Chinese Cucumber

Know the basics

What is Chinese cucumber used for?

Chinese cucumber root is usually used for HIV/AIDS, cough, fever, swelling, tumors, and diabetes. Chinese cucumber root is sometimes given as a shot to cause an abortion. A starch extract of the root is used for treating pockets of infection (abscesses), absence of menstruation, yellowing of the skin caused by bile pigments in the blood (jaundice), liver disease (hepatitis), and frequent urination.

Chinese cucumber fruit and seed are taken by mouth for cough, fever, swelling.

Chinese cucumber fruit is also applied to the vagina to cause an abortion.

How does it work?

There are not enough studies about how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies that show tricholdrin inhibits protein synthesis and also acts as an agent that causes abortion. The antitumor action may be due to modulation of programmed cell death and arrested proliferation. Laboratory studies have shown that Chinese cucumber inhibits replication of the HIV virus.

Know the precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Chinese cucumber?

If you have any seizure disorders, do not use Chinese cucumber.

Chinese cucumber may be used by a doctor to induce abortion by applying Chinese cucumber juice to a sponge and inserting into vagina. Under the supervision of a doctor, this herb can be injected intramuscularly to induce first-trimester abortions. Please do not use this on your own.

The regulations for an herbal supplement are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herbal supplement must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is Chinese cucumber?

Until more research is available, this herb should not be used during breastfeeding. It should not be given to children. Persons with seizure disorders or diarrhea should not use this herb.

Know the side effects

What kind of side effects may I have from Chinese cucumber?

Chinese cucumber can cause several side effects including:

• Fever, seizures;
• Diarrhea, gastric upset;
• Abortion;
• Hypersensitivity, fluid in the lungs and brain, heart damage.

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Know the interactions

What interactions may I have with Chinese cucumber?

This herbal supplement may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbal healer or doctor before using.

Chinese cucumber may increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs.

Understand the dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.

What is the usual dose for Chinese cucumber?

Dosages are not clearly delineated in the literature. Chinese cucumber juice is used to induce abortion. The dose for this herbal supplement may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.

What form does Chinese cucumber come in?

This herbal supplement may be available as a juice, fresh fruit.