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

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 taste. 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:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

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

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

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

Bitter Melon Powder (aka Karela)