २-३ पटक ।

परिचय

नीलो कुमुद (Nymphaea stellata) एक जलीय औषधीय बोट हो जसलाई नीलोत्पल, निलकमल, कृष्णकमल, नीलकमल आदि नामले पनि चिनिन्छ। यो फूल गर्मी

प्रधान क्षेत्रका ताल, पोखरी, दह आदि जलाशयमा प्रशस्त मात्रामा फुल्ने गर्दछ। यसको फूल नीलो रंगको हुने र रातमा चन्द्रोदयसँगै खिल्ने विशेषता छ। नेपाली आयुर्वेदमा यसलाई धेरै गुणकारी मानिएको छ। यो फूल मीठो, सुगन्धित, शीतल तथा पित्तनाशक गुण भएको हुन्छ। यसले शरीरलाई शक्ति प्रदान गर्ने, मूत्र सम्बन्धी रोग निको पार्ने, निद्रा ल्याउने र कामेच्छा कम गर्ने जस्ता धेरै औषधीय प्रयोगहरू गरिन्छ।

नेपाल र अन्य देशमा उपलब्धता

नीलो कुमुद नेपालको तराई र मध्यम पहाडी क्षेत्रमा पाइने गर्छ। विशेष गरी चितवन, नवलपरासी, बारा, रुपन्देही, कपिलवस्तु, बाँके जस्ता जिल्लाका ताल, पोखरी, दह आदिमा यो प्रशस्त मात्रामा फुल्छ। नेपाल बाहेक यो भारत, बंगलादेश, श्रीलंका, म्यानमार, थाइल्याण्ड, इन्डोनेशिया लगायतका दक्षिण एसियाली र दक्षिणपूर्वी एसियाली देशहरूमा पनि पाइन्छ। यो बोट उष्ण र समशीतोष्ण जलवायु भएका क्षेत्रमा राम्रोसँग बढ्ने गर्दछ।

भौतिक गुणहरू

वानस्पतिक नाम: Nymphaea stellata
परिवार: Nymphaeaceae
रंग: फूल नीलो (कहिलेकाहीँ हल्का नीलो वा बैजनी रंगको पनि हुन सक्छ)
पात: गोलाकार, मोटो, पानीमा तराइएको
फूल: नीलो, ५-१० सेन्टिमिटर व्यास भएको, धेरै पाँखडी हुने
जरा: मोटो, मांसल, औषधीय गुणयुक्त
स्वाद: मीठो, सुगन्धित
प्रकृति: शीतल

औषधीय गुणहरू

आयुर्वेद अनुसार नीलो कुमुद निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू भएको मानिन्छ:

रस (स्वाद): मधुर (मीठो)
गुण (गुण): शीतल (चिसो), लघु (पचनमा सजिलो)
वीर्य (शक्ति): शीत (ठण्डा प्रभाव)
विपाक (पाचन पछिको प्रभाव): मधुर
प्रभाव: पित्तशामक, मूत्रल, शामक (निद्रादायक), रक्तशोधक

लाभहरू

१. मूत्र सम्बन्धी रोगमा: यसको जरा मूत्राशयको संक्रमण, मुतखरेज, थोपा-थोपा मुत्ने समस्यामा प्रभावकारी छ।
२. पित्त दोष नियन्त्रण: यो शरीरको पित्त बढ्ने समस्यालाई शान्त गर्छ।
३. निद्राको लागि: यसको फूलले अनिद्रा, चिन्ता, तनावलाई कम गरेर राम्रो निद्रा दिन्छ।
४. कामेच्छा नियन्त्रण: यसले कामेच्छा कम गर्न मद्दत गर्दछ।
५. रक्तशोधक: यसले रक्तलाई शुद्ध गरेर छालाका रोग (दाद, खटिरा, एक्जिमा) लाइ निको पार्छ।
६. कपाल स्वास्थ्य: यसले कपाल झर्ने रोगलाई रोक्छ र टाउकोलाई शीतलता प्रदान गर्छ।

प्रयोग विधि

नीलो कुमुद विभिन्न रूपमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ:

जराको चूर्ण: ३-५ ग्राम चूर्ण पानीसँग सेवन गर्नाले मूत्र रोगमा फाइदा गर्छ।
फूलको रस: २०-३० ग्राम फूलको रस लिनाले निद्रा र चिन्ता कम हुन्छ।
भस्म: २-३ ग्राम भस्म दिनमा २-३ पटक लिन सकिन्छ।
काँढा: यसको पात वा जराको काँढा बनाएर पिउनाले पाचन शक्ति बढ्छ।

संकलन र संरक्षण

संकलन: नीलो कुमुदको फूल र जरा वर्षायाममा एकत्र गर्नुपर्छ। फूल चाँदनी रातमा खुल्ने भएकाले राति वा बिहानै तताउने गरी संकलन गर्नुपर्छ।
सुकाउने विधि: जरा र फूलहरूलाई छायामा सुकाउनुपर्छ। धूपमा सुकाउँदा यसको औषधीय गुण कम हुन सक्छ।
संरक्षण: सुकेको जरा र फूलहरूलाई एयरटाइट कन्टेनरमा राख्नुपर्छ। यसलाई सुख्खा र ओसिलो नपर्ने ठाउँमा राख्नुपर्छ।

