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.

1. Excellent Blood Purifier and removes toxins.
2. It is an anti-pyretic.
3. Contains a compound similar to insulin commonly dubbed as plant insulin with similar properties.
4. Reduces Sugar levels hence used in diabetes.
5. Reduces urine sugar levels in diabetes.
6. Lowers blood pressure.
7. Helps in treating skin diseases, improves skin and to treat pimples.
8.  Used in fungal skin diseases, itching, boils, ring worms, athlete's foot, scabies, and psoriasis. Both internally and externally.
9. It is a stomachic and improves gastric functions.
10. It has anti-bilous properties.
11. Helps cleanse the liver and removes toxins.
12. Improves the appetite.
13. Stimulates the spleen.
14. Boosts the immune system.
15. Useful in the treatment of complications of the eye and improves eye sight (due to beta-carotene and other nutrients).
16. It has a mild laxative effect.
17. It is a good source of Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, Folic acid, Beta-Carotene and Carbohydrates.
18. Rich source of Phosphorous.
19. Regular use of Juice of bitter gourd improves energy and stamina levels.
20. Helps prevent and reduce Neuritis (Inflammation of one or more nerves).
21. It is known for its metabolism regulating properties.
22. Helps to improve the absorption of carbohydrates.
23. Fresh juice of leaves is useful in Piles.
24. Paste of roots is externally applied on the Piles and helps in reduction of pain and inflammation.
25. Paste of seeds is used to treat wounds, scalds, and burns.
26. Fresh juice of leaves helps treat alcoholism.
27. Fresh juice of leaves helps in treating diarrhea and early stages of cholera.
28. Used in treating Jaundice and considered to possess anti-viral properties. Studies indicated that it inhibits Hepatitis B in vitro and HIV.
29. Roots of plant are used to treat respiratory disorders.
30.  Used in the treatment of Asthma, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis, and Rhinitis.
31. Used in the treatment of Arthritis and joint pain. To be taken regularly internally and juice to be applied externally over affected area.
32. Traditionally juice is given to heal a patient with leucorrhea.
33. Bitter gourd generates heat and should not be taken in large quantities.
34. 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.
35. Considered to have anti-tumor, anti-cancer properties.
36. A study discovered that bitter gourd inhibited pre-malignant and malignant prostate cancer cells, but human studies are yet to be conducted.