Ivy Gourd

Scientific name: coccinia grandis

Name of Ivy Gourd in different languages:-

English: Finger Gourd, Little gourd

Sanskrit: thudikeri, Rakthaphala, bimbika

Hindi: कुन्द्रू Kunduru

Tamil: கோவை Kovai

Malayalam: Koval-കോവൽ,

Useful plant parts: Root, Lea

Plant description of Ivy Gourd:

Ivy Gourd is a vine climbing with tendrils; Leaves are up to 7 cm long and 5 cm broad, arranged palmately 3 to 5-lobed, broadly ovate to orbicular, base cordate, apex acute. Flowers are white, born in axillaries, solitary, up to 3.5 cm long, Fruits are oblong, dark green up to 5 cm long, and 2.5 cm.,  while ripe it turn pulp red. Seeds many, 6 to mm long, oblong, compressed, pale white, and tapered on both ends

Medicinal uses: to treat fever, asthma, leprosy, bronchitis, jaundice, scabies etc.

Ayurveda uses of Ivy Gourd

Ivy Gourd, known as Tindora or Kundru in Ayurveda, has various applications in traditional medicine:

1. Blood Sugar Regulation: It’s used to help manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
2. Digestive Health: Ivy Gourd supports healthy digestion and is used to address digestive disorders.
3. Weight Management: It’s believed to aid in weight loss and weight management due to its metabolism-boosting properties.
4. Respiratory Support: It can be used to address respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.
5. Skin Conditions: Ivy Gourd may be applied topically to address skin issues like wounds and inflammations.
6. Anti-inflammatory: It’s used to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body.
7. Diuretic: Ivy Gourd is known to have diuretic properties, helping in the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
8. Liver Health: It’s believed to support liver function and promote detoxification.

Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic specialist before using Ivy Gourd or any other herb for medicinal purposes. They can provide guidance on proper dosage and usage based on individual health conditions.

Chemical contents: Proteins, Vitamin C, Antioxidant.

Ivy Gourd is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like:

One of Jeevana Panchamoolam