Lagenaria vulgaris, Ser.
Nom. Vulg.—Common Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Calabash, Eng.
Var. Lagenaria Gourda, Ser. (Cucurbita lagenaria oblonga, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.—Calabaza de peregrino, Sp.; Pilgrim’s Gourd, Eng.
Var. L. courgourda, Ser.
Var. L. clavata, Ser. (C. lagenaria villosa, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.—Calabaza blanca, Sp.; Opo, Tag.; White Gourd, Eng.
Uses.—The three above-mentioned varieties of L. vulgaris, Ser., are commonly grouped under the name calabaza (gourd). All have the same action and hence the same therapeutic application. The green portion of the rind is bitter and possesses purgative and emetic properties. The decoction of the tender shoots is expectorant; in addition it appears to possess purgative properties and in India is used in jaundice.
The part of the plant most generally used is the seeds, the tænifuge properties of which are well known. Its action, however, is not always certain, which may be as truly said of all other known tænifuges. The seeds have the advantage of lacking the disgusting taste characteristic of other remedies of the same class; the taste is almost neutral and a little sugar conceals it completely. The dose is unlimited; some take 15 grams, others as high as 100, and no unpleasant symptoms of any kind have been reported. The only precaution to be observed is to give the patient a purgative 1–2 hours after his dose.