Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) or it's scientific
name, Momordica charantia has been a
folkloric cure for generations but has now
been proven to be an effective herbal
medicine for many aliments.
The Philippine Department of Health has
endorsed Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia)
as an alternative herbal medicine for liver
problems. Research about Ampalaya has
shown that Amplaya increases the
production of beta cells by the pancreas,
thereby improving the body’s ability to
produce insulin, that controls the blood sugar
for diabetics.
Ampalaya leaves and fruits are excellent
sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and
phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene.
Ampalaya is used as herbal treatment for
diabetes, HIV, coughs, skin diseases, sterility
in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as
purgative among others.
Diabetes. Ampalaya fruits and leaves can
be eaten as vegetable. Ampalaya tablets and
capsules are also now available in the
Philippines.
Hemorrhoids. Powdered
leaves and root decoction of
Ampalaya are applied to
hemorrhoids as astringent.
Stomach Problems. Ampalaya leaf juice is
used to expel intestinal parasites, treat
dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis.
Grounded seeds may also be used. Taken in
a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.
Cough. Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild
coughs for children. Administered in a
teaspoon 3x a day.
Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded
Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat
burns, scalds and wounds.
Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment
of HIV, hypertension, treatment of fever and
headaches, treatment of rheumatism and
gout, disease of the spleen and liver.
Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice
can be a purgative and abortifacient.
Folkloric
Astringent powdered leaves or root
decoction can be applied to hemorrhoids.
Leaf juice for cough and as a purgative and
anthelminthic to expel intestinal parasites,
and for healing wounds.
Seeds also used to expel worms.
Juice from fruit used for dysentery and
chronic colitis.
The vine or the juice of leaves used as mild
purgative for children.
In large doses, the fresh juice is a drastic
purgative.
Decoction of roots and seeds used for
urethral discharges.
Pounded leaves used for scalds.
Infusion of leaves or leaf juice used for
fevers.
In Jamaica, leaf decoction or infusion is taken
for colds, as laxative and blood cleanser.
Warm tea infusions also used for toothaches
and mouth infections. Also used as a
bath/wash for skin eruptions and acne.
Used for eczema, malarial, gout, jaundice,
abdominal pain, kidney (stone), leprosy,
leucorrhea, piles, pneumonia, psoriasis, ,
rheumatism, fever and scabies.
In China, used as hypoglycemic and
antidiabetic.
Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• For treatment of hemorrhoids
• Is an antioxidant and parasiticide
• Is antibacterial and antipyretic
Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea,
diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a
spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can
both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin
diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted
area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decoction,
may be used as stringent and applied to
treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be
expelled when the ampalaya juice, made
from its leaves, is extracted. The ampalaya
juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one
spoonful thrice a day, which also treats
diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic colitis.