Momordica. Momordica balsamina. Balsam Apple.
Momordica. Momordica Balsamina L. Balsam Apple. Balsamina. (Fam. Cucurbitaceae.)—An annual climbing East Indian plant, cultivated in our gardens for the sake of the ornamental fruit. The latter is ovate, attenuated towards each extremity, angular, warty, not unlike a cucumber in appearance, of a lively red or orange-yellow color, easily falling when touched, and spontaneously separating into several pieces. A liniment formed by infusing the fruit, deprived of its seeds, in olive or almond oil, is applied to chapped hands, burns, piles, prolapsus ani, etc.; and the mashed fruit is sometimes used as a poultice. According to Descourtilz, two or three drachms taken internally will kill a dog. An extract prepared from it is said to be useful in dropsy. Dose, six to fifteen grains (0.4-1.0 Gm.).
