The ivy gourd plant belongs to the cucumber family. This vegetable is native to India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam. All species of Coccinia belong to the gourd Family (Cucurbitacea).
The scarlet fruited ivies are very hardy plants tolerant cold temperature and dry soil conditions. They grow rapidly, producing large numbers of small fruits within one season. It is easy to grow and maintain. It grows well in most soil conditions. Growing them from cuttings is easier and cheaper.
Ivy Gourd is an easy to grow vegetable that will produce well in most climates. Ivy gourds are great for pickling, cooking, juicing, and eating raw.
Ivy gourd has long been used in traditional chinese medicine to treat diabetes. A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that extracts from the plant contain compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels. Glycosides are chemicals that occur naturally in plants and are known to inhibit glucose6-phosphate synthase, an enzyme involved in the production of glycogen. This could potentially explain why ivy gourd helps control blood sugar levels.
Ivy gourd is one of the most popular vegetables in India. This vegetable is very useful in treating several diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones etc. It is rich in nutrients such as fiber, protein, iron, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, niacin, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid and selenium. Ivy gourd is considered as superfood because it provides essential vitamins and minerals.
The fruit of this plant contains saponins and tannins. These compounds act as diuretics and antiseptics. The leaves of this plant contain glycosides and flavonoids. Glycosides are found in the roots of this plant. Flavonoids are present in the fruits of this plant. The flowers of this plant contain alkaloids. Alkaloids are responsible for the bitter taste of this plant.
Uses of Ivy Gourd
- The roots of the ivy are known to cure many diseases. They can be used to treat burns, cuts, bruises, insect bites, and even bedwetting.
- The leaves of the ivies can be applied directly to wounds to stop bleeding. The fruit of the ivys can be cooked like any other vegetable.
- The seeds are used to treat diarrhea.
- The leaves are useful in curing pneumonia.
- The bark of this plant is used to cure malaria.
- The flowers of this plants are used to treat tuberculosis.
- It helps in the treatment of fever, cough, cold, dysentery, bleeding disorders, asthma, arthritis, ulcers, kidney stone, and liver problems.
- It is also helpful in weight loss.
- Ivy gourd contains betacarotene which helps prevent cancer. It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect against cancer.
- Ivy gourds have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes.
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Extra reading
10 Medicinal plants to grow at home
Herbs that you can grow at home
How to grow black pepper at home
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.