10 Health Benefits of Bottle Gourd or Lauki
Ayurvedic Understanding of Lauki
Dosha: VP (K when juiced)
Taste: Bitter & Slightly Astringent
Quality: Dry and Light
Potency: Cooling
Post Digestive: Bitter
Parts Used: Vegetable, Flower, Leaf and Roots
I am writing in details about how and when to eat the vegetable and mostly the benefits of the vegetable. However the if you are fortunate to find the plant – the leaf can be used to clear skin infections and the flower is extremely beneficial for the female reproductive organs. The root is highly effective for kidney stones, prostate health and as a diuretic.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Niacin (vitamin B-3), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and small amounts of Folates. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium, manganese and magnesium
How to Eat?:
Lauki or Lau (in Bangladesh) or Bottle Gourd is mostly available in tropical countries. If you live in the West like me you can only purchase Lauki from Indian or Desi grocery stores. Best to make soup, light curry, raita, bhaji (stir fry), achar (pickle), or kofta (vegetable balls) using lauki. I have seen people making South East Asian desserts such as halva and khir. Lauki juice can be taken if you are a Kapha dosha predominant. Drink 200 ml (or 1 cup) lauki juice between 12-3 PM. I love making Lauki kofta and my mother cooks lauki curry with potatoes and tomatoes. When making raita you must precook the lauki.
Do not eat with other bitter vegetables such as bitter gourd. rapini or other bitter leafy greens.
Kapha individuals when juicing lauki can add parsley or cilantro or celery (for Kidney Cleanse), add Tulsi or Holy Basil or mint leaves (for heart health), ginger or turmeric (raw, very small amount for detoxing effect as well as digestive and respiratory health) or a fresh pear apple, peach or apricot. Do not add salt to lauki juice as it naturally contains sodium. Do not consume more than 200 ml at a time.
Lauki or Bottle Gourd and Dosha:
Lauki or Bottle Gourd or Calabash has been used in South East Asian countries as a weight loss tonic as well as in skin care regime. A highly prized vegetable in Ayurvedic medicine as it increases ojas (immunity) and nourishes Vata and Pitta dosha.
Vata and Pitta must consume cooked lauki or bottle gourd. If you are kapha then use thermogenic spices like ginger, cayenne or drink the lauki or bottle gourd juice for weight loss.
About bottle gourd/lau/lauki:
This South Asian squash is indeed bottle shaped, light green and long. The flesh inside is spongy and you can also cut it into small pieces and make a curry out of it. Bottle gourd or lauki is over 90% water therefore it is easy to digest. Due to its sodium content it is best to eat before sunset otherwise instead of the beneficial diuretic effect it will promote water retention. Best time to eat Lauki in noon for lunch.
Health Conditions it Can Improve: Jaundice (leaf juice), Diabetes, Obesity, Constipation, Acidity, Skin Condition, Stops Premature Aging, Swelling (if taken at noon), Insect Bites (leaf) and Anemia (Iron). It also combats Parasites or Intestinal Worms, Insomnia, Depression, Improve Memory, Cold/Cough/Sinus, Asthma, Fever, Colic Pain and Ulcer.
Women suffering from reproductive issues such as PMS, PCOS, water retention, Hype or Hyper thyroid, Leukorrhea and Infertility (female egg), can also take this vegetable and the flower of the plant. Again best taken during lunch. Avoid after pregnancy as in pregnancy the chances of water retention is high.
Ayurvedic health benefits of bottle gourd/lau/ lauki:
- Ayurveda recommends cooked lauki or bottle gourd for better digestion. It is cooling, calming, diuretic and anti-bilious (reduces bile and stops indigestion). The B vitamins assist in increasing the body’s metabolic rate to better digest fats, proteins, sugar and carbohydrate.
- Like cranberries, bottle gourd or lauki supports the kidneys and the urinary system of our body by reducing burning sensation from high acidic urination. It also reduces the chances of urinary infection because it is alkalizing and has a diuretic effect. Consume if you have high creatine and uric acid.
- A nutritious vegetable for the female reproductive system.
- It is extremely popular for weight loss. Especially the bottle gourd or lauki juice when taken at noon.
- Bottle gourd is extremely popular for reducing high blood pressure and bad cholesterol in some people. However when taking cardiac medications or when the cardiac condition is severe do NOT take lauki as it can create more pressure on the cardiac muscles.
- Lauki or bottle gourd is known to combat excessive thirst in diabetic patients. However do not take if lauki is too bitter or with other bitter herbs.
