SCIENTIFIC NAME: Momordica charantin
HINDI NAME: Karela
ENGLISH NAME: Bittergourd
FAMILY: Cucurbitaceae
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Bittergourd is tridoshic & thus helps to balance vata, kapha, and pitta. According to Ayurveda, it has a bitter taste and the unique ability to penetrate deep into the fat, blood, and nervous system, providing a great cleansing from within thus aiding in help i improving digestion, increasing metabolism, and contributing to the overall health
USES/BENEFITS/DISEASES
- Maintains blood sugar levels.
- Potent blood purifier
- Has anti-arthritic action
- Helps to control LDL cholesterol levels.
- Improves immunity
- Beneficial to eye health because it is high in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene.
- Boosts liver functioning
- Improves digestive health
PRECAUTIONS/ SIDE EFFECTS
- If consumed in large quantities, bitter gourd can cause severe stomach pain and diarrhoea.
- Avoid it during the first few months of pregnancy because it may cause vaginal bleeding and abortion.
- Consult your doctor if you are taking a high dose of diabetic medication, as it can interfere with the medication and cause low blood sugars.
HOW TO USE
- Consume 5-10 mL of fruit juice twice daily to relieve indigestion and loss of appetite.
- If you have diabetes, include 2-3 gm. powder of seeds with water twice a day in your diet.
- Consume 5-10 mL of juice every morning on an empty stomach to cure skin diseases such as acne.
- To treat intestinal worms, drink 10 mL of jaggery juice in the morning for three days.
