Herb latin name: Herpetospermum pedunculosum


Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber Family, Gourd Family)



Medicinal use of Herpetospermum pedunculosum:

The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, choleretic and febrifuge, they are used in the treatment of piles, inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. The pounded root is used to treat problems of the bile ducts.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Climber


Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Forest edges, especially along trails at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in Nepal.

Edible parts of Herpetospermum pedunculosum:

Seed - fried and then eaten.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient.

Cultivation of Herpetospermum pedunculosum:

Forest edges, especially along trails at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in Nepal.

Known hazards of Herpetospermum pedunculosum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.