LILY,—WATER.

Description:

Nymphoea Alba. The White Lily has very large and thick dark green leaves lying on the water, sustained by long, and thick foot-stalks, arising from a great, round, and long tuberous black root, spongy or loose, and internally white; from which rise other similar thick green stalks, sustaining one large flower, green on the outside, but as white as snow within, consisting of several rows of long, thick and narrow leaves, encompassing a head with many yellow threads in the middle. The seed vessel is large and roundish, abounding with seeds. The Yellow kind is little different from the former, save only that it has fewer leaves on the flowers, greater and more shining seed, and a whitish root both within and without. They grow in pools and standing waters, and in slow running rivers, and ditches of water.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Water Lilies:

The fresh root is the part chiefly used, given in a strong decoction. The leaves and flowers are cold and moist, but the roots and seeds are cold and dry. The leaves cool inflammations, and the heat of agues; and so do the flowers, either in syrup or conserve. The seed is effectual to stay fluxes of blood or humours of wounds, and severe purgings. But the roots are more effectual to restrain all fluxes in men and women. Its frequent use extinguishes venerous actions. The root is likewise very good for those whose urine is hot and sharp, to be boiled in wine and water, and the decoction drank. The distilled water of the flowers has the same effect taken inwardly, or applied outwardly; and it is said to take away freckles, spots, sunburn, and morphew from the face, and other parts of the body. The oil made of the flowers, as Oil of Roses is made, is profitably used to cool hot tumours, and to ease painful sores.