Cucumbers have a long history of use as both a food and healing plant. Scientists agree that this fruit originated in India, and has been grown by humans as a cultivated plant for at least 3000 years. Are you surprised to see  cucumbers referred to  as a fruit? The truth is, that it actually IS a fruit, just like tomatoes, since “Fruit” is the part of the plant that contains the seeds- although, both tomatoes and cucumbers are often thought of as vegetables. Cucumbers have been grown in the United States since the 16 th century, quite possible as a result of Christopher Columbus bringing cucumbers to Haiti in 1494.  Cucumbers are mentioned in the Bible in Numbers 11:5, as a food that was available to the Isrealites in Egypt. Other foods mentioned along with cucumbers are leeks, onions, melons and garlic, so it might be fun to put all of these together in a delicious, nutritious biblical salad! Some early medicinal uses of cucumber include treating insect bites and eye problems. That’s interesting because to this day, putting cucumber slices over the eyes is a well recognized cooling and relaxing spa treatment that can be easily and inexpensively used at home! An interesting fertility ritual included tying a cucumber around the waist to help induce pregnancy. It does not take a giant leap of visualization to see how cucumber can be a phallic symbol!

Today, cucumbers have been scientifically studied to determine the nutrients that they contain. Cucumbers are high in silica, which is an essential mineral that is part of the skin, ligaments, bones, muscles and cartilage tissue. In addition to silica, cucumbers are also a rich source of Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Cucumbers contain specific phytonutrients known as cucurbitacins. This family of nutrients are under scientific investigation for their role as cancer cell signaling pathway inhibitors. This can help the body offset the development of cancer. Cucumbers also contain compounds such as secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol and  lariciresinol, which are known as lignans. Lignans may offer the body defensive mechanisms against prostate, ovarian and breast cancer, as well as cardiovascular health issues.

Cucumbers are included in many topical preparations. They contain nutrients such as naturally occurring ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which aids in decreasing swelling due to water retention, by drawing out excess fluids.  It can also offset the inflammation associated with sunburn and other skin irritations.

Since Cucumbers are grown by conventional methods they may be sprayed with a variety of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides. The BEST thing to do is grow your own, if possible. If bugs are an issue, make a strong garlic tea and spray the plants for nontoxic pest control. If you cannot grow your own, choose ORGANIC at your local health food market, or visit a local Farmers Market or Farm Stand and ask if the vegetables are sprayed. If you can only get commercial cucumbers, peel them well, since some of the pesticide residue will remain on the waxy covering, rather than the soft inner part.

If you make your own vegetable juice- highly recommended in any optimum wellness program- cucumbers are great! They make the juice making process go faster, since each cucumber contains a lot of water and makes a lot of juice! Also, the alkaline pH of cucumber juice is great to help with detoxification.

Try this delicious and nutritious Natural Nurse® Cucumber Salad-
Cut up one peeled cucumber and mix with diced tomato and red onion. Add chopped cilantro and sprinkle with lemon juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar- great healthy snack or side dish!

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily.  She is the author of several books, including THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST. Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She is available for consultations.  www.naturalnurse.com   (954) 418-2388