Trichosanthes is one of the 50 Fundamental Herbs in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It is often used to treat Hot, Damp conditions associated with digestive and respiratory imbalances, such as diabetes, lung infections with sore throat, wheezing, and thick, green sputum.

Traditionally it was the fruit that was most commonly used medicinally. Today, the powdered root is preferred. Both have similar properties, and the fruit is also popularly used in culinary dishes.

Trichosanthes has many applications, including fighting fevers, and cancer, and preventing bacterial infections.

Find out more about Trichosanthes – a culinary, medicinal, and popular ornamental gardening plant.