- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South Asia, Himalayas)
- Sanskrit
- Trapusha
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine, Folk magic and herbal magic
Asia · Food · № 261
Cucumis sativus
Food · Asia
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Traditionally attributed effects: fruit nourishing and soothing; seeds cooling, diuretic, tonic; for throat complaints, strongly diuretic with sugar, in fever.
Safety notes
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)
- Natural skin and hair care: The eye gel keeps for about a week in the fridge; chilled it feels extra refreshing.
Preparation
Seed or leaf powder 1–2 g; decoction or tea 14–28 ml; cooked leaves with cumin.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica, natural skin and hair care and home, kitchen and folk custom. Sanskrit name: Trapusha. In herbal magic associated with increases fertility (eat the seeds), promotes healing, deepens meditation, removes negative energy. The cucumber was domesticated in India 3,000 years ago. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine (khiyarain) it is considered cooling; the seeds are a diuretic. Slices on the eyes are a beauty remedy worldwide.
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
Fruit nourishing and soothing; seeds cooling, diuretic, tonic; for throat complaints, strongly diuretic with sugar, in fever.
Preparation and amount
Seed or leaf powder 1–2 g; decoction or tea 14–28 ml; cooked leaves with cumin.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Cucumber is mostly water and feels cool and soothing on tired eyes and warm, sunburnt skin.
Preparation and amount
External: fresh cucumber juice in an eye gel and in an after-sun compress (see the recipes).
Caution: The eye gel keeps for about a week in the fridge; chilled it feels extra refreshing.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Increases fertility (eat the seeds), promotes healing, deepens meditation, removes negative energy, fertility, healing, harmony, peace, health.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with fertility and healing.
Preparation and amount
The cucumber comes from India and was already eaten in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Slices on the eyes are a well-known home remedy. In folk belief the fruit with its many seeds stood for fertility.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Gazpacho.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen