Bitter Melon has been used for centuries around the world, not only
for its stark titular flavor, but also to fight dyspepsia, counteract
constipation, breakdown glucose, and support the body's natural
digestive process.
ALL NATURAL
CAFFEINE FREE
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
12 tea bags per box.
The Web MD says:
"Bitter melon is a plant. The fruit and seeds are used to make medicine.
Bitter melon is used for various stomach and intestinal disorders including gastrointestinal (GI) upset, ulcers, colitis, constipation, and intestinal worms. It is also used for diabetes, kidney stones, fever, a skin condition called psoriasis, and liver disease; to start menstruation; and as supportive treatment for people with HIV/AIDS.
Topically, bitter melon is used for deep skin infections (abscesses) and wounds.
Bitter melon is used as a vegetable in India and other Asian countries and as an ingredient in some kinds of curries.
How does it work?
Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like
insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels."
Uses:- Diabetes. Research results so far are conflicting and
inconclusive. Some studies show that bitter melon fruit, fruit juice, or
extract improves glucose tolerance, reduces blood sugar levels, and lowers HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control over time) in people with type 2 diabetes. But these studies have some flaws. Other research has not been positive.
- Psoriasis.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Stomach and intestinal disorders.
- Kidney stones.
- Liver disease.
- Skin abscesses and wounds.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of bitter melon for these uses.
Side Effects and Safety:Bitter melon is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used
short-term. The safety of long-term use (beyond 3 months) is not known.
There also isn’t enough information about the safety of applying bitter
melon to the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bitter melon is
LIKELY UNSAFE
when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Certain chemicals in bitter melon
fruit and juice can start menstrual bleeding and have caused
abortion
in animals. Not enough is known about the safety of using bitter melon
during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: Bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take
medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bitter melon might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: People with
G6PD deficiency
might develop “favism” after eating bitter melon seeds. Favism is a
condition named after the fava bean, which is thought to cause “tired
blood” (
anemia),
headache, fever,
stomach pain, and
coma
in certain people. A chemical found in bitter melon seeds is related
to chemicals in fava beans. If you have G6PD deficiency, avoid bitter
melon.
Surgery: There is a concern that bitter melon might interfere
with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using bitter
melon at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BITTER MELON
Bitter
melon can decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also
used to lower blood sugar. Taking bitter melon along with diabetes
medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your
blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to
be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl),
glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone
(Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide
(Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
BITTER MELON DosingThe
appropriate dose of bitter melon depends on several factors such as the
user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is
not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of
doses for bitter melon. Keep in mind that natural products are not
always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow
relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or
physician or other healthcare professional before using.