Uses of Karela
Uses of Karela (Bitter Gourd) (Momordica Charantia)
It can be bought in the markets as fresh vegetable, in dried powder form, as a juice, and as extract in capsule form.
- Excellent Blood Purifier and removes toxins.
- It is an anti-pyretic.
- Contains a compound similar to insulin commonly dubbed as plant insulin with similar properties.
- Reduces Sugar levels hence used in diabetes.
- Reduces urine sugar levels in diabetes.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Helps in treating skin diseases, improves skin and to treat pimples.
- Used in fungal skin diseases, itching, boils, ring worms, athlete's foot, scabies, and psoriasis. Both internally and externally.
- It is a stomachic and improves gastric functions.
- It has anti-bilous properties.
- Helps cleanse the liver and removes toxins.
- Improves the appetite.
- Stimulates the spleen.
- Boosts the immune system.
- Useful in the treatment of complications of the eye and improves eye sight (due to beta-carotene and other nutrients).
- It has a mild laxative effect.
- It is a good source of Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, Folic acid, Beta-Carotene and Carbohydrates.
- Rich source of Phosphorous.
- Regular use of Juice of bitter gourd improves energy and stamina levels.
- Helps prevent and reduce Neuritis (Inflammation of one or more nerves).
- It is known for its metabolism regulating properties.
- Helps to improve the absorption of carbohydrates.
- Fresh juice of leaves is useful in Piles.
- Paste of roots is externally applied on the Piles and helps in reduction of pain and inflammation.
- Paste of seeds is used to treat wounds, scalds, and burns.
- Fresh juice of leaves helps treat alcoholism.
- Fresh juice of leaves helps in treating diarrhea and early stages of cholera.
- Used in treating Jaundice and considered to possess anti-viral properties. Studies indicated that it inhibits Hepatitis B in vitro and HIV.
- Roots of plant are used to treat respiratory disorders.
- Used in the treatment of Asthma, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis, and Rhinitis.
- Used in the treatment of Arthritis and joint pain. To be taken regularly internally and juice to be applied externally over affected area.
- Traditionally juice is given to heal a patient with leucorrhea.
- Bitter gourd generates heat and should not be taken in large quantities.
- Pregnant women should not take too much Karela as it acts as a purgative and may stimulate the uterus leading to early labor or abortion.
- Considered to have anti-tumor, anti-cancer properties.
- A study discovered that bitter gourd inhibited pre-malignant and malignant prostate cancer cells, but human studies are yet to be conducted.