- The fiber and the minerals in the bottle gourd or lauki supports healthy digestion and combats flatulence (by killing intestinal parasites), constipation, colic pain and ulcer.
- In Ayurveda it is also know to prevent premature greying and improve hair growth. It will NOT change the grey hair to black but will stop more greying as it contain B vitamins and has a cooling effect on the scalp. Grate and apply with yogurt or apply cider vinegar. You can mix my Healthy Hair Mask in yogurt and add lauki in it.
- The Vitamin C and Zinc in lauki prevent pre mature aging and wrinkles as well. Lauki juice can be applied externally for skin care uses such as pimple, acne, dark circle, puffy eyes etc. .
- Bottle gourd is recommended by Ayurvedic doctors for reducing liver inflammation.
Note: Due to the fact that lauki is cooling – many think that it cannot reduce respiratory condition. However Lau or Lauki juice taken with ginger or black pepper can help with respiratory health but only if taken before sunset or by 3 pm.
Learn how to make Lauki Kofta!
Have you ever cooked with bottle gourd. If not does this blog post inspire you? Post a comment below.
Question of the day: Which of these benefits is useful to you?
Sign my for my newsletter for more recipes and ideas. Please Share my post with your Facebook and Twitter Friends so they too can benefit from this blog.
I read “About bottle gourd/lau/lauki”. Can u please inform how much quantity of lauki juice we should have daily. Whether one cup or just few spoon for weight loss as well as urinary infection problem.
You can have 1 cup daily.
When shoud we drink this juice before food/after food
Drink away from food. An hour before or after.
early morning in empty stomach 3 inches of tender louki peel of the sking and put it in mixer with little water
Can the bottle gourd open the blokages of portail vein in liver ?
I am not sure about this. You may want to ask an Ayurvedic Doctor or look it up on a Dravyaguna book.
Can you please add some details on how to make the juice? whether to remove skin of lauki? or just remove upper layer to make the skin thin? just boil it to cook it or grind it raw?
I will work on a lauki juice recipe soon! But for now – just wash, peel and take the seeds out. grate the lauki and use a cheese cloth to squeeze out the juice. Add black pepper before drinking it. Alternatively after peeling and de seeding, run the lauki through a juicer. Hope this helps!
Lauki juice has numerous medicinal benefits. It is rich in iron and also contains vitamins C and B complex, including sodium and potassium.
I used the juice of bottleguard.This so powerfull in reduce the weight and helpfull in glowing skin.
So true! You can add a pinch of black pepper to make it more palatable!
R u suree its help to reduce weight
hi Nahid,
how do you do.small query about bottle gourd.its a cold vegetable.if we eat this easily we will be get affected by cold.if we drink daily this may not cause any problem in health?that too for asthma patients.
Hello Jahadeesh, take lauki in season. That is the best advise I can give you. If you drink daily add some spices to it and drink half a cup to 1 cup. Always remember if you have a reaction from eating something or your feel discomfort it is common sense to stop eating that food. Food in moderation is medicine and in excess poison.
Any side effects of consuming lauki evryday???
None that I know of. However if you have any chronic health condition check with your primary medical professional.
Hey, can you tell me how long did it take to reduce weight?
If you eat healthy and take the lauki juice you should be able to reduce 2 lbs per week.
I am taking lauki juice of about 400 gms unpeeled lauki which is one small glass , daily morning before taking anything except water (since about a week.
Is skin harmful?
I taste two ends before putting it to juicer as I heard that bitter lauki is very harmful deadly for us.
I always peel and juice. I add a pinch of Trikatu (black pepper, long pepper and ginger combo) to avoid any bacterial effect. So try with Trikatu. Always speak with your doctor before taking anything you are not sure of.
Will lauki help in overcoming the arthritist as wel. If yes what should be the proper procedure to consume it..as the artical says it is good for vata.
For arthritis pain reduce sugar, salt and any flour based item. In addition to this reduce your rice or any type of grain intake in half or maybe lesser. Drink water and herbal teas. Most of all add Turmeric to your tea.
Can u tell me how bottle guard help us to reduse to weight loss.
It is the juice of the bottle gourd that is taken for weight loss. If you are really interested in weight loss then please reduce acdic foods in your diet and the dairy, sugar and flour. If you can eat lentil soups, vegetables and use coconut oil or sesame seed oil for cooking oil it will help you a lot. Another thing to avoid is high salt. But that doesn’t mean you quit salt. Just lower the intake.
Will lauki juice help in curing vitiligo skin problem.
I am not sure. Please consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner.
Need to know Sir, about Lauki, how it reduce weight & finishes blood pressure.
