What is Ampalaya
Ampalaya, Herbal Medicine
Medical Uses of Ampalaya

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in the Philippines for its edible fruit. As the English name suggests (bitter melon or bitter gourd), the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin, and is believed to be among the most bitter of all vegetables.

Amplaya is a climbing vine that grows up to 5m, with tendrils up to 20cm. long. Amplaya leaves are heart-shaped, 5-10 cm across, cut into 5-7 lobes. Each Ampalaya plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. It bears fleshy green fruit, oblong shaped with pointed ends, ribbed and wrinkled, bursting when mature to release seeds. Ampalaya seeds are flat with ruminated margins.

 

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) or it's scientific name, Momordica charantia has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments.

The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) as an alternative herbal medicine for liver problems. Research about Ampalaya has shown that Amplaya increases the production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin, that controls the blood sugar for diabetics.

Ampalaya leaves and fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene.

Ampalaya is used as herbal treatment for diabetes, HIV, coughs, skin diseases, sterility in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as purgative among others.

Diabetes. Ampalaya fruits and leaves can be eaten as vegetable. Ampalaya tablets and capsules are also now available in the Philippines.

Hemorrhoids. Powdered leaves and root decoction of Ampalaya are applied to hemorrhoids as astringent.

Stomach Problems. Ampalaya leaf juice is used to expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded seeds may also be used. Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.

Cough. Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a teaspoon 3x a day.

Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat burns, scalds and wounds.

Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment of HIV, hypertension, treatment of fever and headaches, treatment of rheumatism and gout, disease of the spleen and liver.

Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.

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