Crinum latifolium: Milk and wine lily gives long and healthy life

By Syed Akbar
Crinum latifolium or milk and wine lily is a wonderful plant thanks to its “double” properties. It works on prostate gland in men and ovaries in women. Known in Sanskrit as Madhuparnika, this herb finds a special place in the “royal medicine” of Vietnam, where kings and queens in the past used this herb for a long and healthy life. In India, Crinum is used in Ayurveda and Unani preparations for a variety of health issues, and as a general tonic. Readymade herbal formulations of Crinum latifolium are available in herbal 
stores.
This herb is grown in gardens and houses as an ornamental plant. Its flowers resemble those of common garden lily. The bulb and leaves are used in medicinal formulae. Besides keeping the prostate and ovaries in good health, Crinum also helps in fighting cancers associated with these organs.
The bulb of Crinum has pungent taste. The bulb is often roasted for external applications. Extract of Crinum is used as a general tonic. It is believed that this herb helps in regulation of hormonal secretions and regeneration of body tissues to keep the body hale and healthy for a longer period. Care should be taken while using this herb for internal consumption as excess intake may upset stomach and cause vomiting. In small quantities, Crinum gives many health benefits.

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Home remedies
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Take the bulb of Crinum, wash it properly and crush it. Apply it on joints for relief from rheumatic pains. The paste of Crinum helps in dilation of the blood capillaries in the area of application. Herbal doctors believe Crinum acts as rubefacient, though there’s no scientific evidence to the effect thus far.

The crushed bulb can be applied on piles for relief. It is also often prescribed for wounds and abscesses.

Herbal doctors recommend the juice obtained by crushing the leaves of Crinum as ear drops for relief from ear pain.

The extract from bulbs is used internally in small quantities for longevity and healthy life. Crinum extract is believed to keep ovaries and prostate gland in proper function. Some recommend Crinum of treatment of fibroids in the uterus.

Ayurveda and Unani doctors prescribe Crinum for treatment of prostate and ovarian cancers. Readymade herbal formulations of Crinum can be used.