The Latin name Momordica means “to bite” (referring to the jagged edges of the leaf, which appear as if they have been bitten). All parts of the plant, including the fruit, taste very bitter. In the Amazon, local people and indigenous tribes grow bitter melon in their gardens for food and medicine. They add the fruit and/or leaves to beans and soup for a bitter or sour flavor; parboiling it first with a dash of salt may remove some of the bitter taste. Medicinally, the plant has a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. A leaf tea is employed for diabetes; as a carminative for colic; topically for sores, wounds, and infections; internally and externally for worms and parasites; as an emmenagogue; and as an antiviral for measles, hepatitis, and feverish conditions. In Brazilian herbal medicine, bitter melon is used for tumors, wounds, rheumatism, malaria, leucorrhea, inflammation, menstrual problems, diabetes, colic, fevers, worms, to induce abortions, and as an aphrodisiac.
It is also employed topically for skin problems, vaginitis, hemorrhoids, scabies, itchy rashes, eczema, and leprosy. In Mexico the entire plant is used for diabetes and dysentery; the root is a reputed aphrodisiac. In Peruvian herbal medicine, the leaf or aerial parts of the plant are used to treat measles, malaria, and all types of inflammation. In Nicaragua the leaf commonly is used for stomach pain, diabetes, fevers, colds, coughs, headaches, malaria, skin complaints, menstrual disorders, aches and pains, hypertension, infections, and as an aid in childbirth.
from http://www.rain-tree.com/bittermelon-tech.pdf
