What exactly are water lentils?
Water lentils—also known by their botanical name Lemna—are among the smallest flowering plants in the world. You’ll often spot them floating on the surface of ponds, ditches, or calm streams. There, they form green carpets that at first glance almost look like a layer of moss.
These tiny floating plants are surprisingly undemanding and multiply rapidly when conditions are right. Their ability to spread quickly and absorb nutrients from the water makes them fascinating not only for ecosystems—humans have long since discovered their value as well.
Water lentils in natural medicine
Water lentils were already known in the Middle Ages—for example, in the monastic medicine of Hildegard von Bingen. Traditionally, they were used as part of herbal tonics believed to have cooling and cleansing effects. Water lentils also played a role in folk medicine across various cultures, for example to support skin health or strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
Today, this ancient knowledge is being rediscovered. Thanks to their unique properties, water lentils are once again in the spotlight of natural healing—appearing in modern herbal elixirs and supplements. What’s especially interesting is their high nutrient density in such a tiny form.
Why water lentils are an exciting food
Water lentils are rich in high-quality plant protein, making them an appealing source of protein—especially for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet. In some parts of Asia, they’ve long been part of traditional cuisine. In Europe, their use as a food is still relatively new, but it’s becoming more and more popular.
Besides protein, water lentils also contain iron, vitamin B12 (in certain species), fiber, and beneficial plant compounds. This combination of nutrients makes them a promising “superfood”—even if that term is often overused. The fact is, researchers are increasingly interested in the potential of this little plant for human nutrition.
Water lentils in everyday life: powders, shakes, and elixirs
By now, there are plenty of products based on duckweed—from classic duckweed powder to ready-made shakes and elixirs. If you want to buy duckweed, you’ll find it not only online but also occasionally in drugstores like dm or Rossmann.
The products differ in how they’re processed and used: For example, you can mix the powder into smoothies or use it for baking. Shakes often contain duckweed extracts combined with other plant-based ingredients. And elixirs are often based on traditional recipes—sometimes inspired by Hildegard von Bingen.
One important thing: If you’re new to duckweed products, take it slow and pay attention to how your body responds. As with all herbal remedies, everyone reacts a little differently.
Good to know: Cultivation and sustainability
One big advantage of duckweed is how resource-friendly it is to grow. It doesn’t need much space or fertilizer and grows without soil—right in the water. That makes it one of the most sustainable plants you can choose for your diet.
In aquaculture, duckweed can be cultivated in a targeted and controlled way. It can even help clean water by absorbing excess nutrients. Its rapid growth and excellent CO₂ balance make it a real plant of the future—both ecologically and economically.
Conclusion: A plant with potential—worth a closer look
Duckweed may be tiny, but it packs a punch. It brings together ancient herbal traditions and modern nutritional science. Whether you use it as a supplement, a protein source, or a sustainable ingredient, there are so many possibilities. And even though it’s not as well known in Europe as it is elsewhere, it’s definitely worth discovering.
If you care about healthy, natural food, duckweed is hard to ignore. Not because you need to follow every trend, but because it’s a wonderful example of how much power can be hidden in the world’s most unassuming plants 🌱
