The bitter melon is one of the famous plants, and its fruit and seeds are used for medical and medicinal purposes. Many people believe in its uses, but there is a very large group that fears its health risks and the degree of its safety, so we will explain to you here its most prominent benefits, common harms and uses, so follow this article with us.

What is bitter melon?

The bitter melon plant is a perennial plant that produces a round-shaped fruit, also known as bitter cucumber or bitter apple. This plant belongs to the squash family, and its native home is in the Mediterranean countries. It is usually grown in sandy or desert soils.

The fruits of this plant are usually yellow or pale green in color. The taste of these fruits is bitter and difficult to eat, but it is used in alternative medicine recipes, and is included in some medical products and medicines.

Benefits of bitter melon

Many may doubt the safety and use of this plant, but despite that it has some health benefits and is used to alleviate and treat some diseases, such as:

However, these benefits need more studies and scientific research, because many medical indications indicate that this plant is not safe to eat and use. However, this plant and its seeds are used in the manufacture of compound medicinal products to treat some body problems, such as:

• gallbladder problems
• liver problems.
• Treating nerve pain associated with diabetes, and in this case it is used through the skin.
• A dose of it can be diluted with sesame oil and applied to the skin, when it is safe to use.

Safe doses of bitter melon

There is no indication or standard that determines the appropriate dose of its consumption, but the amount and proportion of doses may depend on the age and gender of the person who uses it.

And because One of the unsafe natural products to use Especially in the random form that many people depend on if they use alternative medicine and herbs. Determining the necessary doses of it is important and a must. Also, check the instructions written on the product containing this plant, and consult a doctor or pharmacist about the degree of safety of the product before using it.

Harmful effects of bitter gourd on health

This plant is not safe for use. When taken orally, this may pose a significant health risk to the body, and this was confirmed by the American Food and Drug Administration “FDA”, as eating a small and simple amount of it can cause:

• Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and stomach lining.
• Damage to kidney function.
• bloody diarrhea
• bloody urine
• Urinary retention and inability to urinate.

In some cases, the damage may reach the maximum seriousness, and the person is exposed to:

• convulsions;
• Paralysis.
• Death.

Warnings for the use of bitter melon

There are some important warnings in the case of using this plant or one of its medical products in general, and the most important of these warnings:

• In case of pregnancy and lactationIts use is unsafe, so it is always advised to avoid it during these periods.
• In the event of diabetesBe careful, this plant works to lower the level of blood sugar, so keep an eye on your blood sugar carefully if you use it.
• In the event of surgeryThis plant may make the surgeons not control the levels of blood sugar in your body during and after the surgery as well, so you must stop consuming this plant in all its forms about two weeks before the date of the surgery.

bitter gourd poisoning

In case of poisoning with bitter melon or some of its products, what is known as a dilute tannic acid solution is used, after which large quantities of albuminous drinks such as eggs should be drunk.

Interactions of bitter melon with drugs

This plant and its products interact with many drugs, so be careful if you use one of them, and the most common drugs that interact with it are:

• Digoxin medicationsYou should consult a doctor first before using the plant in the event that you receive these medications, especially if this plant and its products are used as a laxative to treat constipation, because in this case it reduces the level of potassium in the blood, and this may expose the side effects of digoxin.
• Warfarin medicationsThese medicines also need to consult a doctor if they are used with this plant, because it may interfere with this medicine, causing side effects such as diarrhea and bleeding.
• Diuretic medicationsLike the previous medicines, you must consult your doctor if you receive these medicines if you want to use this plant, because it may interact with these medicines causing unwanted side effects, such as reducing potassium in the body.