Description of Indian cucumber
Indian cucumber is an exotic vegetable prized for its medicinal properties. It is also known as Gorlyanka, Bitter melon, Bitter cucumber, Momordica, Crocodile, Indian pomegranate, etc. The Indian people consider Momordika to be the plant of the Gods, the Japanese as the plant of long-livers.
Description of Indian cucumber
Characteristic
Momordica vegetable is one of the Lagenaria species, it belongs to the pumpkin family. It is a perennial vegetable, so it is often grown near gazebos or hedges as decoration. The homeland of the Indian cucumber is the Asian continent. He came to our country quite recently. The plant is quite demanding on growing conditions: it needs good lighting, no drafts, open winds and direct sunlight.
- The leaves of the Indian cucumber are quite large, light green in color.
- The inflorescences are yellow, the aroma is reminiscent of jasmine. Fruits are rich-carrot, yellow in color, rather large (about 25 cm in length), with juicy pulp.
- All parts of the plant have beneficial properties and are used to treat and prevent various diseases.
Healing properties
The use of Momordika saturates the body with essential vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc, various amino acids, etc. They prevent the occurrence of vitamin deficiency, help to strengthen the immune system, therefore, Indian cucumber is widely used in cooking for cooking various dishes. Traditional medicine uses infusions and decoctions from different parts of cucumbers.
Momordica increases appetite, stimulates digestion, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract from toxins and speeds up metabolism, which contributes to weight loss. Vitamins in its composition have a good effect on the condition of hair, nails, strengthen teeth and bones.
Treatment
- Decoctions from the leaves are used to treat and prevent colds, normalize blood pressure.
- Momordika roots are an aphrodisiac. Decoctions from them also help people with diabetes.
- The carotene contained in oils enhances the immune system and the level of hemoglobin in the blood. It is also beneficial for liver diseases.
The benefits of leaves
Momordika leaves are used to prepare infusions and decoctions for the treatment of hypertension, coughs and colds.
Their use as a diuretic has a good cleansing effect on the body. Clean fresh leaves help with insect bites and even venomous snakes.
Seeds in the treatment of diseases
The seeds help with gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers). People suffering from these ailments should chew 3 seeds three times a day before meals for 9 days, eating them with a spoonful of honey. The fats contained in them have a good effect on the work of the stomach, as well as on the condition of the integuments (skin, nails).
Momordika seeds in the form of a decoction help to cure even hemorrhoids.To do this, for 10 minutes, boil 20 g of seeds, filled with 200 ml of boiling water, then let it brew for an hour and filter. It should be taken for a week three times a day, 50 ml.
Fruit value
The fruits of the plant save from depression
The fruits of the representatives of the Lagenaria species are used for colds. They are crushed, poured in 100 g of vodka and infused for 14-15 days. The tincture is taken for 3 days, 1 tsp. three times a day.
Eating fresh fruits has a beneficial effect on the nervous system: it saves from depression, improves mood, helps to avoid stress
The pulp removes cholesterol from the body, the excess of which leads to the formation of plaques, has a positive effect on blood vessels and significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. It is believed to contain substances that prevent the appearance of cancer cells in the body.
Prophylaxis
Momordica is a good prophylactic agent against cancer. People who regularly eat it live much longer.
Regular use of this plant helps to avoid the appearance of any type of hepatitis, urolithiasis, prostatitis, has a positive effect on male strength, and improves potency.
Momordica has a huge number of medicinal properties. For medicinal purposes, fruits, inflorescences, seeds, even the roots and leaves of the plant are used.
Contraindications for use
Momordica (in any form) is categorically contraindicated for use by pregnant women. It is a good contraceptive, which means that it can provoke a miscarriage.
Momordica is also dangerous for nursing mothers: its use negatively affects lactation. Also, do not use Momordica to treat children, as well as people with serious diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
Conclusion
Looking at the characteristics of the representative of the Lagenaria clan, everyone will call him a miracle vegetable. It contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on the human body, from strengthening hair and nails to increasing male strength.
Mormodica is widely used in folk medicine both raw and in the form of various tinctures and decoctions. All parts of the plant are suitable for use. They help to heal a number of serious illnesses.
At the same time, the use of Momordika poses a danger to pregnant women, provoking an abortion. Mothers during lactation are also not recommended to use Indian cucumber in food.