The bitter melon is a climbing plant grown throughout world. There are two types, one with small fruit and the other with bigger fruit.
It is a laxative, stimulant, a form of bitter, good for the stomach and a tonic. It is also diuretic and carminative, an antidote to worms.
It is effective in disorders of the spleen and liver as well as in cases of pain in the joints due to gout, rheumatism and arthritis. In cases of chronic fever. If there is enlargement of the spleen and liver and even if there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, the juice of the leaves is extremely useful. This increases the quantity of urine, one gets one or two loose motions, appetite increases, and food is digested and blood starts increasing. The dose of the juice of the leaves is 1-2 drams and for children 15-30 drops.
Its leaf – juice along with 50 grains of turmeric (half a teaspoonful) produces an emetic action and cleans up the stomach. It is a blood purifier.
The fruits and leaves are effective in case of jaundice and piles. Karela fruits dried in the shade and powdered and given in the dose of one tola morning and evening on an empty stomach with water help control excessive sugar in the urine and blood.
The juice of the fruit is also used for external application to burns, boils and eruptions.
In ancient times it was used in cases of snake poisoning.
In chronic disorders of the skin the juice of the leaf is applied externally.
The root powdered and applied in the form of a poultice in the mouth of the uterus cures prolepses of the organ. Even the root rubbed in water can be used in the form of a paste.
Kalmeghasava, used in disorders of liver, consists partly of Karela.
Karela dishes are prepared by removing the skin, steeping it in salt water, then boiling it well and squeezing out its seeds. The dietary item is then prepared, so that the bitterness will be lessened.
According to ayurvedic theory, all the six tastes (sweet, sour, salt, bitter, astringent and pungent) are essential in the diet. It has, however, been found that predominance is given to the other tastes and the bitter taste is often neglected. All the tastes should be given equal importance and those who want to take advantage of the bitter taste should use Karela fruit, but excess of the same is unwise as it is a laxative and perhaps may do a little harm if used too often.
