Cucumber (Sasha, khirika)

It is a creeping plant of the cucurbitaceae family probably originating in India and widely cutivated for its fruit. It is a tender annual with a rough, succulent trailing stem and hairy leaves with 3 to 5 pointed lobes; the stem bears branched tendrils, by which the plant creeps through the supports.

The food value of cucumber is low; but it is popular for salads and relishes. Fresh cucumber should be firm, well-shaped and bright green in colour. They may be kept in refrigerated storage for about 2 weeks.

It is a very favourite fruit during hot summer months as it keeps the body cool and calm. It subsides pitta (bile) and aids digestion. It prevents sun-stroke, heat-stroke and allergy. It quenches thirst.

Benefit and uses of Cucumber.

• Cucumber is a great folk medicine used to reduce heat and inflammation.
• Cucumber is in helping to heal a range of illnesses – including lung, stomach and chest problem, gout, arthritis and tapeworm.
• It makes it useful in maintaining the alkalinity of the blood.
• Cucumber’s benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair.
• Cucumber facial is powerful and can bring great results for your skin.
• It is cools and heals sunburns and windburns.
• Cucumber has been used externally for minor burns, sore eyes and conjunctivitis.