Herb latin name: Trichosanthes multiloba


Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber Family, Gourd Family)



Medicinal use of Trichosanthes multiloba:

Antitussive, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual Climber


Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Found at elevations between 600 and 1,800 metres in the Himalayas

Edible parts of Trichosanthes multiloba:

An edible starch is obtained from the root. It requires leeching. The root is harvested in the autumn, cut into thick slices, soaked for 4 - 5 days in water, changing the water daily until the root disintegrates and can be mashed into a fine pulp. It is then steamed into cakes or used for making dumplings. The starch is mixed with wheat or rice flour and made into crackers, dumplings, noodles etc.

Other uses of the herb:

An oil from the seed is used for lighting.

Propagation of Trichosanthes multiloba:

Seed - sow March in pots in a warm greenhouse in a rich soil. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest plant. Grow them on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts. Give some protection, such as a frame or cloche, until the plants are growing away well.

Cultivation of the herb:

Found at elevations between 600 and 1,800 metres in the Himalayas

Known hazards of Trichosanthes multiloba:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.