Karela
Karela
Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a vegetable with important medicinal value. It is packed with nutrients and vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin C) which help protect the body against certain diseases.
Karela is good for the skin due to its blood purification activity which keeps the skin glowing naturally. Karela also helps improve digestion and enhances appetite. Drinking Karela juice on an empty stomach provides protection against skin diseases and prevents cell damage due to its antioxidant property. Regular consumption of Karela juice also helps manage the blood glucose levels by increasing as it enhances insulin secretion.
Karela paste or powder mixed with coconut oil or water, can be applied on the scalp to help get rid of dandruff due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
According to Ayurveda, Karela paste might help reduce the problem of piles mass due to its strong Ropan (healing) property.
Karela juice may lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels when taken in large amounts. So, it is generally advisable to avoid excessive consumption of Karela juice, especially if you are taking blood glucose lowering medication[1][7-9].
Karela is good for the skin due to its blood purification activity which keeps the skin glowing naturally. Karela also helps improve digestion and enhances appetite. Drinking Karela juice on an empty stomach provides protection against skin diseases and prevents cell damage due to its antioxidant property. Regular consumption of Karela juice also helps manage the blood glucose levels by increasing as it enhances insulin secretion.
Karela paste or powder mixed with coconut oil or water, can be applied on the scalp to help get rid of dandruff due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
According to Ayurveda, Karela paste might help reduce the problem of piles mass due to its strong Ropan (healing) property.
Karela juice may lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels when taken in large amounts. So, it is generally advisable to avoid excessive consumption of Karela juice, especially if you are taking blood glucose lowering medication[1][7-9].
What are the synonyms of Karela?
Momordica charantia, Karavella, Varivalli, Karavalli, Kakiral, Kakral, Karolla, Bitter gourd, Hagalakai, Kaippa, Pavackkai, Karla, Kalara, Salara, Paharkai, Kaakara, Kaaya, Kathilla
What is the source of Karela?
Plant Based
Benefits of Karela
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in the management of diabetes. Karela is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic agent. Karela prevents the damage and helps in the formation of new β cells in the pancreas. Karela lowers the blood glucose level by increasing insulin secretion and glucose utilization[1][2].
Ayurvedic View
Karela is a well-known herb for controlling high blood sugar level. Karela helps to control high sugar due to its Tikta (bitter), Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It improves metabolism and maintains the insulin level. Thus Karela helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1-2 months to get rid of the symptoms of diabetes.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1-2 months to get rid of the symptoms of diabetes.
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in the management of liver disease. Karela has good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Karela leaf extract normalizes the level of the elevated liver enzymes. Karela fruit extract increases the level of natural antioxidants. Karela also reduces the fat accumulation in liver[2][4].
Ayurvedic View
Karela helps to prevent liver damage due to alcohol and helps to improve liver functions. This is done by detoxifying toxins which are responsible for inflammation and diseases due to its Tikta (bitter) property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to reduce the risk of liver disease.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to reduce the risk of liver disease.
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in the management of stomach and intestinal disorders. Momordicin in Karela improves digestion and helps to increase appetite. Karela extract also inhibits the growth of H.pylori bacteria and prevents ulcer formation[1][2][5]
Ayurvedic View
Karela helps increases the secretion of digestive acids which improve digestion and promote better absorption of food or nutrients. This is due to its Tikta (bitter), Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to get rid of the symptoms of indigestion.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to get rid of the symptoms of indigestion.
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in the management of kidney stones[2][4].
Ayurvedic View
Karela helps eliminate kidney stones by breaking them naturally. This is due to its Tikta (bitter) property. Karela helps to break down kidney stone and eliminate from the body naturally.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Repeat to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in managing HIV/AIDS due to its antiviral activity. Kuguacin C and Kuguacin E in Karela has anti HIV activity. Proteins like α- and β-momorcharin in Karela also inhibits Human immunodeficiency virus. It inhibits the replication of HIV virus in the cells[1][2].
How effective is Karela?
Insufficient evidence
Diabetes, HIV infection, Indigestion, Kidney stone, Liver disease
FAQs about Karela benefits
Precautions when using Karela
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Karela if you have hyperacidity or gastritis.
Ayurvedic View
Karela having red colour seeds should be avoided in children as it can cause stomach ache or diarrhea.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Karela can lower the blood sugar level. So it generally advisable to monitor your blood sugar level while taking karela along with other anti diabetic medicines[2].
Recommended Dosage of Karela
- Karela Juice - 2-3 teaspoon once a day
- Karela Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Karela Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
- Karela Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day.
How to use Karela
1. Karela Juice
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink before taking food once a day.
2. Karela Churna
a. Take ¼ teaspoon of Karela Churna.
b. Add with honey or with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Karela Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Karela.
b. Swallow it with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Karela Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Karela.
b. Swallow it with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink before taking food once a day.
2. Karela Churna
a. Take ¼ teaspoon of Karela Churna.
b. Add with honey or with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Karela Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Karela.
b. Swallow it with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Karela Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Karela.
b. Swallow it with water if you have diabetes after taking lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Karela
Modern Science View
Karela might be beneficial in managing skin abscess and wounds. Factors like growth factor deficiency, decreased collagen synthesis or improper immune response contribute to delayed wound healing. Karela has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and immunomodulatory properties. Karela helps in the formation of new skin cells, reduces the inflammatory mediators and helps in wound closure[1-3].
Ayurvedic View
Karela helps to cure skin abscess and wound due to its Tikta (Bitter) and Ropan(healing) properties. Because of these properties it helps to control blood flow and clotting. Thus, the wound heals faster and prevents further infections in skin abscess.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add rose water to it.
3. Apply on the wounds and let it sit 2-3 hours.
4. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
5. Use this remedy once a day for quick wound healing.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add rose water to it.
