Botanical Name: Momordica charantia

Common Name:

English: Karela, Bitter Melon
Ayurvedic: Karavella, Kaaravellaka,
Also, known as: Karela, Balsam pear, Balsam Apple, Balsambirne, Balsamo, Bitter Apple, Amargoso, Ampalaya, Sushaavi, Paharkai, Bitter ground, Bitter cucumber, Carilla, Paakal, Kaathilla, Kaaravella, Keravallaka, Varivalli, Karavalli, Kaakara, kaaya, Paharkai, Karolla, Kakral, Bitter ground, Hagalakai, Kaippa, Pavackkai, Karla, Kalara, Salara, kaakara kaaya, kabiral, kaippa, kakara, kakayi, kakiral, kakle, kakral, kokouli, Khyar, khoor qua, Kathila, Karolla, Kathila, Karawila, Karavelli, kuguazi, Nigauri, Cerasee, Margose, Margoze

Habitat: Through India

Origin: India

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Fruits

General Information:

Bitter melon or karela (in India), is a unique vegetable-fruit that can be used as food or medicine. It is the edible part of the plant Momordica Charantia and used in Ayurveda from ancient times. The fruit is 3 - 30 cm long, distinct warty exterior, oblong, pendulous, usually pointed or beaked, 3 valves at the apex when mature, rough surface light green to green when the fruit is younger and when fully ripe, it turns orange in color with numerous flat seed and extremely bitter in the test. The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit's flesh is crunchy and watery in texture. In India, Bitter melon is very popular and is a unique vegetable-fruits that can be used as food or medicine.

How to use:

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Bitter Melon Cut (aka Karela)