Bitter Melon Essential Oil (Momordica charantia)
Overview
Bitter Melon may also be referred to as Bitter Melon, Bitter Apple, Bitter Gourd, Karela, Bitter Squash, Balsam-Pear, Bitter Cucumber, Art Pumpkin, Balsam Apple. It is typically processed in Amazon, Africa, Asia, India, South America, and the Caribbean using cold pressed as a method for extracting oil from the seeds.
Essential Facts
- Aroma Description: It has a strong bitter aroma
- Common Name(s): Bitter Melon, Bitter Apple, Bitter Gourd, Karela, Bitter Squash, Balsam-Pear, Bitter Cucumber, Art Pumpkin, Balsam Apple
- Botanical Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Botanical Genus: Momordica
- Perfumery Note: Middle
- Color: Pale yellow to greenish yellow in color
- Countries of Production: Amazon, Africa, Asia, India, South America, and the Caribbean
- Indigenous Country: India
- Processing Methods: Cold Pressed
- Part Typically Used: Seeds
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Vegan
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Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
Essential Details
Benefits & Uses
May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:
Eczema
PsoriasisBenefits of Bitter Melon:
Bitter Gourd Seed Oil is a highly-nutritive vegetable oil that helps bring back moisture and suppleness to even the most dry and damaged hair. Bitter Gourd Oil is a great option for hot oil massages and pre-shampoo treatments for preventing dandruff, scalp flaking, and restoring your hair and scalp's natural moisture.
Therapeutic Benefits of Bitter Melon:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial
Other Uses for Bitter Melon:
Lip Care
Skin CareCautions & Safety
Avoid Bitter Melon if:
Avoid use if pregnant or lactating. Documentation of emmenagogue and abortifacient effects exists.
Do not:
Not to be used by pregnant women because it could promote bleeding and contractions that could lead to miscarriage.
Contraindications of Bitter Melon:
Patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase should avoid consumption of bitter melon preparations due to the presence of vicine in the seeds.
History
History of Bitter Melon:
It was originated in India and was introduced in 14th century in China. It was believed to be brought by slave trade to Brazil from Africa. It is used widely in South Asia, East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Traditional Folklore
Traditional Folklore of Bitter Melon:
The gourd-like fruit has a long history in Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine both a healthy food and medicine and its use as a treatment for diabetes is supported by scientific studies here in the west.