Rampur: People often consider water hyacinth floating in ponds, canals or water-filled pits as a useless plant. In many places, it is even removed considering it a plant that spoils water, but very few people know that this water hyacinth is rich in many nutrients and if used properly, it can prove beneficial for health as well. However, doctors advise caution in its use.

According to Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, Ayush Medical Officer, Rampur, water hyacinth is a self-growing plant, which is easily visible in ponds, rivers or places with small water accumulations. Its flowers are usually blue in color and this plant floats on the surface of water. Many times people consider it useless and remove it, but this plant also has some special features.

Dr. Mohammad Iqbal explains that antioxidant properties are found in water hyacinth, which are considered beneficial for the body. It can help in removing some toxic elements present in the body. This is the reason why it has also been used in traditional home remedies in many places.

He told that a big advantage of water hyacinth is that it helps in purifying water. This plant absorbs some harmful elements present in water. Due to which the quality of water can be improved. For this reason, in many places, water hyacinth is also counted among the plants that purify water in a natural way.

According to Ayush doctor, water hyacinth is also used in some skin related problems, in villages people make a paste of its leaves and apply it on boils and pimples. This can provide some relief from swelling and irritation. Apart from this, some people also apply this paste in case of joint pain or swelling.

In rural areas, many people prepare watercress as a vegetable by washing it thoroughly and boiling it lightly and also prepare soup from it. At some places, it is dried, made into powder and used by mixing it with pulses or flour. However, experts say that cooking it for a longer time can reduce its nutrients. Therefore, it is considered better to use it only after lightly cooking it.

Dr. Mohammad Iqbal says that water hyacinth should be used very thoughtfully. Because this plant absorbs many types of elements present in water. Therefore, if it is grown in polluted water then its consumption can also be harmful.

For this reason, doctors advise that it should not be consumed without the advice of a doctor or specialist. If used with proper knowledge and caution, water hyacinth is considered beneficial in some traditional treatments.