Summarized Description:
Bitter Melon is a
cucurbit,
originally from India, which has migrated to warm climates around the world
over the past 600 years. Here in the Western Amazonia, it is widely used
as both a food and a medicine, much like
graviola.
The fruit itself, when used as a food, is cooked, since all parts of the plant
taste very bitter. The most common medicinal applications in the Amazon,
the source of our bitter melon, is as an anti-flatulent, an antiviral
for hepatitis, colds, flu, and measles; an anti-parasitic (much like
Paico, but for parasitic conditions
less critical than are used for
Oje;
and for the promotion of menstruation and use in diabetes.
Uses & Protocols

Bitter Melon is normally taken either via capsules or
by infusion. Because of its strong organoleptics, we have decided to make it
only available in the 120 capsule format. Initial Dosage: One capsule, 2x a day, unless
otherwise directed by your naturopathic physician.
Warnings & Contraindications

Do not use Bitter Melon if you are pregnant, diabetic,
or currently using blood thinner medication -- (the reason being this herb exerts its
own mild blood thinning property.)
Shelf-Life

Five years or more.
Properties & Actions
Further information for practitioners:
Leslie Taylor, N.D., lists the following "herbal properties and actions" for bitter melon.
Additional information is provided on
her Raintree Forest website.
You can also purchase Leslie Taylor's excellent reference book,
The Healing Power
of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals at Amazon.

Also see
the
Wikipedia article with references on bitter melon.
Primary Actions
- Kills bacterial
- Kills viruses
- Kills cancer cells
- Kills leukemia cells
- Prevents tumors
- Treats diabetes
- Reduces blood sugar
- Reduces blood pressure
- Stimulates digestion
- Lowers body temperature
Other Actions
- Reduces inflammation
- Fights free radicals
- Enhances libido
- Cleanses blood
- Dries secretions
- Detoxifies
- Expels worms
- Balances hormones
- Enhances immunity
- Kills insects
- Mildly laxative
- Promotes milk flow