Ampalaya, also called Bitter Gourd or Bitter melon, is an abundant vegetable that is famous to every Filipino. A tropical plant commonly grown for its edible fruit, probably among the most bitter of all vegetables on earth which is use widely for medicinal purposes in the Philippines to treat some common ailments particularly diabetes.
Ampalaya is known to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and gout, as well as lowering the body blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Below are some beneficial aspects of using bitter melon:
- As a treatment of intestinal worms and diarrhea.
- Enhancing the body’s immune system.
- Serves as an effective antioxidant, antipyretic agent and antibacterial.
- Disinfect and heal cut, burns and wound.
- Cough and fever remedy
- Cancer prevention
In the Philippines, ampalaya leaves are mostly applied for children’s cough, infertility in women, as a purgative and medication for skin ailments. It is also beneficial for women as it help to cure some tumor in the uterus, dysmenorhea and hormonal imbalance. A cup of pounded leaves of ampalaya, mix with sambong juice is required to consume on or before your menstruation and bloods will flow continuously.
According to Filipinos belief, when ampalaya juice taken was made from leaves, parasites within the body are extracted. However, both leaves and fruits can be juiced and taken orally. In addition, a warmed ampalaya leaves can also be applied to treat wounds, burns and headaches as well as on some skin infections. A spoonful ampalaya leaf juice is also use to alleviate mild coughs for children when taken daily. And is as well agreeable treatment for burns, wounds and scalds.
Ampalaya juice was found to be most significant for diabetes as it lowers the blood sugar in the body. A juice from the fruit which has hypoglycemic effects has a greater copious supply which enhances the uptake of glucose and promotes insulin release.
Problems in your tummy can also be treated by ampalaya juice, as it expels intestinal parasites, diarrhea, chronic colitis and dysentery. In a spoonful take 3 times a day until ailment subsides.
How to make Ampalaya Juice:
- Select firm and light green in color of ampalaya.
- Cut the ampalaya lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Chop the ampalaya into 1 inch cubes.
- Place ampalaya cubes in the food processor and process using the pulse function. In case your food processor doesn’t have pulse button, process on high for a few seconds at a time.
- Scrape the sides of the food processor as needed and pulse again until ampalaya is liquefied.
- Place the cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the liquefied ampalaya into the cloth to strain out the solids.
- Squeeze to release as much juice as possible into the bowl.
- Store ampalaya juice in a closed glass container in the refrigerator. It can be use for a week.
Taking juice made from ampalaya also helps to treat constipation, which is mainly cause by unhealthy eating habits and daily dietary practices. It helps improve the movement of the gastrointestinal tract as well as improving absorption in the intestines.
As its herbal benefits continue, did you know that ampalaya is also a competent digestive agent? Definitely it works, by properly stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. It as well aids in stimulating the liver for proper secretion of bile juices that are essential for the metabolism of fats in our body.
Aside from its extreme medicinal value, it is also a great source of iron, phosphorous, calcium, vitamins A, B, and C.
Ampalaya is nutritious. It is noted effective in resolving variety of common ailments. So, add them to your diet for better health!