Bitter Melon is Helpful for Diabetes Sufferers

Bitter Melon is the common name for a type of vine that can grow to a height of six feet. Other names for this vine include balsam pear, bitter gourd, and momordica. It originated in southern Asia, and is popular in Asian cooking. Nowadays, it has grown in warm areas all around the world. The part of the plant used in herbal medicine is the fruit, which bears a resemblance towards a cucumber.

The Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

This plant has found to be useful in treating infections caused by retro viruses. It is also the most common herbal diabetes remedy in the world. As far as its history of herbal remedy goes, it has been used to relieve colds and flu. It is also been used for a folk remedy for parasites, skin conditions, and digestive issues. This plant is best known for its benefits to those suffering from diabetes. The reason it is beneficial for diabetes is two- fold. First, it stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin properly. Second, it produces effects similar to insulin in the bloodstream. This means it helps the body to use blood glucose more effectively.

Let's take a look at some of the specific illnesses and conditions this plant is useful for.

Herpes and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Extracts from this plant have been found to be up to three times as effective as certain prescription medication when it comes to killing various strains of herpes virus. It is thought that this plant may be effective at easing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome as well.

Diabetes - As I mentioned earlier in this article, this plant is perhaps the most popular herbal treatment for diabetes in the world. Its been found to lower fasting blood-sugar levels, and even to help regulate blood-sugar levels after meals according to clinical studies. I do have one word of advice though, if you are currently taking medication to help control symptoms of diabetes, please ask your doctor before taking bitter melon.

Considerations and Uses

Since this plant is so popular in the Asian diet, it should come as no surprise that its commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well. TCM practitioners will often give it in whole fruit form. It can also be used as an extract, tincture, or juice. If you suffer from diabetes, don't use it in tincture form. Anyone with liver issues or hepatitis should avoid taking this herb. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, don't take this herb.


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