Bitter Gourd

Scientific name of Bitter gourd: Momordica charantia

Name of Bitter gourd in different languages:-

Sanskrit: Karavella, Kaarvellakah, Kathillah, Paraaru, Sushavi, Urdhvaasitah

Hindi: Karela

English: bitter melon, bitter squash and balsam pear

Malayalam: Pavakka- പാവയ്ക്ക, Kaippakka, Pavel

Tamil: Pakar

Plant description of Bitter gourd:

Bitter gourd is a herbaceous vine, climbing with tendril grows up to 5 m length. The leaves are simple, alternate up to 12 cm across, with 5-7 separated lobes. Flowers are yellow both male and female flowers. The fruits are spiny, oblong, tapered both end, and warty exterior, hollow in cross-section, green in color, it turns yellow when ripe. The seeds are flat, golden yellow and somewhat square shaped with a waved margin.

Useful plant parts:

The whole plants, Leaf, fruit and Seeds

Medicinal uses:

It is used in the treatment of vitiated conditions of Kapha and Pitta, and also used in skin diseases, leprosy, burning sensation, diabetes, inflammation, asthma, ulcers, wounds, lumbago, bone fractures, leprosy and jaundice.

Ayurveda uses and benefits of Bitter Gourd

1. Blood Sugar Management: Regulates glucose levels, beneficial for diabetes.
2. Digestive Aid: Supports digestion, alleviates constipation, and aids liver function.
3. Weight Management: Low in calories, high in fiber, aiding in weight loss.
4. Skin Health: Treats skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
5. Immune Booster: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants for immune support.
6. Respiratory Health: Helps manage respiratory conditions like asthma.
7. Antioxidant Properties: Guards against cell damage from free radicals.
8. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, offering pain relief.
9. Detoxification: Cleanses the blood and eliminates toxins from the body.
10. Balances Doshas: Especially effective in pacifying Kapha dosha.

Chemical contents:

Rich source of Vitamin D, steroid, alkaloid, triterpene, protein, inorganic, lipid, and
phenolic compounds.

Bitter gourd is used as an ingredient to prepare the Ayurvedic medicines like:

• Aragwadhadi Ghrita
• Maha Vishagarbha Tailam

For more details:

http://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/volume11issue1/Article-007.pdf