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| Common Uses: |
Diabetes *
Herpes *
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| Properties: |
Hypoglycemic*
Abortifacient*
Antiscorbutic*
Astringent*
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| Parts Used: |
gourd fruit |
| Constituents: | Glycosides: momordin, charantin Alkaloids: momordicinOthers: polypeptide-P Oils (seed only): stearic, linoleic, oleic acids Glycoproteins: alpha-momorcharin, beta-momorcharin, lectins |
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Bitter melon contains compounds
that closely resemble insulin
The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances. Also, at least one animal study noted that bitter melon fruit juice may cause a renewal and recovery of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
Bitter melon is used to treat infections caused by retrovirus, and is being investigated in the treatment of HIV Other uses for bitter melon include treating colds, flu and fever, parasites, digestive and skin diseases.
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| Side Effects: |
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| If you are taking medication for your blood sugar levels, take to your doctor before trying the fruit, and keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Avoid use if you have a history of liver problems. Excessive amounts can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Not for use during pregnancy |
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Preparation Methods :The easiest place to find bitter melon is an Asian food market. Bitter melon can be taken in whole fruit form or as a momordica extract, tincture, or juice. The latter forms are most likely to be available from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). You should not use the tincture for diabetes control, since this form does not lower blood-sugar levels. For people with diabetes, it is likely that long-term results will be better if bitter melon is combined with the herb gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). If you are taking insulin or medication to reduce blood sugar, bitter melon might amplify the effect, and you may need to reduce your dose of medication. Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002) Phyllis A. Balch
 Remedies using : Bitter Melon
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Bitter Melon for :Lower Blood Sugar |
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Several clinical trials have shown that bitter melon extract and juice lower blood sugar in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. One of the phytochemicals, charantin is said to be more potent than tolbutamide, and has fewer side effects. If you can find the melons at an Asian market try eating one small one each day James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000) |
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Bitter Melon for :Diabetes |
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Bitter melon has been used to treat diabetes, cancer, viral infections, and immune disorders. Data suggest that a significant hypoglycemic effect occurs in both healthy and diabetic patients. However, bitter melon should not be used in place of mainstream therapies. In vitro and animal studies indicate antiviral activity against HIV and herpes, cytotoxic effects against leukemic cells, and cytostatic effects in breast cancer, but related human studies have not been conducted. . Bitter Melon. (), Sloan-Kettering |
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Bitter Melon for :Herpes, Chronic Fatigue |
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Bitter melon exytracts are two to thre times more effective that the popular prescription drug acyclovir (Zovirax) at killing strains of herpes viruses that are not drug resistant,and is 100's of times more effects at treating the drug resistant strains. In treating acyclovir-resistant strains, bitter melon is 100 to 1,000 times more effective. Because chronic fatigue syndrome has been connected to herpes infections, bitter melon may be useful in treating that disorder as well. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002) |
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Diabetes *
Herpes *
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- Flowers:Yellow flowers, orange-yellow cucumber-like fruit. The fruit is the part of the plant used medicinally.
- Plant Type:Climbing vine reaching heights of six feet
- Leaves:Deeply lobed
- Distribution:Native to soutnern Asia and an important ingredient in Asian cuisine, bitter melon is cultivated in warm-weather regions throughout the world.
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Medicinal Healing Herbs : Properties and Uses
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Common Misspellings:
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Buy organic bulk herbs, spices, oils and teas at Mountain Rose Herbs |
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| Herbal Spotlight |
Studies have shown ginger to be especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger is an excellent digestive, aiding in the absorbtion of food, and elimination of gas and bloating.
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