Cucumber

(Wild Cucumber)
Sanskrit: एरावारु • Botanical: Cucumis trigonus Roxb.

Kheera (Cucumber) is a common vegetable-fruit widely cultivated across India. It is cooling, thirst-quenching and diuretic. The fruit is mainly water and is excellent for summer. It is used in salads and as a cooling agent. The seeds are diuretic and cooling. Cucumber is beneficial in Pitta disorders, burning micturition and thirst. It is a low-calorie food. Dose: As food. Verse: 12.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Bitter principles, saponins
Also Known As
English: Wild Cucumber
Sanskrit: एरावारु
Hindi: इन्द्रायण छोटी, ककड़ी

What is Cucumber (Kheera / खीरा)?

Kheera (Cucumber) is a common vegetable-fruit widely cultivated across India. It is cooling, thirst-quenching and diuretic. The fruit is mainly water and is excellent for summer. It is used in salads and as a cooling agent. The seeds are diuretic and cooling. Cucumber is beneficial in Pitta disorders, burning micturition and thirst. It is a low-calorie food. Dose: As food. Verse: 12.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Virechana (purgative)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Deepana (digestive)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.