What are the benefits of jalkumbhi?

Jalkumbhi, also known as the common water hyacinth, is a free-floating aquatic herb often found covering ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. While many view it as an invasive weed, Ayurveda and folk traditions recognize its healing potential. With cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties, Jalkumbhi has been used in various local remedies for skin health, swelling, and overall purification. In this article we will look into jalkumbhi benefits, how to use it and learn some tips on home remedies.

Latin Name: Pistia stratiotis
Vernacular Names:

• Hindi: Jal kumbhi
• Bengali: Takapana, Tokapana
• Tamil: Agashatamarai, Akayat-tamarai
• Telugu: Akasatamara, Antara tamara
• Kannada: Anthara gange
• Malayalam: Kodda-pail
• Marathi: Gondala, Jalamandvi, Prasni
• Gujarati: Jalshamkala
• Urdu: Jalkumbhi
• English : Himalayan  Cedar

Sanskrit Names:

Variparni, Kumbhika,
Vaarimuli, Samulika
Toyavriksha, Hata,
Kuli, Kumbhi, Toyakumbhi
Tantana, Vrikkadumaka

Jaljumbhi Benefits & its Ayurvedic Properties

Ras

• Tikta (Bitter)
• Katu ( Pungent)

  Veerya ( Potency) 

• Sheet (Cold)

Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)

• Katu (Pungent)

 Guna ( Qualities)

• Laghu (Lightness)
• Rooksha (Dry)

Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Dosha Effect

• Balances: Vata , Pitta and Kapha dosha

Classical Categorization

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Pushpa Varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadi Varga

Morphology

Pistia stratiotes is an aquatic plant. It is found floating on the surface of water in lakes, ponds, streams etc. Leaves are soft, thick, light green, 14 – 15 cm long, no stem, and form a rose like arrangement. Flowers are small, hidden amongst the leaves.

Water lettuce removes nutrients and heavy metals from the sewage sludge and drainage ditches.

Health Benefits of Jalkumbhi powder

Anti- inflammatory

• In Ayurveda, inflammation is linked with excess Pitta (heat) and sometimes Kapha (swelling, stagnation). Because Jalkumbhi has a cooling nature, it pacifies Pitta and reduces the burning, redness, and irritation associated with inflammation. 

• Tikta (Bitter) Rasa taste help draw out toxins (ama) and reduce swelling by tightening tissues and drying excess secretions.

• Laghu Guna (Light quality) this makes the herb easy to digest and helps clear obstructions in channels (srotas), which indirectly supports smoother circulation and reduces congestion-related inflammation.

Helps in wound healing

In Ayurveda, wound healing is referred to as Vrana Ropana (the process of wound closure and tissue repair). Jalkumbhi supports this process in multiple ways:

• Sheeta Virya (Cooling potency): Calms burning sensation, reduces inflammation, and soothes irritated tissues.

• Kashaya Rasa (Astringent taste): Helps in contraction of tissues, which reduces bleeding and promotes quicker closure of wounds.

• Tikta Rasa (Bitter taste): Purifies the wound area by drawing out toxins and reducing infection risk.

• Ropana (Healing action): Many herbs with astringent and cooling qualities are considered good for wound healing, and Jalkumbhi falls into this category.

Useful in Skin problems

In Ayurveda, skin health (Twak Swasthya) depends on balanced Rakta dhatu (blood), proper digestion (Agni), and clear Srotas (channels). When toxins (Ama) accumulate or Pitta aggravates, skin issues like acne, rashes, or boils appear.

Jalkumbhi helps skin health through:

• Rakta Shodhana (Blood Purification): Its bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) tastes cleanse the blood, reducing impurities that cause skin eruptions.

• Sheeta Virya (Cooling potency): Calms excess Pitta, relieving redness, burning, and heat rashes.

• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory action): Reduces swelling, irritation, and puffiness on the skin.

• Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing): Aids in healing minor cuts, acne scars, or insect bites.

• Twak Prasadana (Skin Clarifying): Leaves skin feeling smooth, clear, and refreshed.

How to use Jalkumbhi

Jalkumbhi can be consumed in various forms, including:

• Juice:  To make the juice you need fresh leaves of jalkumbhi. Extract juice in mixer grinder. Filter it and consume.
• Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
• Jalkumbhi powder:  1-2  teaspoon two times daily after meals
• Part Used : Whole plant , Ash

What are the side effects of Jalkumbhi

 Like any other Ayurvedic herb jalkumbhi is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include

Allergic Rashes

If someone is sensitive to jalkumbhi they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .

Precautions

During breast feeding avoid consuming Jalkumbhi

Avoid consuming jalkumbhi during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.

Always use jalkumbhi in recommended dosage  to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.

If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using jalkumbhi. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.

Don’t use jalkumbhi continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.

Store jalkumbhi in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.

Home Remedies of Devdaru

For difficulty in urination ( Dysuria)

For this you will  need following ingredients:

• Jalkumbhi leaves – 50 gms

• Water – 1 cup

How to use:
Make a paste by crushing leaves and adding water, apply this paste around umbillicus.

This will help in easy passing of urination

Skin paste for Acne and Infection

• Make a paste of Jalkumbhi leaves.

• Apply on acne, boils, or heat rashes.

• Wash after 20 minutes for cooling and cleansing effect.

Frequently asked question

1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?

Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.

2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?

Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.

3. With western/modern medicine

Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.

4. How long does devdaru take to start showing benefits ?

It depend on  any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly devdaru powder benefits are seen.

5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?

Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.

6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?

No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.

Conclusion

Jalkumbhi is nature’s detoxifier — not only in ponds and lakes, but also in the human body. Its bitter-cooling qualities and antioxidant compounds cleanse the blood, support liver function, improve digestion, and even purify the skin. When used safely and wisely, it acts as a gentle but effective herbal detox agent.

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.

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Disclaimer  :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.

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