निष्कर्ष

नीलो कुमुद (Nymphaea stellata) एक अत्यन्तै गुणकारी जलीय औषधीय बोट हो। यसले मूत्र सम्बन्धी रोग, पित्त दोष, अनिद्रा, रक्तदोष लगायत धेरै रोगहरूको उपचार गर्न सक्षम छ। नेपालको तराई क्षेत्रमा यो प्रशस्त मात्रामा पाइने भएकाले यसको व्यावसायिक उपयोग गरेर आयुर्वेदिक औषधि निर्माण गर्न सकिन्छ। यसको संरक्षण र सतत उपयोगले मानिसहरूको स्वास्थ्य लाभ गर्न मद्दत गर्न सक्छ। त्यसैले, यसको प्राकृतिक बासस्थानलाई जोगाउनुपर्छ र यसको सही उपयोग गरेर स्वास्थ्य लाभ लिनुपर्छ।

Introduction

Nilo Kumud, also known as Nymphaea stellata, is a captivating aquatic plant revered in traditional medicine and cultural practices. Commonly referred to as the blue water lily, it is celebrated for its striking nocturnal blooms and a plethora of medicinal properties. In Nepal, it is known by various names including नीलो कुमुद, नीलोत्पल, and निलकमल. This plant holds a significant place in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine, where it is utilized for its therapeutic benefits.

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

Nymphaea stellata thrives in warm, tropical climates and is predominantly found in the still waters of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. In Nepal, it is commonly observed in the Terai region and other lowland areas, especially during the monsoon season when water bodies are abundant. Beyond Nepal, its distribution spans across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand. It is also present in parts of Africa and Australia, indicating its adaptability to various ecological zones.

Physical Properties

Nilo Kumud is a perennial aquatic herb characterized by its distinctive morphological features:

Leaves: The plant boasts large, circular, floating leaves with a waxy surface, which aids in water repellency.
Flowers: Its most striking feature is the vibrant blue or violet flowers that bloom at night, often coinciding with moonrise. These blossoms are fragrant and possess a soothing aroma.
Rhizomes: The plant has short, stout, and fleshy rhizomes that are pyriform (pear-shaped) and rich in starch. These rhizomes are edible and have been traditionally consumed in various cultures.
Seeds: The fruit is globose, containing numerous small, flask-shaped seeds that are less than 1 mm in diameter.
Medicinal Properties

Nymphaea stellata is esteemed for its wide range of medicinal properties, which have been validated by both traditional practices and scientific research:

Antidiabetic: The plant exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. Studies have shown that extracts from its flowers can reduce blood glucose levels and stimulate insulin secretion by regenerating pancreatic β-cells.
Hepatoprotective: Extracts from the flowers have demonstrated protective effects against liver damage, particularly in cases induced by toxins like carbon tetrachloride.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The plant's extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties comparable to hydrocortisone and can alleviate pain, making it useful in treating various inflammatory conditions.
Antimicrobial: Nymphaea stellata exhibits antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Sedative and Aphrodisiac: Traditionally, the plant has been used as a mild sedative and is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties.

Advantages

The multifaceted benefits of Nilo Kumud make it a valuable resource in both traditional and modern medicine:

Natural Remedy: As a plant-based medicine, it offers a natural alternative to synthetic drugs, reducing the risk of side effects.
Accessibility: Its widespread availability in various regions makes it an accessible option for many communities.
Cultural Significance: Beyond its medicinal uses, Nilo Kumud holds cultural and religious importance in several traditions, enhancing its value in societal contexts.

Uses

Different parts of Nymphaea stellata are utilized for various purposes:

Flowers: Used in treating insomnia, high fever, and inflammatory diseases. They are also employed as a sedative and aphrodisiac

Rhizomes: Consumed as food, especially during famines, and used medicinally to treat gastrointestinal disturbances and menstrual problems.
Leaves: Applied topically for skin conditions like erysipelas and used as a lotion in eruptive fevers.
Seeds: Considered stomachic and restorative, they are included in diets for managing diabetes mellitus.
Using Method

The administration of Nilo Kumud varies based on the intended therapeutic effect:

Powder (Churna): 3-5 grams can be taken with water or honey.
Decoction (Kadha): Prepared by boiling 1 part of the plant material with 16 parts of water until reduced to 1/4th, typically consumed in doses of 20-30 ml.
Juice (Swarasa): Fresh juice extracted from the plant parts can be taken in doses of 20-30 grams.
Ash (Bhasma): 2-3 grams can be administered with honey or ghee.

It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal regimen to ensure safety and efficacy.

Harvesting and Preservation

Proper harvesting and preservation techniques are crucial to maintain the plant's medicinal potency:

Harvesting: The optimal time for harvesting is during the flowering season, typically in the monsoon months. Flowers should be collected at night when they are fully bloomed. Rhizomes are best harvested during the dormant season.
Drying: Plant parts should be cleaned and dried in the shade to preserve their active constituents.
Storage: Dried materials should be stored in airtight containers, away from moisture and direct sunlight, to prevent degradation.

Conclusion

Nilo Kumud (Nymphaea stellata) stands as a testament to the profound connection between nature and healing. Its extensive range of medicinal properties, coupled with its cultural significance, underscores its value in traditional medicine systems. As modern science continues to explore and validate its therapeutic potentials, Nilo Kumud holds promise for future applications in holistic health and wellness.

Reference

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