In Ayurveda, Karela is considered as tonic, stomachic, stimulant, emetic, antibilous,laxative and alterative. The fruit is useful in gout, rheumatism and subacute cases of the spleen and liver diseases. It is supposed to purify blood and dissipate melancholia and gross humours. It has also been shown to have hypoglycaemic properties (anti-diabetic) in animal as well as human studies.
Known as the 'Sugar Destroyer', this herb is historically given in cases of Diabetes and related conditions for blood-sugar control. Used as a tea, decoction or food additive.
The vegetable karela or bitter gourd or hairy mordica helps to lower blood glucose levels. British researchers have called this 'plant insulin.' They have found that eating karela over long periods significantly lowers sugar levels in the blood and urine.
Throughout history, the extracts of karela have been used in natural medicine of their purifying qualities. Karela is a blood purifier, activates spleen and liver and is highly beneficial in diabetes. It is a purgative, appetizer, digestive, anti inflammatory, anti flatulent and has healing capacity.
The karela has a strong bitter taste and can be compared to taking cod liver oil by the spoonful.
'The mineral and amino acid analysis showed that the bitter gourd contained nutritionally useful quantities of the most essential mineral and amino acids. The blood sugar once lowered after 30 days did not increase even after 15 days of discontinuation of the treatment.'* *Journal of Ethnopharmacology 15(1):107-17 1986 Jan.
'Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia on the glucose tolerance of maturity onset diabetic patients. The juice of Momordia charantia was found to significantly improve the glucose tolerance of 73% of the patients investigated while the other 27% failed to respond.'* *Journal of Ethnopharmacology 17(3):277-82 1986 Sept.
