यो नेपालको माटोमा बैशाखतिर बीज रोपी ३ महिनामा झ्याङ्गिएर पहेँलपुर फुल्ने र ५-६ महिनामा परिपक्व हुने २-३ फिट लामो काँक्रो औषधीय गुण-धर्म शक्तिले भरिएको हुन्छ । यो रुचिकारक, तृप्तिजनक, मूत्रल, पित्तनाशक, शीतल, प्यास मेटाउने र पत्थरीनाशक, गर्मीज्वर निवारक, मुटु - विरेचक मानिन्छ । हरियो कच्चा ताजा काँक्रोले भोक जगाउँछ, रगत बढाउँछ, पाचनप्रणाली शुद्ध राख्छ, मुटु र मृगौलालाई शक्ति दिन्छ, कमलपित्त र अधिकपित्तजन्य रोग
१. परिचय
नेपाली काँक्रो
(Cucumis utilissimus) नेपालको पारम्परिक र औषधीय गुण भएको एक महत्त्वपूर्ण फलफूल हो।
यसलाई कर्कटी, ककडी, नेपाली काँक्रो, खीरा आदि विभिन्न नामले चिनिन्छ। यो नेपालको उष्ण,
समशीतोष्ण र तराई, पहाडी क्षेत्रमा सजिलै उम्रने गर्छ। यो फलफूल नेपालीहरूको दैनिक
आहारको महत्त्वपूर्ण अंग हो र यसको औषधीय प्रयोग पनि धेरै ठाउँमा गरिन्छ।
नेपाली काँक्रो
बैशाख महिनामा रोपिएर ३ महिनामा झ्याङ्गिएर फुल्न थाल्छ र ५-६ महिनामा परिपक्व हुन्छ।
यसको लम्बाइ २-३ फिट सम्म हुन सक्छ। यसको फूल पहेँलो रंगको हुन्छ भने फल हरियो वा पाकेपछि
पहेँलो हुन्छ। यसले नेपालीहरूको स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै प्रकारले लाभ पुर्याउँछ।
२. उपलब्धता
नेपाली काँक्रो
नेपालको तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ। यो विशेष गरी ग्रीष्म ऋतुमा धेरै उत्पादन
हुन्छ। नेपाल बाहेक यो भारत, बंगलादेश, पाकिस्तान, चीन र अन्य एसियाली मुलुकहरूमा पनि
पाइन्छ। विश्वभर यसको विभिन्न प्रजातिहरू छन्, जसमध्ये नेपाली काँक्रो आफ्नै विशेष
गुणले चिनिन्छ।
३. भौतिक गुणहरू
- रूपरंग: हरियो (कच्चा), पहेँलो (पाकेपछि)
- आकार: २-३ फिट लामो, बेलनाकार
- स्वाद: रुचिलो, पानीजस्तो तरलतायुक्त
- गन्ध: हल्का सुगन्धित
- बोट: लहरायुक्त, फैलिएको
४. औषधीय गुणहरू
नेपाली काँक्रोमा
निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:
- मूत्रल (Diuretic): मूत्राशय र गुर्दाको स्वास्थ्य
राम्रो बनाउँछ।
- पित्तनाशक: पित्त बढ्ने समस्यामा उपयोगी।
- शीतल प्रभाव: शरीरलाई चिसो पार्ने, गर्मीज्वर
घटाउने।
- पाचक: पाचन प्रणालीलाई सुधार्ने।
- रक्तशोधक: रक्तलाई शुद्ध गर्ने।
- कब्जनाशक: दिसा खुल्ला गर्ने।
- पथरीनाशक: मूत्राशय र गुर्दाको पथरी
हटाउन मद्दत गर्छ।
५. फाइदाहरू
- पाचनतन्त्र: कब्ज, एसिडिटी, पेट फुल्ने
जस्ता समस्यामा राम्रो।
- मुटु र मृगौला: हृदय र गुर्दालाई शक्ति दिन्छ।
- रक्तचाप: निम्न रक्तचापलाई सन्तुलित
गर्छ।
- मूत्र समस्या: पिसाब थोपाथोपा हुने, जलन
हुनेमा उपयोगी।
- रक्तशुद्धि: रक्तविकार हटाउँछ।
६. प्रयोग विधि
- कच्चा काँक्रो: सलाद, अचार, रसमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ।
- पाकेको काँक्रो: तरकारी, सूप, जुस बनाएर खान
मिल्छ।
- बीज: शक्तिवर्धक, मूत्रल गुणका
लागि प्रयोग गरिन्छ।
- औषधी: पथरी, पित्त, ज्वरोमा काँक्रोको
रस वा बीज पिँधेर खुवाइन्छ।
७. उत्पादन र संरक्षण
- बीज रोप्ने समय: बैशाख-जेठ (अप्रिल-मे)
- पाक्ने समय: ५-६ महिना पछि
- संरक्षण:
- ताजा काँक्रो फ्रिजमा राख्न सकिन्छ।
- सुकाएर वा अचार बनाएर लामो समयसम्म
राख्न सकिन्छ।
- बीजलाई सुकाएर भण्डारण गर्न सकिन्छ।
८. निष्कर्ष
नेपाली काँक्रो
नेपालको एक उपयोगी र औषधीय फलफूल हो। यसले न केवल खानाको रूपमा पोषण दिन्छ, तर विभिन्न
रोगहरूबाट बचाउन पनि मद्दत गर्छ। यसको मूत्रल, पित्तनाशक, रक्तशोधक जस्ता गुणहरूले
