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.