Regards,
Iqbal Malik
The phytochemicals and minerals in Lauki helps reduce weight. Same as mung beans, garlic, chili, kokom and cinnamon does. They all contain various phytochemicals that help reduce weight.
Dear Nahid,
i found out another way of drinking the juice, and it works like maguc.
I peal the lauki and boil it adding a little water. When its done, cool it down, put in a blender (don’t waste the water) and add a bit more water, 7 mint leaves, salt, black pepoer and one lemon juice.
blend it and drink it.
it’s awesome,… gr8 taste.
Plz do reply me via email if this procedure is correct, as i have lost 3kg in 14 days (doing 30 mins of walk also).
Regards,
Imran
Thank is absolutely great!
yes it also a great way to more tasty juice
Dear Nahid,
i found out another way of drinking the juice, and it works like magic.
I peal the lauki and boil it adding a little water. When its done, cool it down, put in a blender (don’t waste the water) and add a bit more water, 7 mint leaves, salt, black pepoer and one lemon juice.
blend it and drink it.
it’s awesome,… gr8 taste.
Plz do reply me via email if this procedure is correct, as i have lost 3kg in 14 days (doing 30 mins of walk also).
Regards,
Imran
Imran!! That is amazing! Keep up the good work. I am sharing this comment so others can see.
Thanks Nahid.
hi nahid,
can i have boiled lauki juice to reduce weight.
Yes that is also great.
Hi,
Daily morning, I drink gourd (Lauki) juice regularly mixing with all kinds of vegetables like carrots, beets, tomatos, cucumbers, ginger but without salt, pepper and water.
I like to drink with the natural flavors and I am loving it.
One thing I noiticed while juicing Lauki is that it turns into light brown color after sometime. Is it good if you drink raw juice? Is there any chemical reaction happening after oxidation with air?
Let me know, whether it is normal to change the color and Is it safe to drink?
Thanks,
Vijay
Yes – oxidizing is common for raw fruits and vegetables. Use lime juice and drink immediately after juicing.
Hi.
I want to ask if I boil Lauki and blend it at night to drink it early next morning due to time constraint? Will it still be beneficial?
Regards.
I usually juice raw however I do think lightly boiling it would be much better approach.
thanks for the informations! But, do you think there are more benefits or contributions of bottle gourd that is not still or not found in internet today?
We are always discovering new information every day. Yes I do believe there could be more to this than found currently.
Hello nahid,
I am consuming bottle gourd juice fron last one month but hve not noticed changes such as weight loss, some time it gets skippef to have the juice so do I require to workout fr same.
Weight loss can never be achieved just consuming bottle gourd juice. You must combine this with a diet that contains high protein and low grains.
everday intake of bottle guard is good for thyroid patient.
I want to reduce by weight..is this lauki juice really help me out.
should skinny person take juice???
Hi,
Can u jist guide whether lauki can be mixed with carrot, avala for preparing juice. And whether lauki helps in reducing heart blockages.
Hi Nikhil, I have not mixed with lauki juice with other juices as yet. But I do not see why not. Lauki is food and so is carrot. For heart blockages I would consult a Medical doctor as well as consider a food detox.
dear sir,
i have a high blood pressure and high weight and i drink lauki juice in night at 9:00 pm i eat my dinner at 8:00 pm.is it help for me to drink lauki juice at 9:00 pm.
regards
vishmek jani
Vishmek – start taking Triphala (1/2 teaspoon) with hot water as a tea. Eat dinner by 7 PM.
I have taking bottle guard juice with black pepper. I have got good results in weight loss. nice tips
Hello Nandini
Can i use this juice to prvent for hair loss.
I would use fenugreek oil or apply aloe vera juice to prevent hair loss.
When is prfct tym to drnk lauku juice
Empty stomach in the morning
Hello Nahid
Thanks for great tips. Just wondering do you have to strain the lauki juice or I can take it with all the fiber goodness. Also do we must peel the lauki before juicing?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Nahim,
As i do not have blender or juicer. if i chop louki into very small pieces and boil it.
it will help in weight loss ?
Hi ,
As i do not have blender or juicer . if i will chop bottle guard into very small pieces and boil it.
it will help in weight loss ?
I and my wife drink the juice of bottle gourd n Amla every day. It’s been very effective in reducing migraine attacks
Can this be taken during pregnancy?
I think cooked bottle gourd is much better during pregnancy.
Hi Nahim,
I have vitligo problem from last one decades, I am planning to take ayurvedic help. Can lauki juice help for my Vitiligo problem?
