Bitter Melon (Cerasee) 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Bitter Melon 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

General Description

Bitter melon is a climbing vine that reaches a height of six feet (two meters). It has deeply lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and orange-yellow fruit. Native to southern Asia and an important ingredient in Asian cuisine, bitter melon is cultivated in warm-weather regions throughout the world. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of bitter melon all have been used in herbal medicine, the fruit—which looks like a cucumber with bumps—is the primary part of the plant used medicinally.

 Evidence of Benefit

Bitter melon is a useful agent for treating diabetes, as it lowers blood sugar levels. In folk medicine, bitter melon is used to treat colds, flu, and fever. It has traditionally been used to treat parasites, worms, digestive disorders, and skin diseases like psoriasis.

Bitter melon improves the body’s ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerance. Also, at least one animal study noted that bitter melon fruit juice may cause a renewal and recovery of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

Cancer. Patients with cancer have compromised immune systems indicated by decreases in white blood cell counts and in natural killer (NK) cells, which directly attack cancer cells. In one study, bitter melon intake seemed to help patients with head and neck cancer who were undergoing radiation therapy. A transporter protein (P-glycoprotein) similar to NK cells was improved compared to a placebo. NK cell numbers did not improve, however.

Diabetes. Bitter melon is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In one study, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels went down after drinking a homogenized suspension of the bitter melon pulp. Eighty-six of the 100 patients with type 2 diabetes responded favorably. In another study, 50 patients received bitter melon or a placebo for four weeks. No changes were observed in fructosamine, which is a marker of insulin levels in the blood.

 Recommended Use

The easiest place to find bitter melon is an Asian food market. Bitter melon can be taken in whole fruit form or as a momordica extract, tincture, or juice. The latter forms are most likely to be available from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It also is sold as a dried herb powder. The daily dose is 1 gram. You should not use the tincture for diabetes control, since this form does not lower blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, it is likely that long-term results will be better if bitter melon is combined with the herb gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). If you are taking insulin or medication to reduce blood sugar, bitter melon might amplify the effect, and you may need to reduce your dose of medication. Bitter melon may potentiate cholesterol-lowering drugs, so blood lipids should be monitored when using this herb.

Ingestion of excessive amounts of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Anyone with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) should not take bitter melon, because it could worsen the problem. Bitter melon should not be used during pregnancy, as it can stimulate the uterus and was traditionally used for abortions. Women who are lactating should avoid it as well because it is transferred to the baby in the milk. Bitter melon reduces fertility in both males and females.

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
English: Karela, Bitter Melon
Ayurvedic: Karavella, Kaaravellaka,
Also, known as: Karela, Balsam pear, Balsam Apple, Balsambirne, Balsamo, Bitter Apple, Amargoso, Ampalaya, Sushaavi, Paharkai, Bitter gourd, Bitter cucumber, Carilla, Cerasee, Paakal, Kaathilla, Kaaravella, Keravallaka, Varivalli, Karavallı, Kaakara, kaaya, Paharkai, Karolla, Kakral, Bitter ground, Hagalakai, Kaippa, Pavackkai, Karla, Kalara, Salara, kaakara kaaya, kabiral, kaippa, kakara, kakayi, kakiral, kakle, kakral, kokouli, Khyar, khoor qua, Kathila, Karolla, Kathila, Karawila, Karavelli, kuguazi, Nigauri, Cerasce, Margose, Margoze
Habitat: Through India
Origin: India
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Fruits
General Information:

Bitter melon or karela (in India), is a unique vegetable-fruit that can be used as food or medicine. It is the edible part of the plant Momordica Charantia and used in Ayurveda from ancient times. The fruit is 3- 30 cm long, distinct warty exterior, oblong, pendulous, usually pointed or beaked, 3 valves at the apex when mature, rough surface light green to green when the fruit is younger and when fully ripe, it turns orange in color with numerous flat seed and extremely bitter in the test. The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit’s flesh is crunchy and watery in texture In India, Bitter melon is very popular and is a unique vegetable fruits that can be used as food or medicine.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.