Fuzzy squash, also known as fuzzy melon or moqua, is a type of gourd that has a hairy skin and a mild flavor. This gourd has been widely used for centuries in Chinese medicine in the treatment of fever, cough and urinary disorders. It is often used in Asian cuisine, especially soups!
Phytochemical analysis showed that the major constituents of fuzzy squash exerted many beneficial pharmacological activities, including but not limited to:
Central nervous effects (anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, antidepressant, in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and to minimize opiate withdrawal signs)
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiasthmatic and anticancer properties
Diuretic, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic effects
Antimicrobial effects against various pathogens
Please see our quick and healthy fuzzy squash soup recipe, below!
Quick and Healthy Fuzzy Squash Soup
Ingredients:
8 cups of chicken bone broth (store bought, or use our Herbal Chicken Soup Recipe)
2 pounds of fuzzy squash cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup of dried sea scallops, preferably from Hokkaido
3 thick slices of fresh ginger, peeled
3 scallions, chopped finely
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and white pepper to taste
Directions:
Bring chicken broth, ginger, scallops to a rapid boil for 5 minutes
Add fuzzy squash and bring to a boil. Cook until tender.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add sesame oil and garnish with scallions.
Serve and enjoy hot!
References:
Muhammad Torequl Islam, Cristina Quispe, Dina M. El-Kersh, Manik Chandra Shill, Kanchan Bhardwaj, Prerna Bhardwaj, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Miquel Martorell, Rajib Hossain, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Ahmed Al-Rawahi, Monica Butnariu, Lia Sanda Rotariu, Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria, Yasaman Taheri, Anca Oana Docea, Daniela Calina, William C. Cho, "A Literature-Based Update on Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.: Traditional Uses, Nutraceutical, and Phytopharmacological Profiles", Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2021, Article ID 6349041, 19 pages, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6349041
Al-Snafi, A.E. (2014). The Pharmacological Importance of Benincasa hispida . A review.
Nimmy V S. A Comprehensive Review on the Nutritional and Medicinal Significance of Kushmanda or Ash Gourd as Per Ayurveda. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2021;9(12):41-45. https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v 9i12.2215