The shape of the plant/fruit/seed determines the organs in our body that receive the most health benefits.
Such examples include: walnut for our brain, brazil nuts for prostate and pears for reproductive organs. Pine nuts for small organs responsible for sex hormones and the list goes on.
When it comes to some green plants, the bitter melon brings energy to most of our organs (brain, liver, kidney and others) and blood circulation. The inside of the fruit are small compartments for seeds while the outside skin is akin to our brain with waves. The leaves are heart-shaped. The male and female flowers are bright yellow. Do remember that sulfur-rich foods or yellow-colored foods and white, are cleansing to our bodies.
Connie Dello Buono of Motherhealth Inc, in home care for homebound seniors in the bayarea 4088541883 ; motherhealth@gmail.com
The following details about the bitter melon are taken from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com
Bitter Melon for Diabetes Treatment . Clinical Studies for Bitter melon demonstrated hypoglycemic properties (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic chemicals found in Bitter include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of bitter melon where these chemicals are in greater abundance. Bitter melon fruit has also shown the ability to enhance cells’ uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and potentiate the effect of insulin. In other in vivo studies, bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides in both the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were returned to normal after 10 weeks of treatment
Bitter melon for Hemorrhoids Treatment. Powdered leaves and root decoction of Bitter melon are applied to hemorrhoids as astringent.
Bitter melon used to treat Stomach Problems. Bitter melon leaf juice is used to expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded bitter melon seeds may also be used. Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.
Bitter melon used to treat Cough. Bitter melon leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a teaspoon 3x a day.
Bitter melon for Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded Bitter melon seeds or leaf are used to treat burns, scalds and wounds.
Bitter melon has Anti-Cancer properties , Two compounds extracted from Bitter melon, α-eleostearic acid (from Bitter melon seeds) and dihydroxy-α-eleostearic acid (from the Bitter melon fruit) have been found to induce apoptosis of leukemia cells in vitro. Diets containing 0.01% Bitter melon oil (0.006% as α-eleostearic acid) were found to prevent azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.
Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment of HIV, treatment of fever and headaches, treatment of rheumatism and gout, disease of the spleen and liver.
Side Effects : In large dozes, pure Bitter melon juice can be a purgative and may cause pregnancy abortion.