यसलाई आयुर्वेदिक उपचारको एक महत्त्वपूर्ण अंग बनाउँछ। ग्रीष्म ऋतुमा यसको सेवनले शरीरलाई
चिसो र तरलताको आपूर्ति गर्छ। यसैले, नेपाली काँक्रोलाई दैनिक आहारमा समावेश गर्नाले
स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै फाइदा पुर्याउँछ।
When we think about summer in Nepal, one thing that always
comes to mind is the juicy, crunchy, and refreshing Kakro—also known as Nepali
cucumber. But this isn’t just a regular salad veggie. Deep within the
coolness of this fruit lies a treasure of healing properties that traditional
healers and farmers have trusted for generations. Let's dive into the story,
science, and secrets of this amazing Himalayan herb.
Introduction
Nepali Kakro (Botanical Name: Cucumis utilissimus)
is a native variety of cucumber grown widely in the hilly and mid-hilly regions
of Nepal. In Nepali, it's known by many names: काँक्रो
नेपाली, कर्कटी, ककडी. Unlike the smooth,
watery cucumbers commonly found in supermarkets, the Nepali version grows wild
and long, sometimes up to 2-3 feet. It’s not just grown for taste but
celebrated for its deep medicinal value.
In Ayurveda and traditional Nepali medicine, Kakro is known
for its cooling and detoxifying nature. It’s especially loved during the
scorching summer months, not just for its taste but for its power to keep the
body hydrated and the organs clean.
Availability in Nepal and Around the World
In Nepal, Nepali Kakro is cultivated mostly in the
hilly areas like Gorkha, Dhading, Lamjung, and Sindhupalchok, where the cool
climate and organic soil make it flourish. It is usually sown in Baisakh
(April-May) and starts flowering within three months. By Shrawan-Bhadra
(August-September), the fruits are ready for harvest.
Outside Nepal, similar varieties can be found in parts of India
(especially the Himalayan belt), Bhutan, Northern Bangladesh, and even some
Southeast Asian countries. However, the native Nepali Kakro is unique in
size, shape, and its strong medicinal properties.
Physical Properties
- Length:
Mature Nepali Kakro can grow up to 2-3 feet long.
- Shape
& Skin: Cylindrical, slightly curved, with a rough green skin when
raw that turns yellowish upon ripening.
- Flesh:
The inner flesh is light green to white, juicy, and packed with seeds.
- Taste:
Mild, refreshing, and slightly sweet when young; stronger and more bitter
when fully ripe.
- Growth
Pattern: The plant creeps and climbs like most cucurbits and needs
space to sprawl out.
It’s not just the fruit—every part of the plant, from
its leaves to seeds, holds value. It thrives in well-drained, sandy-loam
soil and needs warm days and cool nights, making Nepal’s mid-hills
perfect for its cultivation.
Medicinal Properties
Traditional medicine gives Nepali Kakro a glowing report
card. Here are the key medicinal properties backed by both folk wisdom and some
modern studies:
- Cooling
(Sheetal): Helps reduce body heat.
