Also known as Benincasa hispida, winter melon, white gourd, wax gourd, winter gourd, ash gourd.
The ash gourd is a single species of tender annual vine believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia and is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It has been cultivated in China for 2000 years. In Chinese medicine the rind is used to treat urinary dysfunction and the seeds for vaginal discharge.
Being extremely low in calories, the ash gourd is used to treat obesity as it promotes metabolism and prevents sugar (carbohydrates) from being converted into fat. The shoots, tendrils and leaves of the plant may be eaten as greens.
It is alkaline and has a strong ‘antacid’ action. It maintains the pH of the body and counteracts the acidity created in the stomach because of the intake of acid causing foods.
It can protect the life of teeth and gums when a mouth gargle of the juice is done regularly.
The juice of the fruit is effective in cases of mercury poisoning and snakebites.
A delicious sweet made by boiling the pulp in honey is used to treat general debility, to increase weight after sudden weight loss and treat weakness of the heart and anaemia.
Seeds of ash gourd are used as a home therapy to increase the sperm count. The seeds are cooked in milk and consumed directly. Sperm locomotion also amplifies considerably by eating ash gourd.
The rind is also used to treat diabetes and the seeds to expel tapeworms. To kill parasites and worms, take a handful of ash gourd seeds and grind them. Eat it in the morning on an empty stomach. Two hours later, take two teaspoons of castor oil.
WARNING: Castor oil should not be given to children below 5 years of age.
Health conditions ash gourd can help to treat
- Blood and vein disorders (anaemia)
- Brain and mental health disorders (insomnia)
- Cancer (of the mouth)
- Colds and coughs
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Gland disorders (thyroid)
- Hair and nail disorders
- Heart disorders
- Infertility
- Influenza
- Internal haemorrhage
- Obesity
- Respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis)
- Stomach ulcers
- Teeth and gum disorders (pyorrhoea, bleeding gums)
- Urinary system disorders
- Water retention
Nutritional compounds in ash gourd:
- Acetoin
- Alunsenol
- Chitinase
- Fibre
- Flavonoids
- Mucins
- Mutiflorenol,
- Nonanal
- Octanal
- Protein
- Saponins
- Phytosterols
- Terpenoids
Vitamins in ash gourd
- VitaminB1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Minerals in ash gourd:
Externally, people who suffer from an abnormally small amount of hair growth can try roasting the rind and seeds and then mixing it with coconut oil. The mixture when applied to the scalp can also be used as a treatment for dandruff.
Related subjects
- A-Z of natural foods and remedies
- Acidity in the body
- Blood and vein disorders
- Intestinal disorders
- Parasites
- Urinary system disorders
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