The bitter gourd is native to warm regions. It is widely cultivated in various parts of China. When consumed internally, it can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. When used externally, it can be ground and applied as a paste. Bitter gourd can be used to treat heatiness, thirst, and urinary difficulties. Let's take a look at some ancient texts that mention bitter gourd:
1. "Compendium of Materia Medica Essentials":
Bitter gourd, also known as "caiguo" in Chinese, is a non-toxic climbing vine. It is mainly used to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and quench thirst. However, it should not be consumed excessively as it can cause bloating and weakness, especially in children with weak constitution. It should not be consumed with cheese or on an empty stomach, as it can cause heartburn. Bitter gourd is usually planted in February and sprouts in March. It has large leaves with slight thorns and bears pale yellow fruits that resemble sweet melons in shape and color. Due to its origin in the Yue region, it is called "Yue Gua" in Chinese.
2. "Compendium of Materia Medica":
Bitter gourd, also known as "shaogua" or "caigua" in Chinese, is named after the Yue region where it is commonly grown. It has white fruits and is consumed as both a fruit and a vegetable. Bitter gourd is planted in March and grows as a vine with green leaves and yellow flowers similar to those of winter melon. It bears green or white fruits, some of which can grow up to two feet long and are called "yangjiaogua" in Chinese. The seeds of bitter gourd are small and resemble wheat grains. Bitter gourd can be consumed raw or used in various culinary preparations, such as pickling, fermenting, or making soups. It has a sweet and cold taste and is considered non-toxic. However, excessive consumption can cause discomfort, such as heartburn, and should be avoided by children and those with weak constitution. Bitter gourd is known for its medicinal properties in relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, quenching thirst, and detoxifying the body. It can also be used topically to treat mouth sores and genital ulcers.
3. "Classified Materia Medica":
Bitter gourd has a sweet and cold taste. It is beneficial for the digestive system and can relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and thirst. However, it should not be consumed excessively as it can cause bloating, weakness, and difficulty in movement. It is not suitable for children or those recovering from illnesses. It should not be consumed with dairy products or on an empty stomach, as it can cause heartburn. Bitter gourd can be used topically to treat mouth sores and genital ulcers. In terms of culinary usage, bitter gourd can be cooked with rice or fermented for long-term storage. It is not recommended for children to consume bitter gourd during the summer months or when they have sores in the navel area.