Please seek medical advise first. As home remedies you must include good fats in your diet and do a self massage or abhyanga. Check my posts of self massage.
How it works to reduce blood pressure? How bottle gourd should be taken? Thanks
Take as a juice or eat as a light vegetable curry. The fiber is good. Also avoid lady finger (bhindi) if you have high blood pressure.
its a very use full veg. ar ye hazrat mohammad ka pasandida bhi h.
Hi nahid
I am 24 yrs. Having genetic cholestrol. Can i drink lauki juice at evening 1 or 2 hrs before dinner. Kindly help me.
Yes you can. Also increase bitter foods in your diet. Such as Bitter melon.
It’s good to hear about the bottle gourds.how can I consume since I have problems with digestion.thanks
I do not know they type of digestive problem you have. Please check with your doctor.
I am having acidity and thyroid problem. Can I consume bottle guard juice daily without adding anything to it. I am taking 75mg of thyronorm daily. At what time should I consume the juice daily.
Not sure. That is a Doctor question. At the end of the day Lauki is food.
Comment:can i drink lockey soup at night..plz reply
not sure why not?
I was wondering why we should remove the center portion of bottle gourd which has the seeds.
harder to digest. Especially when sick.
I was wondering why we should remove the center portion of bottle gourd with the seeds.
It is slimy and the seeds are not digestible without soaking etc.
Can I drink lauki juice for increasing digestion capacity,I’m suffering from gas problems.Pls reply.
Yes. but better when you add Hingvastak in your diet for gas or mint.
Can we drink lauki juice in the evening for weight loss?
Yes but you must also take a low calorie diet.
Hi, Nahid
Could you tell me that can we use bottle gourd as a hair oil……. For stop hair falling
Better to use fenugreek oil or oil infused with curry leaves.
How long does the bottle gourd juice stays fresh can I make bottle gourd juice in bulk & preserve it in the fridge to stay fresh pls do reply at the earliest thanks
I only keep for two days.
Hey i m gone through my kidney transplant before 6 months on 11 th of may 2015 . Dr . Has prescribed me that not to eat or drink any vegge raw . So i just wanted to ask that does lauki soup works the same as lauki juice ?
Light lauki soup would be ok. Please ask doctor before doing anything.
Hi,
Can I prepare the bottle gourd juice in the night and drink next morning as I have time constraint.
Thanks
Hi Naheed
Which kind of other juice we can mix in louki juice
What is the chemical constitution of Louki juice.
Sunil
Hello, Nahid
Did u tried yourself?
Yes I did drink Luaki juice. And still do when I buy them. In Canada it is not always available.
Thanks for all good knowledge one question can I use half lauki one day and half next day as after cutting it gets Brown pls reply
yes u can use next day allso but keep it in firdge
he. i m from india…i have hepatomegaly for 5 years n now i m having ayurvedic medicines coz no other best medicines available…i could feel my heart is burning everytime…i m facing so many problems like low HB, always low BP with body shaking problem, i loose weight, calcium from my body , can’t go anywhere , can’t sleep at night and so on ..i have a long list..my question is can i get away from my never ending pain by having this lauki juice? if yes, then how many times should i take it in a week or month?
Lauki juice alone cannot help. You must see a reputable Ayurvedic Doctor.
hi…I do 30 min walking in morning and drink lauki juice as breakfast will it help for weight loss…..and cn I drink lauki juice at dinner tym instead of meal….wll it help in weight loss….pls reply…
Please follow with a low grain diet such as rice, wheat, bread, pasta etc. Eat more vegetables and small amount of proteins.
very nice information , I want to ask is there any age limit for this weight loss remedy of louki juice. as I have tried apple cider for my daughter aged 18 years but she suffered from hormonal problem and problem in menses .
Sister Its really great for weight loss
I lost 4 KGS in just a week
Thank you
Hello, Nahid,
very nice information , I want to ask Can I prepare the bottle gourde juice at night and drink next morning .
and which shape we use round shape bottle gourde or long shape
Sure you can. Any size is fine.
Thanks for reply ,but i also to know that can i prepare the bottle gourde juice at night and drink it next morning . thanks
Thanks for reply ,but i also to know that can i prepare the bottle gourde juice at night and drink it next morning .
thanks.
Can you say whether this lauki juice helps In gaining height? ?
No I have ot heard this.
can i use lauki jice with seed also to wait loss
I am unsure about the seeds. However the juice has been used for weight loss in conjunction with a good diet.
I am asthmatic since 30 years now. Will lauki juice harm me? Somebody cautioned me against it.