- Hydrating:
High water content helps relieve thirst and prevent dehydration.
- Appetizer:
Stimulates hunger naturally.
- Blood
purifier: Cleanses the bloodstream and helps fight skin issues.
- Diuretic
(Mutral): Encourages urine production, flushing out toxins.
- Liver
protector: Soothes conditions caused by excess bile (Pitta).
- Heart
tonic: Strengthens cardiac muscles and regulates blood pressure.
- Stone
dissolver: Especially helpful in kidney and gall bladder stones.
- Constipation
reliever: Aids smooth bowel movements by softening the stool.
- Fever
reducer: Particularly useful in cases of heat-induced fevers or summer
illnesses.
- Anti-inflammatory:
Reduces internal swelling and supports healing.
Advantages of Nepali Kakro
- Naturally
organic: Mostly grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Low-calorie
& nutrient-rich: Great for weight loss, diabetes, and heart
patients.
- Rich
in fiber and water: Supports digestion and hydration.
- Kidney
health booster: Improves filtration and urinary output.
- Reduces
high blood pressure due to its potassium and magnesium content.
- Safe
for all ages: From children to elderly, everyone can enjoy its
benefits.
Uses of Nepali Kakro
Nepali Kakro can be used in many ways, both as food and
medicine:
1. Raw Consumption
- Sliced
and eaten raw with a pinch of salt and chili powder.
- Popular
in salads, often mixed with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
- Served
as a side dish in summer meals.
2. Juice & Smoothies
- Fresh
juice from green Kakro is an excellent remedy for kidney stones, urinary
tract infections, and summer fevers.
- Mixed
with mint, lemon, or ginger for added flavor and benefits.
3. Cooked Dishes
- Some
people cook ripe Kakro with spices and lentils as a light curry.
- Yellow
ripe Kakro is stewed or used in soups for people recovering from illness.
4. Seeds
- Ground
Kakro seeds are believed to boost strength, nourish the kidneys, and
remove toxins from the body.
- Roasted
or powdered seeds are sometimes mixed with honey or milk as a traditional
energy tonic.
5. Skin & Hair Use
- Juice
applied to the skin soothes sunburns, acne, and itchiness.
- Used
in natural face packs for its cooling and hydrating effects.
How to Use for Healing
Here are some simple traditional methods to get the most out
of Nepali Kakro:
- For
Kidney Stones: Drink 1 glass of fresh Kakro juice on an empty stomach
for 15 days.
- For
High Blood Pressure: Eat raw Kakro salad daily with light salt.
- For
Constipation: Eat ripe yellow Kakro or drink its juice in the morning.
- For
Skin Glow: Apply Kakro juice mixed with turmeric and leave it for 15
minutes before washing off.
- For
Summer Fever: Combine Kakro juice with a bit of tulsi (holy basil) and
honey.
Harvesting and Preservation
Nepali Kakro is harvested once it reaches full length and
begins to change color slightly. Timing is important. If picked too early, it
won’t have its full medicinal power. If too late, it may taste bitter.
- Best
Harvest Time: 5-6 months after sowing.
- Signs
of Ripeness: Slight yellowing of the skin, strong aroma, and firmness
when touched.
For longer use:
- Storage:
Keep in a cool, dry place. Fresh Kakro lasts up to 10 days in
refrigeration.
- Preservation:
- Juice
can be frozen for 2-3 weeks.
- Seeds
should be sun-dried and stored in airtight containers.
- Ripe
Kakro can be cut, dried, and stored as flakes for medicinal use in the
off-season.
Kakro Fast (Kakro Kalpa)
In ancient healing practices, Kakro Kalpa (Kakro
cleansing therapy) was done by eating only Kakro for 7 to 15 days,
especially during hot seasons. It was believed to:
- Flush
out toxins
- Improve
skin tone
- Heal
digestive issues
- Reduce
chronic heat in the body
But this should only be done under guidance, especially for
people with low blood pressure or weak digestion.
Conclusion
Nepali Kakro is more than just a hydrating summer snack.
It’s a hidden gem from the mountains—medicinal, nourishing, and deeply rooted
in traditional healing. Whether you’re looking to detox, cool your body,
support your kidneys, or just enjoy a crisp bite on a hot day, this humble
fruit is your go-to friend.
