Herb · Africa
Ivy gourd
Coccinia indica
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, laxative (bark), antispasmodic and expectorant (leaf and stem), lowers blood sugar; for incipient diabetes, swollen glands, skin diseases, smallpox rash, gonorrhoea, bronchitis.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. 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: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Tea 10–20 ml; root powder 3–6 g; fresh juice of the root tubers; leaves on skin rash.
Use in traditions
In India (kundru, tondli) and Southeast Asia the young fruits are eaten as a vegetable. In Ayurveda (bimba) the plant is used for skin diseases and sores, and the leaves are being studied for a blood-sugar-lowering effect, with results still uncertain. The red ripe fruit was the model for 'bimba-red' lips in classical Sanskrit poetry. Sanskrit name: Bimba.
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
Cleansing, laxative (bark), antispasmodic and expectorant (leaf and stem), lowers blood sugar; for incipient diabetes, swollen glands, skin diseases, smallpox rash, gonorrhoea, bronchitis.
Preparation and amount
Tea 10–20 ml; root powder 3–6 g; fresh juice of the root tubers; leaves on skin rash.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen