Cerasee (Momordica Charantia)
Origin:
The Momordica Charantia L.- Cerasee Plant (bitter melon or gourd) comes from the Cucurbitaceae family which is a subtropical or tropical vine widely grown in places such as asia, africa, middle -east and also the caribbean
The Momordica Charantia L. is called bitter-melon due its staunch bitterness. All aspects of the plant from its root , leaves and fruit (yellow) are mainly used as an antidiabetic treatment in humans. This mainly occurs on the cell-line. Originated in India and China in the 14th Century . The Momordica is widely grown as it is a natural plant in the Caribbean and especially the exotic island of Jamaica.
Nutrition Facts:
Vitamins: A, C, P, Fe
Thiamine, riboflavin, Niacin and Minerals
Water
Protein and lipids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Linolenic acid ( eleostearic acid)
Health Benefits:
In Jamaica the Cerasee Plant - bitter melon is used to make tea bags . This tea is used to tone the organs after childbirth for pregnant women and the skin of their unborn. The Momordica Charantia L. (cerasee) is mainly used as an antidiabetic , anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatment drug. This is also used to lower glycaemia in type 2 diabetes and is shown in animal models. The fruit and leaves of the momordica plant are very rich in phytochemicals. The leaves are used to treat Amenorrhea and rheumatism therapy , its fruit and leaves are used to treat jaundice and other liver diseases, ulcers and burns , while its roots are used to treat skin diseases. The Plant bitter-melon is also used to treat gonorrhea, measles, chicken pox, scabies and malaria.
In the wider Caribbean, leaf decoction or fruit juice is used to treat diabetes as well . This decoction also treats high blood pressure , womb infections and HIV /AIDS.
Adverse Effects and other uses:
Side effects can cause diarrhea, abdominal pains, fever , hypoglycemia, urinary incontinence and chest pains. These symptoms are generally mild and should go away with rest. One must also note that cerasee - the bitter melon , may induce bleeding in pregnant women. Studies show that individuals with glucose -6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency can develop favism after momordica charantia L. Consumption. This is also similar in use to cucumber, chayote and green ball pepper but it is bitter.
Consumption:
The momordica charantia L. (cerasee plant) is an edible vegetable and herb. In Jamaica it is used as a tea, as it is like caffeine. The tea is drawn and flavored as it is a very popular “bush”.
How to Prepare Cerasee Tea:
1. Wash a handful of the dry or green “bush”.
2. Place it into a pot over high temperature and boil.
3. Boil the “bush” until excess water is gone.
4. Remove from heat and strain as tea.
5. Sweeten to taste with sugar (optional).
6. Drink warm as directed.
This is medicine to the blood. Caution- Long -continuous use can cause liver damage.
Contributor
Juliet N. McDermott.
References:
https: // www.amazon.com/jamaica-seeds-bitter-Melon-momordica-charantia-Vegetable/dp/B00VJUWKWQ
www.google.com
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/Cerasee-benefits-57058
http://www.islandherbsandspices.com/product/cerasee-plant-bittermelon
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3899464
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.004866/full
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/momordia_charantia
www.jamaicancookery.com/2015/03/how-to-boil-cerasee-tea-jamaican-home-remedy.html