- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (north), Asia (west and south), Europe (south)
- Sanskrit
- Indravaruni
- Other names
- Bittere appel
Africa · Herb · № 464
Citrullus colocynthis
Herb · Africa
Colocynth
Citrullus colocynthis
Traditionally attributed effects: drastically laxative and diuretic; in large doses emetic and highly irritant; for ascites, jaundice, urinary diseases, rheumatism, bile complaints, intestinal parasites, constipation, oedema; seed oil for snake and scorpion bites.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
The bitter desert melon was one of the strongest laxatives known from antiquity onward. Dioscorides and later Avicenna described it; in Unani medicine it is called hanzal and in Ayurveda indravaruni. In the Sahara the seeds are roasted and eaten after the bitter pulp has been removed. Sanskrit name: Indravaruni.
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.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Drastically laxative and diuretic; in large doses emetic and highly irritant; for ascites, jaundice, urinary diseases, rheumatism, bile complaints, intestinal parasites, constipation, oedema; seed oil for snake and scorpion bites.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, powder.
Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen