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Momordica Charantia
Ku Gua Gan
Bitter Melon
| Common Name:
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Momordica
Charantia, Bitter Melon
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| Botanical Name:
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Momordica
Charantia fruit
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| Pin Yin Name:
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Ku Gua Gan
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| Actions:
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epidermal, digestive, lymphatic systems; liver
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Bitter melon is traditionally regarded by Asians, as well as
Panamanians and Colombians, as useful for preventing and treating malaria.
Laboratory studies have confirmed that various species of bitter melon have
anti-malarial activity, though human studies have not yet been published.
Bitter melon is also important for various medicinal properties (Morton 1967),
with more recent attention focused on it as a hypoglycemic agent (Perl 1988).
Bitter melon is rich in iron and has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and excellent dietary fiber. It is believed to be excellent for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.[4] Bitter melon is a tropical member of the cucurbit family, grown in Asia as a source of food. The intensely bitter flavor of bitter melon is a popular addition to the cuisine of many Asian nations, ranging from India to the Philippines, although it has not caught on in the West.[5] Bitter melon is the fruit born from a tropical vine. The fruit looks like a giant warty cucumber.[6]
Bitter melon is unusual because it is widely consumed as food but also has a long history of use for conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, and infections, as well as for menstrual cycle regulation,and addressing
infertility. Modern science is just beginning to investigate the plant’s many uses, and much remains to be learned about it.[13] Bitter melon is also a medicinal plant used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for various conditions, including blood sugar control. In the Philippines, bitter melon is known as Ampalaya, and widely used and advertised for its blood sugar lowering benefits.[14] Bitter melon is normally grown as an annual crop, but can perform as a perennial in areas with mild winters. [15]
[4] http://www.herbalcureindia.com/products/karela.htm
[5] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bitter-melon.htm
[6] http://www.wcyh.org.uk/herbs/herbs/bitter-melon/
[13] http://www.herbalpride.com/bitter_melon/bitter_melon_diabetes.html
[14] http://www.raysahelian.com/bittermelon.html
[15] http://www.island.wsu.edu/crops/bitterme.htm
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Please note: Definitions of
the following forms which are products are sold in.
| Powdered Concentrates |
5:1 Ratio of an herb in
Powder form. 100 gram container size.(3.5 oz)
This has been processed, and usually has dextrin added. |
| Powdered Herb |
This is the herb, root,
berry, twig, or any form of the herb, which has been Powdered into a
fine mesh which usually can be put into capsules. Most of the Powders herbs are in a 1 pound size, unless otherwise
noted. |
| Cut and Sift |
This the herb, root,
berry, twig, or any form of herb cut into manageable pieces. In
general about 1/4 thick. Size of herbs are 1 pound containers |
| Whole |
In very rare occasion
herbs are whole, for example the Reishi Mushroom,
Noto Ginseng, Mandrake, and Marigolds. Size of herbs are 1 pound
containers. If concerned please call. |
| Teapills |
These are small pills
which have already been formulated and made into small pills.
Usually the size of small peas. The teapills are swallowed whole.
The formula is usually based on Ancient Chinese Medicine. |
| Capsules |
Are Gelatin Capsules,
unless noted as vegetarian capsules. Please see each individual
product for further information |
| Tablets |
Are a hard tablet ranging
in various sizes. Please see each individual product for further
information |
| Extracts |
An extract is produced by adding alcohol to
an herb and letting the medium activate the components
of the herbs, as well as to preserve the herbs |
| Loose Leaf |
The herb is not in a teabag. It is
loose in the packaging. Sizes of the leaf vary from 1/4 inch
to 1 inch depending on herb and brand. |
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