Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is the fruit born from a tropical vine. The fruit looks like a giant warty cucumber. It is very bitter and grows more so as it ripens. In the final stages its bitterness renders it inedible. It is popular in Asian cooking from China to the Philippines.

Of what medicinal value is bitter melon?

Bitter melon helps people suffering from indigestion. Most bitter foods aid digestion in this way. It also eases constipation. People suffering gastric distress such as heartburn should avoid it as the bitterness worsens the condition.

Some studies show bitter melon to contain an insulin like chemical. This has led to its use in treating diabetes and blood sugar conditions. These studies are very preliminary and no structured approach has yet been formulated. Bitter melon has not developed into a substitute for insulin.

Other cursory tests suggest that bitter melon relieves some of the negative side effects of HIV drugs. Herbalists have gone so far as to suggest that bitter melon might help treat HIV. This belief needs further examination.

Southeast Asians also use bitter melon to treat malaria.

What is a good dosage of bitter melon?

One melon produces 50 – 100 milliliters of juice. This amount should be consumed throughout the day.

Does bitter melon pose any dangers?

Bitter melon is safe for human consumption. Eating large amounts can cause diarrhea and stomach aches, but ingesting a normal amount is fine.

Do not rely purely on bitter melon for serious conditions such as diabetes or HIV. Avoid taking blood sugar inhibitors if you use bitter melon for that purpose.