Balsam Pear 10:1 (sold as Bitter Melon)

Botanical: Momordica charantia

Family: Cucurbitaceae (gourd)

Other common names:  Bitter Melon, Bitter Cucumber, LaGua, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Squash, Karela, Leprosy Gourd, Cerasee, Momordica

Balsam Pear grows in tropical areas, where it is used as a food, as well as a medicine for a dazzling array of conditions by people in those regions.   The leaves and fruit have both been used to make teas and beer or to season soups in the Western world, but more importantly, when used as an herbal medicine, Balsam Pear is currently being studied as a valuable support in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Balsam Pear grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine.  It is a green, cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps and, in fact, resembles an ugly, light green cucumber, but it tastes very bitter.  The fruit should be firm, like that of a cucumber.   Although the seeds, leaves and vines of Balsam Pear have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most common part of the plant used medicinally.  The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer or to season soups in the Western world.  Balsam Pear was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, malignant disease, leukemia and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve.  Balsam Pear is currently reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis.  It has also been thought that Balsam Pear may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is not conclusive.  However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Balsam Pear may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (Type-2) diabetes.  The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Balsam Pear has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans and may thus be helpful for those with Type-2 diabetes, but only under a doctor's supervision.  At least three different groups of constituents in Balsam Pear have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus.  These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides and alkaloids.  It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together.  Nonetheless, Balsam Pear preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.  Blood and urine sugar levels and post-prandial (after eating) blood glucose levels also fell.  An as-yet unidentified constituent in Balsam Pear also seems to inhibit the enzyme, guanylate cyclase, which may benefit people with psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, one (1) time each day with water at a morning or mid-day mealtime.

Contraindications:
Pregnant women should avoid Balsam Pear, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.  Anyone with hypoglycemia should not take Balsam Pear, because it may possibly worsen or trigger low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Furthermore, diabetics taking prescription hypoglycemic drugs or insulin should not take Balsam Pear unless under a physician's direction.  As a safety measure, Bitter Melon should be avoided altogether by those who have cirrhosis, hepatitis or those with HIV/AIDS who have a history of liver infection. Balsam Pear should be used for four weeks only, and then discontinue for four weeks.

Capsule Information:
Our Balsam Pear supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mg. each.