Plants are natural pharmacies and are rich in a diversity of nutrients. Many of all modern day pharmaceutical drugs have either been developed from plant compounds or are synthetic replicas of the plant molecule system. These nutrients mainly function as antioxidants but they also help to regulate the gene function in the plants and also in animals that actually eat them. These nutrients have played a major role in human nutrition also, for example herbs have often provided a much needed boost during illness.

Many herbs contain elements that regulate glucose and indirectly, insulin levels. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, balsam pear and karela, has been used by traditional healers for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of diabetes.

Bitter melon contains medicinal constituents that are similar to animal insulin. However the plant is used… as a juice, in fruit form or dried powder… all have been useful in decreasing blood sugar levels. It can be found at farmers’ markets that feature Asian plants or is available at many Asian grocery stores.

How to take bitter melon:

• firstly select one that is green or yellow, orange ones are old
• slice the unpeeled fruit lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut into thin slices and steam or boil until the fruit is tender and is easy to cut with the edge of a spoon. Then place the fruit with an equal amount of water in a blender and puree for two or three minutes. Drink one quarter to half a cup a day
• or the gourds can be sliced and added in small amounts to wok dishes. Or cut into thin strips, mixed with onions and tomatoes and eggs and made into an omelet
• a bitter melon extract can be found in Asian grocery stores… take one quarter to half a teaspoon up to three times daily
• bitter melon has been concentrated and made into capsules… it is advised to take two capsules per day usually with a meal or one hour after eating when your blood sugar levels are highest.
• bitter melon is also an ingredient found in most diabetic herbal supplements; combined with other herbs, vitamins or even minerals

The bitter melon extract can be taken alone or mixed with other herbs, mineral or vitamin supplements. Bitter melon itself is also naturally loaded with vitamins and minerals; a mix does not have harmful interactions.

Don’t forget though to inform your health care practitioner about the bitter melon supplements or concoctions you are taking.

• Understanding Diabetes Supplies
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• How Diabetes Became a Modern Day Epidemic
• Childhood Diabetes - Managing the Disease in Children
• Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy

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