Bitter Melon (Mormordica charantia) whole herb
Momordica charantia is the scientific name of Bitter
melon as it is commonly called; the herb belongs to a gourd family and is
widely used in traditional medicine mostly in the Orient and Caribbean. In some
areas in the Orient the fruit is eaten as a vegetable, while the young leaves
are taken as seasoning.
Herbal benefits of the herb
Several herbal
remedies can be associated with this particular herb that is found beneficial to relieve skin rashes, heat rash, insect
bites and pain of wasp stings. A decoction of the leaves may also be taken on the onset of infectious
diseases and other ailments. In some areas it is used to wash arthritic limbs,
alleviate fever, and beneficial in treating infected skin wounds. When taken
regularly, the decoction has been used to regulate blood sugar and control
diabetes.
However, caution
should be considered in the use of the herb in pregnant women, as it contains
some abortifacent properties. It has been found that the plant is slightly
toxic when it is raw, but less so when prepared for external
use which is safer in many ways.
Macela (Achyrocline satureoides) leaf
Common names associated with
Macela herb are Macela, marcela, birabira, marcela-da-mata, hembra
marcela, Juan blanco, macela-do-campo, marcela hembra, camomila-nacional,
marcelita, mirabira, perpétua do mato suso, viravira, wira-wira, yatey-caa,
yerba de chivo.
The herb is an annual plant
that grows up to 1 ½ meter, and medium sized aromatic plant. Normally, it
produces small white flowers with yellowish at the center and serrated green
leaves. Commonly found in the tropical climate countries like South America
including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru
and Venezuela. To some it is considered as a weed, and it springs up on
disturbed soils.
Clinical
properties
Research and
clinical studies done in 1980’s, showed potential phytochemical properties in
macela, as it is shown to possess very rich content of flavonoids as well as
other components that includes terpenes, achyrocline polysaccharides, achyrofuran,
auricepyrone, cadinene, caffeic acid, callerianin, calleryanin, caryatin,
caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, cineol, flavones, galangin, germacrene D,
gnaphaliin, italidipyrone, lauricepyrone, luteolin, ocimene, pinene, pyrone,
quercetagetin, quercetin, scoparol, scoparone, and tamarixetin.
Contraindications
Certain
precautions need to be observed where the administration and use of the herb is
concerned.
- As this herb has been documented with hypoglycemic properties; and patients with hypoglycaemia or diabetes should only use this herb under the care and direction of a qualified health care practitioner who can monitor blood sugar levels.
- This plant has a long history of use as a menstrual promoter and its biological effects during pregnancy have not been studied or reported. While these traditional uses have not been clinically validated, pregnant women should still refrain from using the herb.
- One study demonstrated potential barbiturate activity when a hot water extract of macela was injected in mice; although it remains unclear if this effect is evident when taken orally.
- Natural herb capsules, teas or tinctures might have an adverse effect effects to other sedatives and barbiturates. Proper caution is necessary with the use of other prescription sedatives and pain-killers.
Raintree Amazon A-V which was formulated by Ms.
Leslie Taylor carries all these properties that are absolutely beneficial for
health and longevity. Furthermore, several reliable research and clinical
studies are underway to ensure its medicinal essence.
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