What Are the Benefits of Ash Gourd?

Ash Gourd Rind

• The thick, green rind of the ash gourd contains chemicals that make it a diuretic, which allows the body to flush out excess toxins through increased urine output. After removing the outer coating, the rind can be chopped, cooked and eaten or brewed into a tea to help treat urinary infections, lower blood pressure and ease all types of edema. Ashes from the gourd's rind soothes and heals skin wounds.

Ash Gourd Seeds

• Ash gourds seeds combat bronchial irritation and soothe coughs when eaten. The seeds contain styptic properties that reduce fevers and have anabolic properties that stimulate new tissue growth. Boil the seeds and rind of an ash gourd in coconut oil and then apply the strained liquid to the scalp to treat dandruff and promote hair growth. Drinking ash gourd seed decoctions can help expel intestinal parasites like tapeworms. Decoct the seeds by adding them to boiling water and allowing them to steep for 30 to 45 minutes before straining and drinking the liquid.

Ash Gourd Flesh

• Ash gourd flesh contains mostly water and can quench your thirst and cool your body when consumed. The flesh stimulates bowel movements to ease constipation. To treat anemia or add weight to the body, the ash gourd's flesh can be boiled and sweetened with sugar. This dish also thickens semen when consumed.

Ash Gourd Juice

• Ash gourd juice can be taken in combination with equal parts water to soothe peptic ulcers. Drink the ash gourd juice early in the morning, and don't consume any food for three hours. The juice also works as an antacid and restores the body to its proper pH level, and it can act as a blood coagulant when mixed with lime juice and consumed. Additionally, ash gourd juice protects teeth and gums when treated as a mouthwash, helping to relieve bleeding gums when the solution is swished around in the mouth.