Bitter Melon really lives up to its name. The fruit can be used raw, cooked, dried, and crushed, or ground into powder. It has a long history of medicinal as well as nutritional value.
 
Description :
Bitter Melon is an herbaceous vine that is native to China and India and grows up to 16 feet in length. The leaves grow on opposite sides of the vine and are deeply lobed. The plant produces both male and female flowers in the spring and a bitter gourd fruit that matures in the fall. There are Chinese and Indian varieties. The gord is very bitter but does ripen to a less bitter taste. The gourd itself looks to be rough and warty. Bitter Melon has been used for Centuries in Ayurvedic medicine Externally as a salves and used to treat skin diseases and rheumatism. Internally, it was used to help with coughs, worms, and respiratory disease.
 
History and Folklore:
Bitter Melon has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for diabetes.
 
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the ripe fruit when they are blueish-black in color. Harvest the leaves after the fruit. The fruit can be used fresh, dried, or cooked as food. The leaves should be dried and ground into powder for use in teas and tinctures.
 
Precautions:
Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
 
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Anti-Inflamatory, Adaptogen, Anti-Fungal, Antibacterial, Cardiotonic, Antivirals, Anthelmintic. Alternative, Aperient
 
Other Names:
Bitter Gourd, Balsam Pear, Karela
 
Tincture Ingredients: Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
 
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and are only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, are not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
 
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.