Momordica charantia • Kudret Narı
Overview
Bitter melon is typically prepared by soaking in olive oil for a year and then mixing with honey into a paste. It is traditionally used for ulcers and gastrointestinal complaints. In the Amazon region, the leaves are also used in traditional medicine.
Traditional uses
- Diabetes (blood sugar regulation)
- Topical pain relief
- Wounds and infections
- Carminative against colic and colitis
- Against worms and parasites
- Fatigue
- Pain relief
- Hepatitis, haemorrhoids and high blood pressure
- Antibiotic-like effects observed against herpes
Scientific observations (animal studies)
Anti-tumour effects against prostate cancer, arrest of breast tumour growth, and effects on melanoma and liver cancer have been observed in animal experiments.
Active compounds
- Charantin: helps the body use glucose more efficiently.
- Polypeptide-P: a natural insulin-like hormone.
- Vicin: a glycoside/alkaloid compound found in the plant.
- Rich in triterpenes, glycosides and saponins.
It is also reported to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, reduce free radical damage through antioxidants, and help balance blood sugar by promoting satiety.
Recipes
Recipe 1 — Honey paste
Mix 75 g of dry bitter melon powder into 1 kg of honey until it reaches a paste consistency. Take 1 teaspoon once daily, on an empty stomach in the morning.
Recipe 2 — Oil-infused bitter melon
Remove the red seeds from 1 fresh fruit (approx. 150 g) and cut into small pieces; soak in 250 ml of olive oil for at least 40 days. Take 1 teaspoon once daily, on an empty stomach in the morning with honey. For diabetes, the dry powder form soaked in olive oil is preferred.
Recipe 3 — Powder
Wash fresh fruits and remove seeds; slice only the fleshy rind thinly and dry in a well-ventilated place or oven, then grind to powder. Store in an airtight glass jar; consume mixed with yoghurt or honey.
For skin blemishes
Applying the juice of fresh bitter melon to skin blemishes is reported to reduce their appearance over several weeks.
Caution
Consult your doctor before use if you have diabetes, take blood-thinning medication, or are pregnant.