Properties of Bitter Melon

A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the Bitter Melon plant can be found in parts of South Africa, Asia, Caribbean and South America. Known to grow in tropical areas, bitter melon is used both for its culinary and therapeutic properties in India as well as other countries. Bitter in taste and replete with medicinal properties, Bitter Melon is highly popular among the Chinese as a vegetable and is taken as herbal tea as well.

In appearance, Bitter melon has a curiously unique, craggy and warty appearance. Bitter Melon was known as a blood purifier and used for various skin disorders. The bitter vegetable is also effective in treating worm infestations and helps in evading parasitic attack. Prolonged usage of Bitter Melon enhances the functioning of the pancreas, spleen and liver. Karalla is very bitter due to a high concentration of Quinine, which is the main reason why it is regarded by Asians, as well as Panamanians and Colombians, as a valuable drug for preventing and treating malaria.

Bitter Melon is widely recommended in Ayurveda for its multiple medicinal properties and is known to contain flavanoids and alkaloids which make the Pancreas produce more insulin and consequently assist in regulating blood sugar levels. In traditional Indian medicine, Bitter Melon was known as a blood purifier and used for various skin disorders. The bitter vegetable is also effective in treating worm infestations and help in evading parasitic attack. Prolonged usage of Bitter Melon enhances the functioning of the pancreas, spleen and liver. It is helpful as an emetic and purgative.

Bitter Melon (Karela)

Bitter Melon is a vegetable replete with vitamins and minerals and is believed to be a rich source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium. Known mainly as an Insulin plant, Karella stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Scientifically known as Momordica charantia, the Bitter Melon belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and is an extensively grown vegetable in India.

A vegetable with multiple medicinal properties, Karella often acts as a digestive aid and prevents dyspepsia and constipation. Advocated by Ayurveda as an effective stimulant to digestion, Karela is also used for the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases. Known mainly as an Insulin plant, Karella stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin and is thus useful for regulating blood sugar levels.

Bitter Melon- For Blood Sugar

Scientifically known as Momordica charantia, the Bitter Melon belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and is an extensively grown vegetable in India. The vegetable has certain antidotal, antipyretic tonic, appetizing and laxative properties and hence is used extensively in medicinal preparations in Ayurveda.

As a common home remedy in India, the root of the plant is used as a paste along with equal amount of honey and taken once before bedtime. Taken for a month, this concoction can give relief against respiratory disorders. The juice of the bitter gourd leaves also helps to prevent damage of the liver due to alcoholism.

A plant with high nutritional value, Bitter Melon is high on vitamins and minerals. Bitter Melon contains flavanoids and alkaloids which make the Pancreas produce more insulin and consequently assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
Apart from its medicinal value, bitter melon is also a good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium. Known mainly as an Insulin plant, Karella stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin.

Bitter Melon

The use of Bitter Melon has been widely recommended in Ayurveda for its multiple medicinal properties and helps in the effective treatment of numerous health disorders. Bitter Melon contains flavanoids and alkaloids which make the Pancreas produce more insulin and consequently assist in regulating blood sugar levels. Apart from its medicinal value, bitter melon is also a good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium. The juice of the bitter gourd leaves also helps to prevent damage of the liver due to alcoholism and is also believed to provide relief in cases of respiratory troubles.