Water Chestnut

(Water Chestnut)
Sanskrit: श्रृङ्गाटक • Botanical: Trapa bispinosa Roxb.

Shringataka (Water Chestnut/Singhada) is an aquatic plant found in ponds and lakes throughout India. The fruit has horned projections (hence the name 'Singhada' from Shringa = horn). The kernel is white, starchy and sweet. It is eaten raw, boiled or dried into flour (Singhade ka Atta) which is used during fasting. The fruit is highly nutritive, cooling and aphrodisiac. The flour is used as a substitute for cereals during religious fasts. It is particularly useful in debility, weakness and as a nutritive food. The fruit is seasonal, available in winter. Dose: As food. Verses: 33.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Starch (50-55%), Protein, Fat, Minerals, Vitamins
Also Known As
English: Water Chestnut, Water Caltrop
Sanskrit: श्रृङ्गाटक, जलफल, त्रिकोणफल
Hindi: सिंघाड़ा

What is Water Chestnut (Singhada / सिंघाड़ा)?

Shringataka (Water Chestnut/Singhada) is an aquatic plant found in ponds and lakes throughout India. The fruit has horned projections (hence the name 'Singhada' from Shringa = horn). The kernel is white, starchy and sweet. It is eaten raw, boiled or dried into flour (Singhade ka Atta) which is used during fasting. The fruit is highly nutritive, cooling and aphrodisiac. The flour is used as a substitute for cereals during religious fasts. It is particularly useful in debility, weakness and as a nutritive food. The fruit is seasonal, available in winter. Dose: As food. Verses: 33.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Brinhana (nourishing)
  • Balya (strengthening)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Water Chestnut by Condition

Explore how Water Chestnut is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Water Chestnut for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.