Momordica: use, medicinal properties and contraindications

Momordica, or as it is also called Indian pomegranate, bitter gourd, rabid or Indian cucumber, Chinese melon, is a grassy vine of the pumpkin family. Homeland of this plant is India and China. There are one-and perennial types of plants. In total, there are almost 20 species of momordica.

Momordica is a rather exotic plant in our area, but practice has shown that it can quite successfully grow and bear fruit in the garden or dacha. Fruits, seeds, leaves and even shoots of this vine are suitable for food. The shoots creepers are thin and durable, the length is about 2-4 meters, the leaves are carved, bright green color. Momordica flowers are opposite-sex - the male flower is yellow, large, located on a long pedicle, the female flower is of smaller size and short pedicle.

Fruits in length reach 10-25 cm, diameter - about 6 cm, color changes from green to orange depending on the degree of maturity. The flesh of the fruit is red juicy, has a pleasant taste.Seeds of dark shades are covered with a dense shell, similar to pomegranate seeds. One fruit of Momordica produces approximately 30 seeds.

Chemical composition and calorie momordiki

The caloric content of momordica is only 15 kcal per 100 g of the product, while the fat content is 0.1 g, carbohydrates - 3 g, proteins - 0.8 g, water - 90 g

The composition of the fetus momordiki includes many nutrients: vitamins A, B, E, F, C, PP, as well as organic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and alkaloids. The seeds were found oil and momorditsin - alkaloid. Vine root contains triterpene saponin.

All ground and underground parts of Momordica have a healing effect, which we will discuss below.

Healing properties of momordiki

Scientists have recently begun a deep study of momordiki and have already revealed some of its healing properties, but clinical trials are being conducted further, and it is possible that soon there will be new information about the medicinal plant.

Momordica seeds have the ability to relieve swelling, and also have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifebrile properties.These berries, seeds are able to improve eyesight and general condition of the eyes.

Fruits of a plant unique, they inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Momordica extracts have a positive effect on the treatment of sarcomas, leukemia and melanomas. Momordica can heal from hepatitis, liver cancer, advanced cases of infectious diseases, improves pancreas activity, removes toxins from the body and improves its immunity, and also helps maintain the health of diabetic patients by regulating the chemical composition of blood.

Drugs cells are restored from this liana, with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system have a beneficial effect.

Preparation and storage of medical raw materials from momordiki

Use the useful properties of momordiki for treatment can year-round, for this it is necessary to stock up on time the medicinal raw materials of this healing vine. Leaves it is better to harvest in late spring, then the concentration of nutrients in them will be maximum, fruits and seeds - after the final maturation in the summer, and the roots - in the fall.

The fruit and root are pre-cut into small pieces, and the seeds, shoots and leaves are first dried and the dried ones are crushed. Dry raw materials in a darkened room with good ventilation. The dried fruits of momordiki retain their healing properties for 3-4 years, the roots - 2-3 years, and the leaves and flowers - for 1-2 years. Store dry raw materials in an airtight glass container or in cloth bags.

Recipes for the use of momordiki in traditional medicine

An exotic plant can help a person to cure many diseases, the main thing at the same time - not to exceed the therapeutic dose.

Momordica can cure catarrhal diseases and flu, for this purpose they prepare tincture on vodka: the glass container is filled with the pulp of fruits cut into small cubes, poured with vodka to the top and insist 10-15 days in a dark place. Take tincture 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals 3-4 days.

Momordica seed decoction treat hemorrhoids, prostatitis, sclerosis, fever, as well as it is used to obtain the diuretic effect. Pieces of 20 seeds are crushed, poured a glass of boiling water and boil on low heat for 10 minutes. Insist a few hours, filter and use 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

Chewing 3-4 seeds of momordica before meals for 10 days will relieve intestinal and stomach diseases.

Using momordiki root for bronchitis, you can ease the course of the disease, because it has expectorant properties. ORZ will be faster if carried out inhalation with leaves and shoots momordiki. Decoctions stems and leaves will relieve arthritis pain. Fresh flesh The fetus will relieve itching and swelling after insect bites.

The use of momordiki in cosmetology

Asian women have long used momordika for cosmetic purposes. Various decoctions, infusions and creams, which include this wonderful plant, improve skin condition, nourish it with vitamins and oils, and also smooth wrinkles, as a result, the face will look younger and fresher.

Decoction leaves get rid of prickly heat and various skin rashes. The juice momordiki used for skin diseases, for this, the bandage is soaked with juice and applied to the affected area several times a day. Decoction leaves and shoots will accelerate the healing of the burn and reduce the likelihood of a scar. With regular use of fresh leaves, the overall condition of the skin will improve, it will become more velvety to the touch.

Use in cooking

Seeds of unripe momordiki are poisonous, they can be eaten after full maturity, when they become sweet. The fruits of momordiki collected in immature form. The pulp of the fetus is watery, tastes like a cucumber, it is eaten in an immature state. When ripe, the fruit becomes soft and changes color to orange, while it becomes bitter to the taste. You can remove the bitterness from the ripe fruit by soaking it in salt water for 3-4 hours, after which it is ready for cooking or stewing.

Small fruits canned for future use. Flowers, leaves and young stems stew and eat. The ground parts of the vine are added to meat, potato dishes and various salads. Seeds and sliced ​​fruit after roasting are added to soups and borscht, stews and salads, as well as in sour-milk products instead of fruit.Well combines the taste of momordiki with legumes.

Contraindications

The use of momordiki is prohibited for pregnant and lactating women, children and people who have thyroid disease or there is an individual intolerance to this plant. Seeds should be consumed in limited quantities to avoid poisoning and fever. Caution should be used momordika with diseases of the digestive tract, there may be exacerbations.