Let’s protect and promote local herbs like Cucumis
utilissimus not just as food but as nature’s pharmacy. After all, health
doesn’t always come in fancy packages—it sometimes grows quietly in your
backyard, under the warm summer sun.
दतिवन Washerman’s Plant (Achyranthes aspera अपामार्ग): Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties
Kooth (Saussurea Lappa) – कूठ Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties of Costus Root
काने झार Commeline Benghalensis (Kane Jhaar) – Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Overview
गिँदरी Premna Serratifolia L. (Gindari): Benefits, Medicinal Uses, and Importance
पाञ्चान Ougeinia oojeinensis (Paanchan): तिनिश Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Ecological Importance
बोके टिमुर Zanthoxylum Armatum (Boke Timur) Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties
ठूलो नीम Thulo Neem: महारूख Medicinal Benefits, Uses, and Natural Remedies
सिउँडी Siudi (Euphorbia Neriifolia) Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Medicinal Properties
काठेकार, फर्कफल, काठआँवली, Averrhoe acida :
Kaaulo, काउलो, कोह, नाकेम, नेपाली अर्जुन, Kaulo Arjuna, Machilus dutbiei
Kaalo Punarnawaa, कालो पुनर्नवा, Black Patagon
Seti Kareli, सेती करेली, तितेकरेली राम्री, तिताकरेल, Bitter Gourd
Thulo Pahelo Kapaas, ठूलो पहेँलो कपास बिरुवा, Cotton Yellow, Gossypiun birsutam
Kapas, कपास, सूत्रपुष्प, Cotton, Gossypiun herbaceum
Thulo Karkalo, ठूलो कर्कलो, मानकन्द, माने Gaint Taro, Alocaria species
Alocaria speciesThulo Karkaloठूलो कर्कलोमानकन्दमाने Gaint Taro
Katahar, कटहर, Artocarpus beterophyllus
Bans Bata Baneko Kaagaj, बाँसबाट बनेको कागज, Paper From Bamboo
Nepali Speaking Practice through Books in Hindi and English
Master Hindi Speaking Through Indian Schools: Practical Phrases with Nepali and English Translations
Master Hindi Speaking with Indian Railways: Practical Phrases with Nepali and English Translations
Learn Nepali with Mobile Phone Conversations including Hindi and English Translations
Master Hindi Speaking: Practice Through Movie information with Nepali and English Translations
Famous poem Of Upendra Subba उपेन्द्र सुब्बाका केही कबिताहरु
Some Top poem of Pandit Udayananda Aryal पं. उदयानन्द अर्ज्यालका केही कबिताहरु
Some Top Poem Of Ishwar Ballav, ईश्वरवल्लभका केही चर्चित कबिताहरु
Some Best Poem of Indira Prasai इन्दिरा प्रसाईका केही कबिताहरु
Some Best Poem Of Aahuti आहुतिका केही कबिताहरु
Some Beautiful Poem Of Momila मोमिलाका केही उत्कृष्ट कबिताहरु
Top Ten Poems Of R M Dangol आर. एम. डङ्गोल का केही कबिताहरु
Some Beautiful Poem Of Ashesh Malla अशेष मल्लका केही कबिताहरु
Some Best Poem Of Ambar Gurung अम्बर गुरुङका केही कबिताहरु
Top Ten Poems Of Amar Giri अमर गिरीका १० कबिताहरु
Some Best Poem Of Kedarman vyathit केदारमान व्यथितका केही कबिताहरु
Chhapakkai Phula PHulyo Nepali Song By Singers Kiran Gajmer, Melina Rai
Kunai Batoa Timi Yeklai -BY singers Itu Jojiju, Ram Bhakta Jojiju
Maaya Raichha Ra By singer Kali Prasad Baskota, Sadeekshya Kattel
Manoj Raj Songs Lyrics "Kaliyug Ma Nasha" "Aaja Bholi" "Yasto Euta Katha Raichha"
Nepali Lyrics Of Unko Priti Pahile Ho Ki By Singer : Prabin Bedwal, Rachana Rimal
Nira Singer : Kali Prasad Baskota
Rabin Sharma Top songs lyrics and chords collection
Sanjeev Singh All Hits songs lyrics and chords collection
Top three Song Lyrics Of Sukmit Gurung "Pal Pal Timrai" "O Mero Priyatam" "Chiso Batas Le"