3. Apply on the wounds and let it sit 2-3 hours.
4. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
5. Use this remedy once a day for quick wound healing.
Modern Science View
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder associated with red, scaly, dry and itchy patches on the skin. Karela has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory property that may help to manage psoriasis[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
Karela juice or paste gives some amount of relief in Psoriasis from itching or irritation when applied externally due to its Kapha and Pitta balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add honey to it.
3. Apply on the affected area and let it sit 2-3 hours.
4. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
5. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
2. Add honey to it.
3. Apply on the affected area and let it sit 2-3 hours.
4. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
5. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis.
How effective is Karela?
Insufficient evidence
Psoriasis, Skin infections
1. Hair loss
Karela juice or paste helps to reduce dandruff and promote hair growth. This is due to its Tikta rasa (bitter taste) when applied externally.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the on scalp and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to control hair loss.
2. Piles
Karela paste helps in wound healing and reduces the problem of piles mass. This is due to its Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area at night before going to bed.
d. Keep it the whole night.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy once a day to get relief from the symptoms of piles.
Karela juice or paste helps to reduce dandruff and promote hair growth. This is due to its Tikta rasa (bitter taste) when applied externally.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the on scalp and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to control hair loss.
2. Piles
Karela paste helps in wound healing and reduces the problem of piles mass. This is due to its Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area at night before going to bed.
d. Keep it the whole night.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy once a day to get relief from the symptoms of piles.
Precautions when using Karela
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Karela juice or fresh paste with rose water or coconut oil while applying externally as it hot in potency.
Recommended Dosage of Karela
- Karela Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement
- Karela Paste - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
- Karela Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
How to use Karela
1. Karela Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply on the wounds and let it to sit 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of wounds and other skin infections.
2. Karela fresh Paste or Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela paste or powder.
b. Add coconut oil or water to it.
c. Apply on the hair and scalp and let it to sit 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of dandruff and dry scalp.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela juice.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply on the wounds and let it to sit 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of wounds and other skin infections.
2. Karela fresh Paste or Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Karela paste or powder.
b. Add coconut oil or water to it.
c. Apply on the hair and scalp and let it to sit 2-3 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of dandruff and dry scalp.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to specify the safe dosage of Karela juice. However, it may lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). So, it is generally advised to avoid excessive consumption of Karela juice[8].
Modern Science View
1. Peel 2-4 Karela using a knife.
2. Slice the peeled Karela through the center.
3. Spoon out the seeds and the white flesh of the Karela.
4. Cut Karela into small pieces.
5. Soak the pieces in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Add the pieces in a juicer along with ½ teaspoon of salt and lemon juice.
7. Make a blend of the ingredients.
8. Drink this freshly prepared Karela juice once a day to effectively manage weight.
2. Slice the peeled Karela through the center.
3. Spoon out the seeds and the white flesh of the Karela.
4. Cut Karela into small pieces.
5. Soak the pieces in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Add the pieces in a juicer along with ½ teaspoon of salt and lemon juice.
7. Make a blend of the ingredients.
8. Drink this freshly prepared Karela juice once a day to effectively manage weight.
Modern Science View
Yes, Karela helps to control cholesterol levels. Karela has hypolipidemic and antioxidant property. Karela prevents lipid peroxidation caused by the free radicals and helps to increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol[1].
Modern Science View
No, Karela is not recommended during pregnancy as it may induce miscarriage or birth defects in the baby[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karela is good for the skin. It acts as a blood purifier that helps keeps the skin glowing. It is used in the management of blood boils, scabies, itching, ringworm and other fungal infections. The antioxidants present in Karela protect against skin diseases and prevent skin cell damage.
Tips:
1. Take a cup of fresh juice of bitter gourd (Karela).
2. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
3. Drink it sip by sip on an empty stomach for about 4-6 months to get naturally glowing skin[7][9].
Tips:
1. Take a cup of fresh juice of bitter gourd (Karela).
2. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
3. Drink it sip by sip on an empty stomach for about 4-6 months to get naturally glowing skin[7][9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Karela is good for the skin. Eating Karela or drinking its juice helps to remove toxins and waste products from the blood and getting rid of skin problems by purifying the blood due to its Tikta (bitter) quality.
Modern Science View
Yes, Karela can be used to reduce hyperpigmentation. Karela has antioxidant and anti-melanogenic properties. Karela protects the skin against UV radiation. Karela also inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme and reduces melanin production[6].
References
- Jia S, Shen M, Zhang F, et al.Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional components and biological activities.Int J Mol Sci.2017; 18(12): 2555.
- WebMD.Bitter-melon: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Upadhyay A, Agrahari P, Singh DK. A review on salient pharmacological features of Momordica charantia. International Journal of Pharmacology.2015;11(5):405-413.
- Alam MA, Uddin R, Subhan N, et al. Beneficial role of bitter melon supplementation in obesity and related complications in metabolic syndrome. Journal of Lipids.2015.
- Gupta M, Sharma S, Gautam AK, et al. Momordica charantia Linn. (Karela): Nature’s silent healer. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research.2011;11(1):32-37.
- Tsai TH, Huang CJ, Wu WH, et al. Antioxidant, cell-protective, and anti-melanogenic activities of leaf extracts from wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) cultivars. Botanical Studies.2014;55:78.
- Thakur M, Sharma RK. Bitter Gourd : Health properties and value addition at farm scale.Marumegh.2016;1(2):17-21.
- Rani B, Jat BL, Pandey M, et al. Dietetic Corollary of Momordica Charantia for vivaciousness and sanguinity.IJPRBS.2014;3(2):141-154.
- Bakhru HK. Foods that heal. Orient paperbacks. 2014.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.