Bitter Melon

Species Name: momordica charantia.

Also known as: bitter gourd, karaila, hanzal, ampalaya.

Bitter Gourd is one of the most popular vegetables in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India and the Philippines. It is also gaining in popularity in many other countries and parts of the world.

It is often used in many Asian dishes. This bitter gourd or fruit has long been used in these cultures to treat many conditions and diseases but most commonly as a way to regulate the blood sugar levels and help prevent and treat diabetes.

What is Bitter Melon: So what is bitter melon and how is it commonly used? Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a fruit that is sold in many Asian grocery stores and in used in many Asian dishes.

This fruit is added to foods and eaten directly and it is also made into a tincture or tea. You can purchase liquid extract in many stores.

Bitter melon grows on a tendril bearing vine and is very herbaceous. It can grow up to 5m and it has simple, alternate leaves that are usually about 4-12cm across. Each plant has both yellow male and female flowers. Parts of this plant are used to create a medicinal tincture and it is also made into teas for drinking.

Home Remedies using Bitter Melon:

Benefits of Bitter Melon:

People in Asian cultures have been consuming bitter melon for many years because of its health benefits. So what exactly are the benefits to bitter melon?

Bitter melon is used primarily used for the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes. It has been used traditionally for diabetes, cancer, and infections.

Combining standard drugs with bitter melon may dangerously reduce blood sugar so caution should be used if you are on certain medications. Researchers believe bitter melon may lower blood sugar by increasing the activity of hexokinase and glucokinase, which are enzymes in your body that convert your sugar into glycogen, which can be stored in your liver and used later for energy.

Uses of Bitter Melon:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Treat infections

The typical dosage is one small, unripe, raw melon, which provides about 50 to 100 ml of fresh juice. This is divided into 2 or 3 doses to be taken over the course of the day.

It is also available in a tincture.

Side Effects of Bitter Melon:

Side effects of excessive doses are stomach pain and diarrhea.