Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon (Ku Gua)

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit-like gourd that appears more like a prickly or lumpy cucumber. It can be eaten raw or cooked or used in tea for its health benefits. It contains compounds that help treat diabetes. The juice is called Karela juice and is marketed as a nutritious beverage known for its many health benefits. Bitter melon is very high in nutrients.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Using Bitter Melon to Treat Diabetes.

Below is an overview of bitter melon, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of bitter melon.

How to take FULL advantage of Bitter Melon's healing powers...

Bitter Melon (Ku Gua)

JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Bitter Melon (Ku Gua). Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Bitter Melon, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!

Western

Western Name: Bitter Melon

Also Known As: Bitter Gourd, Wild Cucumber, Karela, Africa Cucumber, Balsam Pear, Ampalaya, Bitter Squash

Organs/Systems: Immune System, Digestive, Respiratory

Key Actions: Antioxidant, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Immunomodulating, Anti-obesity, Stomachic, Laxative, Emetic, Antibilious, Anthelmintic

Medicinal Uses: Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma, skin infections, high cholesterol, upset stomach, kidney stones, liver disease, psoriasis, abscesses, wounds, cough, respiratory diseases, ulcer, gout, rheumatism, HIV, AIDS, menstrual disorders.

Eastern

Pin Yin: Ku Gua

Also Known As: Marakheenouk

Meridians: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver

Key Actions: Cleanses the Blood, Clears Liver Heat, Cools Summer Heat, Nourishes Blood, Moves Qi, Eliminates Inflammation, Tonifies the Liver

Medicinal Uses: Stomach disorders, constipation, ulcers, malaria, cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, lowers cholesterol, colic, fever, chronic cough, painful menstruation, skin conditions, acne, eczema, psoriasis, heal wounds, measles, chickenpox, burning pain in the stomach, sunstroke, excess sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, vomiting, type 1 herpes simplex virus.

Basic Habitat / Botany:

Bitter melon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family which includes zucchini, squash, cucumber, and pumpkin. It is a tropical tendril-bearing vine with alternate leaves that can grow to be 4-12 cm across. Each leaf has 3 to 7 deeply separated lobes. The plant bears yellow male and female flowers. In the Northern Hemisphere, flowering occurs from June to July and fruiting from September to November. The Chinese variety is long, pale green, and covered with wart-like bumps. The Indian variety is narrower with pointed ends and rough jagged spikes on the rind.

Native to southern China and eastern India, it is now cultivated in many parts of the world but is commonly found in Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Inner Fruit of the Melon, Skin, Juice, Young Shoot, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Cool

Caution: Bitter melon is generally considered safe. It is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause uterine contractions. Some people may experience an upset stomach and overuse of the juice can cause headaches and possible fevers. Excessive use of the seeds can cause coma.

Key Constituents: Cucurbitacins, Quinine, Catechin, Gallic acid, Epicatechin, Chlorogenic acid, Lectin, Flavonoids, Phenols, Vitamin C, Vitamine A, Vitamin E, Potassium, Zinc, Folate, Iron, Fiber, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium

History/Folklore: Bitter melon has a long history of medicinal use in Asia and Africa. In Turkey, it has been used to treat stomach complaints and in India and China, it is very popularly used to treat diabetes. Bitter melon can help your cells utilize glucose and move it to your liver, muscles, and fat. Studies reveal it may also help your body retain nutrients by blocking their conversion to glucose that can end up in your bloodstream. It continues to be studied for its ability to help manage blood sugar and aid the treatment of diabetes.

Bitter melon was introduced into China in the 14th century from India. It is now a common household vegetable popular in many Chinese dishes. A bitter-tasting herb, its texture can be crunchy or soft depending on how you prepare it. Besides being popularly used to treat diabetes, it is also considered able to detox your body and liver. The melon is sometimes called “cooling cucumber” due to its ability to Clear Heat from the blood, organs, and body.

In Asia, the herb is said to have a “glowing” effect on the skin. Besides treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and the signs of aging, slices of fresh melon are used on the face to help calm irritable, burning skin caused by excess heat.

Bitter melon is an essential component of the Okinawan diet. Okinawa is one of the earth’s “Blue zones” which are areas and cultures known for superior health and extreme longevity. Overall, Japan’s number of centenarians is consistently the highest of any country in the world. The Okinawa lifestyle and diet are largely responsible for this achievement.

The fruit is typically eaten when green or as it begins to turn yellow. At this stage, the flesh will be crunchy and watery in texture, like a cucumber, but bitter. The bitter flavor is reduced during cooking but makes for a popular addition to dim sum, soups, and herbal teas. The pith at this stage will be sweet and intensely red. It can be eaten uncooked. It is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian salads. The fruit is truly ripe when it turns orange and splits into segments that peel back exposing the interior seeds covered in a bright red pulp. The Chinese also use it as a substitute for hops in some beers.

Li Shizhen (1518-1593), one of the great Chinese herbalists, ranked bitter melon as the best melon on earth for its ability to Expel Heat, sharpen vision, improve liver function, support heart health, and relieve the body of toxins.

It is considered the most bitter of all fruits and vegetables.

The dried leaves are commercially available as tea bags. And a tea made from an infusion of the dried slices of melon is called gohyah tea and it is used to treat liver disorders, sore throats, and as a digestive aid. The seeds can be dried and powdered and added to food. Use the seeds cautiously however, consumed in excess they may cause fever, headaches, and even coma.

The young shoots and leaves can be eaten as greens. In India, bitter melon is often served with yogurt as a side dish or in curry dishes. In Nepal, it is prepared as a fresh pickle. In Pakistan, it is often cooked with garlic (LINK), red chili powder, turmeric (LINK), salt, coriander (LINK), and a pinch of cumin seeds. In Japan, in Okinawan cuisine, it is a very popular ingredient in many local dishes. In Thailand, bitter melon is often stuffed with minced pork and garlic and prepared in a clear broth.

Bitter melon can be found combined in formulas containing cinnamon, ginseng, and turmeric to help treat diabetes and strengthen the immune system.

The compound, Chlorogenic acid, found in bitter melon is known to be a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. The cucurbitacins found in bitter melon contribute to the fruit’s bitter flavor and ability to cleanse and invigorate the blood, help balance blood sugar levels, prevent cancers, and fight viruses. The compound lectin also helps to reduce blood sugar levels and is a major contributor to the melon’s hypoglycemic properties. Bitter melon also contains high levels of quinine which is used to treat malaria.

Bitter melon is used to help promote fresh beginnings, healing, and renewal. It is an excellent herb for cleansing and purification.

When shopping for bitter melon, bigger is not better, just more bitter. The best are small to medium-sized and are firm. Store in your refrigerator as you would a cucumber.

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Did you know?

93%

Bitter melon is especially rich in vitamin C, containing 93% of your recommended minimum daily allowance of the vitamin.

Facts

White and Green

There are two types of bitter melon, a white and green variety. The white variety tends to be softer and more bitter in flavor.

Fun fact!

Twice

Bitter melon contains twice as much beta-carotene as broccoli, twice as much calcium as spinach, and twice as much potassium as bananas.

How to use Bitter Melon (Ku Gua) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!

Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.

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ATTENTION: All material provided on this website is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your healthcare professional or physician. Redistribution permitted with attribution. Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be Whole. Be Free.

ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. Esté sano. Sea feliz. Siéntase completo. Sea libre.

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