- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (southern)
- Other names
- Opo
Africa · Food · № 360
Lagenaria siceraria
Food · Africa
Bottle gourd
Lagenaria siceraria
Young fruits are eaten as a mild, easily digestible vegetable. Medical claims, for example about the heart or peace of mind, have not been studied.
Safety notes
Taste the raw fruit or juice first: bitter-tasting gourd can contain toxic cucurbitacins, and its juice has caused serious poisonings. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Preparation
Cooked with ghee, cumin, turmeric and onion (20–25 min).
Use in traditions
One of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, probably of African origin. Dried gourds serve throughout Africa as bowls, bottles and musical instruments. In India the vegetable is called lauki and is considered cooling and light in Ayurveda; in China the gourd (hulu) is a symbol of health and long life and the emblem of travelling healers.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Superfood: promotes clear thinking, balance, optimism and peace of mind, good for the heart, easily digestible.
Preparation and amount
Cooked with ghee, cumin, turmeric and onion (20–25 min).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen