Ampalaya or bitter gourd is a commonly grown vegetable. It is grown throughout the year. The juice of the leaves, diluted in water is helpful in removing constipation in children. In other words, it acts as a purgative. The juice exhibits anti helminthic properties and is thereby used in annihilation of intestinal parasites. Wound healing is hastened. Aqueous infusion is also used in febrile conditions. Bitter gourd or bitter melon, as it is referred, possesses hypoglycemic properties. Seeds are used for deworming, especially in children. It is also used in the process of detoxification and in regulation of fertility. Immunity is also enhanced by intake of bitter gourd in the diet. The fruit and leaves comprise twice the quantity of beta carotene than broccoli. Spinach has half the calcium seen in bitter gourd. Bitter gourd juice is an effective remedy for colitis and dysentery. Decoction of the root is applied topically on piles. Scalds are eliminated by placing the paste of the leaves, as a poultice. Bitter gourd and its leaves are used as a vegetable. They are rich source of iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B. Soaking the bitter gourd in salt water the previous night helps in reduction of bitterness.
answered by Dr C