Ampalaya Tea: Health Benefits, Uses & Potential Side Effects

Ampalaya tea is a bitter brew made from the ampalaya, or bitter gourd, fruit. The tea may have health benefits, and negative side effects are very rare.

Benefits

• Amapalaya stimulates digestion, helping those with dyspepsia or constipation. The tea seems to help people with diabetes mellitus control the disease, and it may provide some antimalarial benefits.

Types

• Ampalaya tea is brewed two ways: from dried, whole ampalaya fruits or the leaves of the plant.

Controversies

• In 1995 the Philippine Department of Health circular advocated ampalaya supplements as a safe alternative to pharmaceuticals for diabetics. This position was reversed in 2003 after reported deaths of people who had ceased taking their prescriptions for diabetes treatment.

Identification

• The ampalaya fruit is also known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, or Momordica charantia Linn. It is a green, wrinkly, cylindrical fruit with a bitter flavor. The tea appears as dry, brown pieces, and is sold loose or in tea bags.

Warning

• Amapalaya tea may worsen ulcers or heartburn. Diabetics should not cease taking medications without consulting a doctor.