I am not aware about Lauki Juice and Asthma. You may want to consider speaking with a Vaidya.
My 1.5 year old daughter has constipation but last 2 times when I gave her lauki soup she emptied her bowels without any problem. Would you be able to advise if lauki soup can be given to a 1.5 year old?
If you have already tried and it has worked than it was worked. Good for you.
hi,
I don’t have so much fat but I want to rid my belly so it is help full for me and in winter season it’s harmful or not?
Start taking 1 teaspoon of ghee – 2 times a day for that. Take after food.
hi,
my weight is normal infact less as comparison to my age but I want to rid my belly so lauki soup is useful for me or not.
And in winter season it’s harmful?
Yes Lauki soup curry or juice is good for weight loss. Have it in the morning.
Hello.This article was really remarkable, especially because I was searching
for thoughts on this topic last Friday.
Outstanding info it is without doubt. Friend on mine has been searching for this tips.
Hii i m 27 yrs old i take honey water in the morning. I do sun salutations in the evening can i take lauki juice after that as post excersise drink to lose weight .i m also planning family will it be harmful ? Kindly reply
I am not aware of any contraindications with Lauki and pregnancy. Please speak with your naturopathic doctor for this. Losing weight and getting pregnant are two different things. Maybe if you want to loose weight then conceive that would be better.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely
digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
Please where can i buy Lauki in Nigeria
Try an INDIAN grocery store if you have any.
Can we make lauki juice in bulk and store in fridge? or do we need to make it freshly whenever we prepare? I work in night shifts, doesnt want my family to get disturbed. Can we make and store in fridge require amount?
Yes you can. It is easy for daily busy life
Some really nice stuff on this internet site, I like it.
Hello
is it ok to make soup of lauki and yellow pumpkin first thing every mornings for children aged 12 and 15.
Yes you can do this. But always change up your diet as per season or availability of food.
Hello.This post was really remarkable, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this subject last couple of days.
Hi Naheed
how is drinking soup of Lauki before Dinner daily basis
rgds
Capt Habib
The body always require change. Do it for 2 weeks or 4 weeks..then change up the food.
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to
mention that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing in your rss feed and
I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
I like this web blog so much, saved to favorites.
Thank you. It was very helpful.
You have brought up a very fantastic details, thank you for the post.
When can thyroid patients should consume this juice for weightloss after taking tablets or before that.Is it will reduce weight and controls thyroid function to normal.
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I will definitely digg
it and individually suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
Hi , I’m taking medication for high blood pressure. Is ok to drink lauki in the morning empty stomach.
It should be discussed with your doctor.
Hi M’am
Is there any side effect in eating raw lauki in the morning before any other food /drinks, rather than consuming in juice form.
It always depends on the person and their health.
Mam i want to reduce about 12 -13 kgs and i even i exercise alot but loss is minimal . Only 1-1.5kgs per month. Will Lauki juice benefit considering the fact that i get bad throat and also suffering from light ULCERATIVE COLITIS. Doctor recommended me to take one mesacol everday and even i am having homeopathy for the same
You have to work on your diet and see a good doctor for a meal plan or remedy. I do consultations as well but long distance is a little harder.
I get a cold whenever i have lauki juice . How can i prevent this.
Seema maybe Lauki uice is not right for you.
Can you suggest some good superfoods apart from Quinoa?
Amla, Camu C, Noni, Moringa
I got what you intend, regards for putting up.
Woh I am happy to find this website through google.
I am studying your Bottle gourd health benefits tips it amazing. If anyone studies How to Bottle gourd cultivated then study this article.
Hello blogger, i’ve been reading your articles for some time and I really like coming back here.
I can see that you probably don’t make money on your blog.
I know one awesome method of earning money, I think you will
like it. Search google for: dracko’s tricks
Bottle gourd is the popular vegetable especially in the south asia. Good to read 10 health benefits of Bottle gourd.
Is Diabetes cure by karela powder
It’s truly a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you
just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this.
Thank you for sharing.
[…] 10 benefits of bottle gourd […]
This post was really remarkable, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this subject last couple of days.
these health food and recipes are very good for a healthy lifestyle.
thanks for such an informative blog, please keep sharing this
I appreciate your skills and style in elaborating on the topic. It bound the reader for long. I have liked everything that I have read in the article so far. Nice content.
I have a friend who had taken herbal medicine and a diet plan from Nze Njoku Herbal Home on google to treat Arthritis and High Blood Pressure and for some years now he looks normal. From severe pain always a sick guy Now he looks so healthy and enjoying normal productive life😊