Cucurbitaceae
Gourd / Cucumber family
2 medicinal plants in this family
Plants
Bitter Melon
Momordica charantia
Cucurbitaceae
Ayurvedic medicine: 'Karela' used for thousands of years for prameha (diabetes), fever, skin diseases, and intestinal wormsTraditional Chinese medicine: 'Ku Gua' used for heat conditions, digestive complaints, fever, and as a bitter tonic for liverWest African traditional medicine: used for malaria, fever, skin infections, and intestinal parasites
Jiaogulan
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Cucurbitaceae
Guizhou Province, China: consumed as daily tea by mountain populations with documented longevity and low rates of hypertension and cancerTCM (relatively recent adoption): adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular tonic; used since Ming Dynasty (15th century) in GuizhouJapanese traditional medicine (Amachazuru): fatigue remedy and longevity tea; widely sold as 'immortality herb' supplement
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.