Question 1

What is Lagenaria siceraria used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic tradition, Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) is used as a cooling, diuretic food-medicine that supports digestion, reduces excess body heat, and aids kidney function. It is classified as a Pitta-balancing plant and is often recommended during fevers or digestive complaints. Traditional practitioners also use it in compound formulations for cardiovascular and liver support.

Question 2

What is the Sinhala name for Lagenaria siceraria?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, Lagenaria siceraria is known as Labu (ලබු). It is one of the most commonly grown gourds in Sri Lankan home gardens and is a familiar ingredient in everyday cooking as well as in traditional Ayurvedic practice.

Question 3

Is bottle gourd juice safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Sweet-tasting bottle gourd juice is generally considered safe in moderate amounts and is used in traditional wellness practices. However, bitter bottle gourd contains cucurbitacins, which can cause serious adverse effects including vomiting, internal bleeding, and toxicity. Always taste a small piece before juicing, and consult a qualified practitioner before using it medicinally.

Question 4

Where does Lagenaria siceraria grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Bottle gourd grows across much of Sri Lanka, from coastal lowlands to the mid-country hills. It is particularly common in the North Central Province's dry zone and in home gardens throughout the island. The plant is cultivated year-round and is well adapted to both irrigated and rainfed conditions.

Question 5

What does bottle gourd taste like, and how is it cooked in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Unripe bottle gourd has a mild, slightly bland flavour with a tender texture that absorbs surrounding seasonings readily. In Sri Lanka it is typically cooked as a coconut milk curry, a dry stir-fry (mallum), or a light soup. It pairs well with black pepper, cumin, turmeric, and chilli.

Question 6

What is the difference between Lagenaria siceraria and other gourds?

Accepted Answer

Lagenaria siceraria is distinct from other gourds such as bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) or ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) in both appearance and flavour. Bottle gourd has a smooth, pale-green skin and a mild taste, whereas bitter gourd is strongly bitter and ridge gourd has a ridged exterior. They belong to the same broad family but have different culinary and medicinal applications.

Question 7

Can Lagenaria siceraria be found in Sri Lanka's national parks or forest reserves?

Accepted Answer

Lagenaria siceraria is a cultivated plant rather than a wild species in Sri Lanka, so it is not typically encountered in protected areas such as national parks or forest reserves. It is found in agricultural settings, home gardens, and smallholder farms. Sri Lanka's forest reserves, such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, are home to a different set of endemic and medicinal wild plant species.

Question 8

How does bottle gourd support digestive health?

Accepted Answer

Bottle gourd is very high in water content and provides dietary fibre, both of which support regular bowel movements and overall gut comfort. Its easily digestible nature makes it a common recommendation in traditional medicine for people recovering from illness or experiencing digestive sensitivity. It is also low in calories, making it suitable for light, restorative meals.