Bitter Gourd

(Small Bitter Gourd)
Sanskrit: कारवेल्लक • Botanical: Cucumis momordica Roxb.

Karavella (Bitter Gourd/Karela) is one of the most important medicinal vegetables. The plant is a tendril-bearing climber with deeply lobed leaves. The fruits are oblong, green, 1.5-5 inches, tapering at both ends, covered with wart-like projections. All parts are extremely bitter. It is a principal vegetable used in diabetes (Prameha). It purifies blood, kills intestinal worms, and is used in fever, skin diseases, and liver disorders. The juice is used for diabetes. It is an excellent Pitta-shamaka despite being hot in potency, due to its strong bitter taste. Regular consumption helps control blood sugar levels. It also contains Momordicin which gives its characteristic bitterness. Contains Charantin which has hypoglycemic action. Verses: 24-26. Dose: Swarasa (juice) 10-20 ml.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Cucurbitacins, Momordicine
Also Known As
English: Small Bitter Gourd
Sanskrit: कारवेल्लक
Hindi: कुड़

What is Bitter Gourd (Karavella / कारवेल्ल)?

Karavella (Bitter Gourd/Karela) is one of the most important medicinal vegetables. The plant is a tendril-bearing climber with deeply lobed leaves. The fruits are oblong, green, 1.5-5 inches, tapering at both ends, covered with wart-like projections. All parts are extremely bitter. It is a principal vegetable used in diabetes (Prameha). It purifies blood, kills intestinal worms, and is used in fever, skin diseases, and liver disorders. The juice is used for diabetes. It is an excellent Pitta-shamaka despite being hot in potency, due to its strong bitter taste. Regular consumption helps control blood sugar levels. It also contains Momordicin which gives its characteristic bitterness. Contains Charantin which has hypoglycemic action. Verses: 24-26. Dose: Swarasa (juice) 10-20 ml.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 9

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic)
  • Jwarahara (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 9

Bitter Gourd by Condition

Explore how Bitter Gourd is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Bitter Gourd for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.