Cucumber

Natural health supplements sometimes have unexpected side effects or interactions with medication that can lead to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening. The following is a list of cautions that you should be aware of before using cucumber (Cucumis sativus). These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 – Contraindications: None

Warning 2 – Diuretics: Cucumber may increase the effect of other diuretics. Consumption of cucumber in excess amounts increases fluid loss and may result in dehydration.

Warning 3 – Toxicity: Cucumber contains small patches that taste bitter. These portions contain the toxic compound tetracyclic triterpenoids or cucurbitacins. Excessive consumption of this compound may be lethal.

Used as a natural health remedy: Cucumber is used internally for the following benefits and conditions:

• Eye bags and puffiness under the eyes
• Aid in weight loss. Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal food for people who want to lose weight.
• Blood Pressure. Cucumber juice is a good source of potassium, magnesium and fiber that work together to help regulate blood pressure. This makes cucumber good for both low and high blood pressure.
• Calcium source to enhance your internal structure and lower your risk of bone disorders.
• Diabetes. Cucumber juice has been found to be beneficial for diabetic patients. This vegetable contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas to produce insulin.
• Dietary fiber. The fiber in cucumbers helps to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as promoting good digestion and aiding your body in the processing of waste and toxins.
• Diuretic. Causes you to urinate more often than usual encouraging your body to dispose of toxins and other waste matter.
• Fight cancers. Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol – three lignans that have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including prostate cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
• Inflammation. Cucumber juice helps eliminate uric acid, which reduces inflammation caused by problems like rheumatism and arthritis. (See other herbs for inflammation)
• Joint health. Cucumber contains silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
• Lose weight. With just 15 calories for each 100 grams, cucumber helps people who are trying to lose weight. It also enhances metabolic action, increasing the body’s natural ability to burn fat.
• Nail care. The high silica content of cucumber helps to prevent splitting of fingernails and toenails.
• Pyorrhea. Cucumber juice is beneficial for people with this type of teeth and gum problems.
• Reduce high blood pressure. Potassium counteracts the negative effects of sodium, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. If you eat too much salty food, cucumber juice helps balance it out.
• Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.
• Hydration. Cucumber juice is a great source of potassium, which makes it a good alternative to sugary sports drinks. Just don’t overdo it.
• Relief of sunburn or windburn.
• Stimulate hair growth. Cucumber juice contains silicon and sulfur, both of which stimulate hair growth.
• Sunburn. Rubbing cucumber juice on the affected area cools the burning feeling and speed up the healing process.
• Tapeworms. Cucumber seeds are used as a natural remedy for treating tapeworms.

Side Effects of Cucumber

The known side effects of using Cucumber include:

1. Belching, gassy
2. Heartburn
3. Indigestion
4. Itching

Other side effects may also occur when using Cucumber. (See form below)

As with any herb, a serious allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. These may include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

If you have to cope with white flies cucumbers may be a simple fix. Put a slice of cucumber in an aluminum pan and voila, there’re gone. Apparently the cucumber reacts with the aluminum and sends off a repelling odor. You can’t smell it but the white flies will leave the area.

Return to the Herb List.

Reference sources

“The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods” by Doctor Michael Murray

“Encyclopedia of Family Health”; Dr. David Jacoby

“Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines”; Dr. Charles Fetrow

For questions and answers about the side effects of herbs see the Herb Forum

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