Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia common names: balsalm pear, bitter gourd, cerasee, karela, momordica
Bitter melon is a climbing vine with yellow flowers that develope into gourds. Mostly the gourd, or fruit, is used in medicinal treatment. Found in Asian food markets, it can be taken in whole fruit form or as an extract, tincture or juice.

This herb is useful in treating infections caused by retroviruses and is being investigated as a possible preventative in the transmission of HIV. Traditionally it has been used to treat parasites, worms and digestive disorders.

Benefits Of Use

Bitter melon may be useful in the following conditions.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome and herpes. Extract is 2-3 times more effective thatn acyclovir sensitive strains of herpes and up to 1000 times more effective for resistent strains. Chronic fatigue syndrome has been associated with herpes.
• Diabetes. In clincal tests reduced blood sugar after meals. May help reduce the amount of insulin used in Type I diabetes.

Considerations For Use

Do not use the tincture for diabetes control, as this form does not lower blood sugar for diabetes control. Better results are achieved in glucose control if bitter melon is combined with gurmar. You may need to reduce your prescription medication if taking these herbs.

Rarely, people using bitter melon for years have developed liver problems. Do not use it if you already have liver disease. It is best to use this herb for 4 weeks only then discontinue for 4 weeks.

People with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, and do not take it if you are pregnant.

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