Citrullus lanatus

Citrullus lanatus
Family:Citrullus lanatus; Cardiac; Demulcent; Diuretic; Enuresis; Febrifuge; Pectoral; Purgative; Tonic; Vermifuge.
Common name:Water melon
The seed is demulcent diuretic pectoral and tonic. It is sometimes used in the treatment of the urinary passages and has been used to treat bed wetting. The seed is also a good vermifuge and has a hypotensive action. A fatty oil in the seed as well as aqueous or alcoholic extracts paralyze tapeworms and roundworms. The fruit eaten when fully ripe or even when almost putrid is used as a febrifuge The fruit is also diuretic being effective in the treatment of dropsy and renal stones. The fruit contains the substance lycopine (which is also found in the skins of tomatoes). This substance has been shown to protect the body from heart attacks and in the case of the tomato at least is more effective when it is cooked. The rind of the fruit is prescribed in cases of alcoholic poisoning and diabetes. The root is purgative and in large dose is said to be a certain emetic.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:17 []