- Origin
- Probably tropical Asia or Africa; naturalised for centuries in the Caribbean and Suriname
- Traditions
- Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 849
Momordica charantia
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Bitter melon
Momordica charantia
A bitter climbing plant whose fruit, leaves and vines are used. In folk medicine mainly taken to lower blood sugar; research shows a small effect at most.
Safety notes
Can lower blood sugar; take care with diabetes medication. Do not use in pregnancy, as it can cause bleeding and contractions. The red seed coats and large amounts can be toxic, especially for children.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding; take care with diabetes medication. Do not give to children.
Preparation
Vines with leaves are steeped or briefly boiled as a bitter tea. The fruit is eaten as a vegetable, fried or stewed.
Use in traditions
As cerasee, one of the best-known bush teas of Jamaica, drunk to cleanse the blood and for skin complaints and diabetes. In Suriname and Trinidad the fruit is an everyday vegetable.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
Drunk in Jamaica as a blood-cleansing tea and for skin complaints; also used to lower blood sugar.
Preparation and amount
Steep or briefly boil a handful of vines with leaves for 5 to 10 minutes; it is bitter, so often taken with some honey.
Caution: Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding; take care with diabetes medication. Do not give to children.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Syrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen