Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), commonly known as Lauki or Doodhi in India, is a nutritious vegetable from the gourd family. It is usually elongated and cylindrical or bottle-shaped, with smooth, light green skin and a soft, spongy white interior. Its mild taste makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of recipes such as curries, soups, dals, parathas, and even desserts like lauki halwa.

This vegetable is composed of about 90–92% water, which makes it highly hydrating and cooling for the body. It is low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, calcium, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. Because of its lightness and easy digestibility, it is often recommended for weight management, detoxification, and digestive health.

In Ayurveda, Bottle Gourd is valued for its cooling, diuretic, and heart-friendly properties. It is known to relieve acidity, regulate blood pressure, and promote overall vitality. Its juice is also consumed for liver health, urinary disorders, and blood purification.

Beyond food, dried bottle gourds have traditionally been used to make containers, musical instruments, and handicrafts.