Ivy Gourd, Coccinia grandis, also known as Bimbi in Sanskrit is a tropical vine in the pumpkin family that bears edible fruits and beneficial leaves and roots. It has been long used across the Indian subcontinent, as well as in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It is often compared to bitter melon and is commonly used in recipes for soups and curries—it can also simply be pickled, fried or sauteed. Even more than for food, it has been used in remedies for everything from blood sugar to respiratory support for thousands of years. The plant contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins and iron, making it a nutritious addition to anyone’s health regimen.
What sets ORGANIC INDIA Ivy Gourd apart?
ORGANIC INDIA takes every avenue to operate in a way that is Beyond Sustainable, for both the planet and the amazing partners we work with. Our Ivy Gourd is grown, harvested and prepared in adherence to the following principles and practices:
- Small Family Farmers. Ethical partnerships are the heart and soul of our company. We contract with small, family-owned farms across India and purchase crops at premium market price. Most of our partners have been with us for more than ten years, and each is an integral part of our herbal family. As indispensable members of our team, we provide all of our farmers health insurance and ongoing training by agricultural experts who are at the cutting edge of organic and regenerative farming—a no-brainer for us, but an unfortunately unheard-of practice in the industry.
- Regenerative Agriculture. We are deeply rooted in agriculture that is beyond sustainable—it’s regenerative. What this means is our farming practices not only preserve the land, they make it better. Regenerative means replenished soil, improved biodiversity, enhanced water conservation, and increased carbon sequestration. We look beyond our crop to the whole earth and our responsibility to it as a healthy conscious living company.
- Sustainable Production. All of our herbal teas and supplements are produced in our LEED Platinum certified production facility in India, which is a marvel of top-tier sustainable design, construction and operations.
Ivy Gourd Benefits for Mind and Body
- Blood Sugar Support. Studies have found Bimbi’s ability to help slow sugar absorption and provide an endogenous insulin-like action in the bloodstream to help maintain glucose homeostasis.
- Heart Health. Ivy Gourd can help support healthy circulation and maintain normal blood pressure for heart health regulation.
- Healthy Digestion. Ivy Gourd contains fiber that can aid digestion and support healthy elimination, while promoting normal metabolism and weight.
- Nutritious. With its B vitamins, iron and antioxidant content, Bimbi can help support a well rounded diet and combat oxidative stress.
- Calming. Ashwagandha can help you feel calmer and more at ease, even in challenging or unfamiliar situations — supporting a healthy mood and positive mindset.
Ivy Gourd Traditional Use
Ivy Gourd has long been used throughout India, Pakistan and southeast Asia for both health and culinary purposes. The plant is known by many names, like Bimbi in Sanskrit, Kundru in Hindi, Kovakkai in Tamil and Telakucha in Bengali. It is also sometimes referred to as baby watermelon, due to its appearance, or gentleman’s toes. The plant is used in both Thai and Ayurvedic remedies to support blood sugar health, modulate immunity and ease the gastrointestinal tract. The fruit, leaves and extracts are all utilized either in a compound or as a tonic.
Where is Ivy Gourd Grown?
ORGANIC INDIA’s Ivy Gourd is grown Azamgarh, a city beside the Tamsa River in the Uttar Pradesh region of India. The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout tropical and subtropical regions of India, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Who is it for?
Ivy gourd is an excellent supplement either on its own or in a blend with other herbs for anyone looking to preserve healthy blood sugar, support heart health or nurture their digestive system. Children and pregnant or nursing women should check with a doctor before adding Ivy Gourd to their health regimen.
Ivy Gourd for Healthy Conscious Living
ORGANIC INDIA’s Ivy Gourd is organically grown according to ancient Ayurvedic regenerative cultivation practices to ensure the highest possible efficacy, or “prana.” All ORGANIC INDIA herbs are processed and tested in compliance with FDA and World Health Organization safety protocols.
At ORGANIC INDIA, we recognize the vast interconnectedness of life. From seed, to soil, to field, to factory, our products empower the farmers of India, promote environmental and economic recovery, and provide wellness solutions derived from nature’s intelligence.
