Cucumber
Sanskrit: Trapusha
Cucumis sativus
A watery, cooling summer vegetable eaten raw and laid on tired skin and eyes in households across India.
Also known as
Cucumber · Kheera · Kakdi · Trapusha
- hindi:
- Kheera
- tamil:
- Vellarikkai
- telugu:
- Dosakaya
- bengali:
- Shosha
- marathi:
- Kakdi
- gujarati:
- Kakdi
Parts used
- Fruit flesh and skin
- High water content
- Small amounts of vitamin K and potassium
Traditional overview
- Eaten raw in salads and raitas during hot weather
- Juiced or blended with rose water as a summer cooler
- Grated and applied to warm or sun-exposed skin
- Slices rested over closed, tired eyes
Common traditional forms
- fresh raw
- juice
- topical slices
- grated pulp
Wellness tags
- cooling
- summer routine
- hydration
- skin care
Body focus
- skin
- urinary tract
- stomach
Concerns
- heat discomfort
- dull skin
- dehydration
- puffiness
What to know before use
Eat fresh, or blend and use the juice within a short time. On skin, use freshly cut slices or grated pulp, rinse off after ten to fifteen minutes, and stop if there is any stinging. Do not put cucumber juice into the eyes.
Important cautions
A high-water food that suits nearly everyone. The realistic cautions are washing produce properly and occasional bitterness or intolerance.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone who finds raw cucumber causes bloating or wind
- People with a known cucumber or gourd-family allergy
- Anyone advised to limit potassium or fluid should discuss juice quantities with their clinician
Medicine interactions
- No significant medicine interactions at food amounts
PregnancyA normal part of a pregnancy diet. Wash thoroughly, as raw produce can carry soil organisms.
ChildrenWell tolerated. Cut into safe, soft pieces for small children.
Quality and buying guidance
Pick firm, evenly green cucumbers without soft spots or wrinkling. Very bitter cucumbers should be discarded — bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, which can upset the stomach. Wash the skin well before eating or applying.
What does the evidence say?
This is primarily an established food with a long record of ordinary dietary use; nutritional information is better documented than medicinal claims.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.