Bitter Melon
Alternate Name: Lài Guā (Rough Gourd).
Properties: Bitter (Taste), Cool (Nature).
Meridian Affinity: Enters the Heart, Spleen, and Stomach meridians.
Medicinal Parts: Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.), a plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit, root, vine, and leaves are used as medicine.
Morphological Characteristics: Dried bitter melon slices appear oval or rectangular, about 2–8 mm thick, 3–15 cm long, and 0.4–2 cm wide. They are generally shriveled and curved, with a light gray-brown rind that is rough and features longitudinal wrinkles or wart-like protrusions. Sometimes, seeds are present in the middle, or holes remain where seeds have fallen out. The texture is brittle and easily broken. It has a slight aroma and a bitter taste. The best quality slices are characterized by a green edge, white flesh, thinness, and few seeds.
Usage and Dosage of Bitter Melon
Internal Use: For decoction, 6-15g; for fresh produce, 30-60g. Alternatively, it can be calcined until charred but retaining its form, then ground into a powder.
External Use: Apply an appropriate amount; fresh produce can be mashed and applied as a poultice, or its juice can be extracted and applied.
Functions and Indications of Bitter Melon
Functions: Clears summer-heat and dispels damp-heat, improves vision, detoxifies.
Indications: Treats feverish diseases with intense thirst, heatstroke, dysentery, red and painful eyes, carbuncles and erysipelas, and malignant sores.
Contraindications of Bitter Melon
The "Dian Nan Ben Cao" (Materia Medica of Yunnan) states: "Individuals with deficient-cold in the Spleen and Stomach should consume it with caution, as it may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain."
Formulations of Bitter Melon
① To treat fever due to heatstroke: Take one fresh bitter melon, cut it open, remove the pulp, fill it with tea leaves, then reattach the sections and hang it in a ventilated place to air dry in the shade. Use 6-9g (two to three qian) each time. Decoction or brew with boiling water as tea.
② To treat vexing heat and thirst: Take one fresh bitter melon, slice it open, remove the pulp, chop it finely, and decoct it in water for consumption.
③ To treat dysentery: Mash fresh bitter melon, squeeze out one cup of juice, and mix with boiling water for consumption. (Formulas ①-③ are from "Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine").
④ To treat eye pain: Calcine bitter melon into a powder, and take with a decoction of Junci Medulla (rush pith). (From "Dian Nan Ben Cao").
⑤ To treat carbuncles and boils: Mash fresh bitter melon and apply to the affected area. (From "Quanzhou Materia Medica").
⑥ To treat stomach qi pain: Calcine bitter melon into a powder, and take with boiling water. (From "Dian Nan Ben Cao").
Discussions on Bitter Melon by Various Scholars
1. "Dian Nan Ben Cao": Treats fire-toxin, heals malignant sores and swelling, or widespread sesame-seed-like boils causing unbearable pain. Clears excess fire from the six meridians, dispels summer-heat, benefits qi, and stops thirst.
2. "Sheng Sheng Bian": Eliminates pathogenic heat, relieves fatigue, clears the Heart, and improves vision.
3. "Ben Cao Qiu Zhen": Clears heat and relieves vexation.
4. "Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu": When green, it clears heat, brightens the eyes, and calms the Heart. When ripe, it nourishes blood, moistens the liver, enriches the spleen, and tonifies the kidneys.
5. "Quanzhou Materia Medica": Primarily treats vexing heat with intense thirst, wind-heat-induced red eyes, and dysentery caused by heatstroke.
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3-Second Self-Assessment, 30-Second Self-Help:
If... you're experiencing signs of summer heat like excessive thirst, a feeling of being run down, or occasional minor skin irritations,
Then... consider incorporating bitter melon into your diet in moderation, perhaps as a refreshing tea, or consult a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
References
This comprehensive review explores Momordica charantia's traditional uses, aligning with its role in clearing heat and dispelling toxins in TCM. PMID: 35955610
Research highlights the broad pharmacological activities of bitter melon, supporting its historical use for various conditions, including those related to heat and inflammation. PMID: 29775087
This review article provides insight into Momordica charantia's traditional applications and potential benefits, consistent with its function in TCM for managing heat-related symptoms. PMID: 28889980
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
