Ash Gourd Or Winter Melon Health Benefits
Ash gourd (Benincasa Hispidia) is a well-known name in the field of Ayurvedic treatment. It is also known as white gourd or wax gourd. It is also called as Petha in Urdu language. Wax gourd was used by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Its Chinese name is ‘preserving gourd’. In India it has been in use from the last 1000 years. Native to tropical Asia and Africa, ash gourd is also called as winter melon or white melon. Ash gourd is a very nutritious vegetable. Its plant has a great medicinal value.
Ash gourd and its plant are beneficial for dealing with urinary dysfunction. Its seeds are a good remedy for excessive vaginal discharge. Ash gourd is also used by people in India and south Asian countries to make dishes and sweets. It is available in summers and is very beneficial for treating summer fever. Herbal scientists use ash gourd for treating epilepsy, lung diseases, asthma, cough, cold and urine problems. The peel of ash gourd is useful for the patients of diabetes and the paste of its seeds is effective in treating tapeworms. Ash gourd is very much in use in areas, which are near open places or a forest because its juice is effective in case of snakebite and other insect bites.
Ash gourd is beneficial for those who want to reduce their body weight. It is a low calorie vegetable and is a rich source of potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin C and B6, riboflavin, thiamine, amino acids, sodium, and dietary fiber. Due to its nutritious value, you can lose your weight without the loss of health. The sweet dish made of ash gourd, which is well known as petha, is very useful for those who want to increase their weight. It is good for treating the patients of anemia. The recipe of petha is very simple. To make it, you should boil ash gourd in sugar syrup for 30 minutes.
Ash gourd is also good for the health of your hair. Its juice is effective in lessening dandruff problem, which can cause hair loss. By applying its juice on your scalp, you can get freedom from dandruff. Ash gourd gives a shiny look to your hair. It gives enough moisture to your hair and helps them grow in a healthy way. The paste of peel and seeds of ash gourd gives moisture and shine to your hair that stays for a long time.
Ash gourd is also good for diabetic patients. Intake of ash gourd with sweet potato leaves is an effective recipe for the patients of diabetes. Normally, the medicines for diabetes are bitter in taste but the taste of this medicine is quite good. It is also effective in improving the digestive system.
Ash gourd is also effective in treating peptic ulcer. For sure relief from peptic ulcer, grind a gourd and then squeeze its water from it. Add equal quantity of water in it and drink it empty stomach regularly. However, if you don’t feel like drinking it, you should consult a qualified herbalist before consuming it.
