In India, kerela is the hub of Ayurvedic treatments, it is famous for it's spa treatments, various kinds of massages, skin therapies. It is attracting a huge number of tourists to India for "Health Tourism".

Kerela in english is known as bitter gourd, and like jessika said its included in many ayurvedic medicines. Its also something which is cooked in different ways and eaten, and is known to be beneficial especially for diabetics.

Yes, it's true that in India, Kerala is the place fond of ayurvedic treatment & medicinal plants too, from different places people go there for various types of treatment.

I think that effectiveness of the Ayurveda is proved by the rich experience and the extremely duration of using this system in India. But I'm doubting, whether this system is really effective to the western civilization with its rather stressful way of living?

Ayurveda works for some people and some illnesses, not for others.

-F