English: Bitter gourd, Bitter Melon
Tagalog: Ampalaya
Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests, the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes.
It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it’s ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV. It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children’s coughs. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative.
ahmmmm…..your website is very exquisite i love the background cause it really fits to your website,and aside from that we students can get plenty of information about the scientific names and about the functions of the different herbal medicines…thanks for the information you’ve given us..
i forgot to say that keep up the good works for the students not only students but also to all the people who are willing to learn about the herbal medicines….Godbless..
Liked it!!
Hello,
I would have liked more information on how to prepare the fruits & leaves for different health issues. Are they juiced? How much to take? Is used as something one would apply topically on the skin and how? Skin problems were mentioned. Can the seeds be used as well? Will someone answer these questions for me?
I’d really appreciate knowing.
In Gratitude, Agape Love, Joy…………Petronila
it so healthy to your body and your stomach but it is bitter to your ate that ampalaya
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