Neermulli

Neermulli, kokilaksha in Sanskrit, is marsh barbel, a spiny herb of wet ditches and paddy edges with whorls of long spines and blue-purple flowers at each node. Its seeds, sold as talmakhana, swell into a jelly in water and are used in Ayurvedic tonics. In Bengal the leaves are cooked as kulekhara shaak. It is not makhana, the fox nut of Euryale ferox.

Botanical name

Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine

Family

Acanthaceae

Tamil

Neermulli

Hindi

Talmakhana

Sanskrit

Kokilākṣa

Parts used

Whole plant, Seeds in lists, Root in lists

Habit

Spiny wet-ground herb with blue flowers; seeds are talmakhana

Last updated

2026-10-27

How to recognise Neermulli

It is an upright herb, usually knee- to waist-high, with square, hairy stems.

At each node a whorl of narrow leaves surrounds long, sharp, yellowish spines.

Blue to purple, two-lipped flowers grow in dense whorls in the leaf axils.

The fruit is a narrow capsule holding small, flat seeds.

When wet, the seeds become coated in a thick, slippery mucilage.

Traditional use of Neermulli

Ayurveda

Kokilaksha seeds are used in Ayurvedic tonics and diuretic formulas.

Ayurvedic practice

Kitchen

Young kulekhara leaves are fried or cooked as a green in Bengal, especially for people with anaemia.

Bengali food practice

Siddha

Neermulli is used in Siddha preparations for urinary complaints and swelling.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Neermulli

The seed mucilage is a polysaccharide gel studied as a natural thickener.

Animal studies report diuretic and liver-protective effects, but human trials are few.

The name kokilaksha means cuckoo’s eye, after the shape of its flowers.

Neermulli safety

The spines are sharp; wear gloves when gathering it. Take seed preparations only with plenty of water and under a practitioner.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in marshes, ditches and paddy margins across South Asia and Africa.

Bees visit its blue flowers.

It tolerates flooding.

Related plants

Also in Acanthaceae

Questions about Neermulli

Is talmakhana the same as makhana?

No. Makhana is fox nut, Euryale ferox.

What is kulekhara?

Its Bengali name, eaten as a green.

Why does the seed turn slimy?

It is coated in mucilage.

Where does Neermulli grow?

In wet ground and paddy edges.

How do I recognise Neermulli?

Look for whorls of spines and blue flowers at each node.

Sources

• Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
• Wikidata item Q3537349 (Hygrophila auriculata)

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.