Benincasa hispida, commonly known as Ash pumpkin, Wax
pumpkin, or Winter fruit, is a tropical creeper belonging to the Cucurbitaceae
household. indigenous to Southeast Asia, that herb possesses been cultivated
for centuries owing to its nutritional and medicinal properties. The produce is
broadly used in customary medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional
Chinese drug, and other folk cures. Its versatility extends to cooking
applications, location it is esteemed for its gentle taste and tall liquid satisfied.
Names in Different Countries
This herb is known by dint of diverse names over the earth:
ancient Indian language: Kushmanda
Hindi: Petha, Safed Kaddu
Bengali: Kumra, Chalkumra
Tamil: Neer Poosanikai
Telugu: Boodida Gummadikaya
Malayalam: Kumbalanga
Chinese: Dong Gua
Japanese: Tougan
Korean: Donggwa
Thai: Fak
Vietnamese: Bí Đao
French: Courge à Cire
person: Wachskürbis
Spanish: Calabaza Blanca
Where It Grows
Benincasa hispida thrives in heated, tropical, and warm
climates. It is widely cultivated in countries such as subcontinent, China,
lacquer, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The herb requires
good-drained dirt and ample sunlight for optimal growth.
Outer Structure
The herb is a climbing creeper with pointed, hairy stems.
The foliage are abundant, palmately lobed, and hidden with beautiful hairs. The
flowers are bright golden and showy, with male and woman flowers appearing
separately upon the identical herb. The produce is the most characteristic
atom—abundant, elongated or round, and hidden with a chalky pale beeswax
coating, giving it the label "Ash pumpkin." The skin within is pale,
soft, and contains numerous flat, oval kernels.
healing Properties
Benincasa hispida possesses numerous therapeutic properties:
Cooling and Diuretic: Helps in reducing ashes warmth and
advancing urination.
Anti-inflammatory: Effective in treating swellings and
bruises.
Antioxidant: Rich in vitamins and minerals that combat
oxidative stress.
Digestive Aid: Alleviates irregularity and improves
digestion.
Neuroprotective: Used in treating epilepsy, madness, and
nervous disorders.
Hemostatic: Controls internal bleeding and hemorrhages.
Antidiabetic: Helps control blood sweetener levels.
Advantages
Acts as a natural detoxifier.
Enhances mental clarity and bodily stamina.
Supports heaviness loss owing to short calorie satisfied.
Strengthens the immune method.
Promotes fit skin and hair.
Uses
Culinary: Used in soups, curries, sweets (like South Asian
Petha), and pickles.
healing:
liquid of the produce treats breathing disorders, bleeding
disorders, and high temperature.
Seed lubricate is used for urinary infections and as a
calmer.
Leaf paste is applied upon bruises and inflammations.
Ash of the produce peel relieves sore swellings.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation: Considered a Rasayana (rejuvenating)
herb that enhances lifespan.
Using Methods
liquid: new juice removed from the skin is consumed for
chilling effects and to handle bleeding disorders.
Decoction: Boiled produce or kernels are used for urinary
ailments.
dust: Dried peel or kernels are powdered and taken with
liquid or honey.
External Application: Crushed foliage or produce pulp is
applied to wounds and swellings.
Conclusion
Benincasa hispida, with its wealthy account in customary
medicine and cooking arts, stands as a precious herb over cultures. Its varied
medicinal applications, from treating sugar sickness to improving cognitive
purpose, become it a significant natural cure. Whether consumed as aliment or
used therapeutically, that adaptable herb continues to benefit wellness and
wellness globally. Its cultivation and use should be inspired to harness its
complete potential in modern herbal medicine.
