Momordica Charantia

L.

Balsam-pear (E); Balsamino (P); Sorosi (J); Sibicogen (C) (Fig. 201). Parboiled leaves are used as a vegetable, said to contain 4.5% protein. Green fruits are also used as a vegetable, but the seeds are reputedly poisonous. Nonetheless, the seeds are sometimes sun cured and added to meat dishes. The fruits are used to make lather. The pulp around the seeds is edible. Powdered, the plant is used to treat leprosy and malignant ulcers. Sap from the leaves and fruits is used for colic and worms. Jamaicans in Panama make a tea from the fruit to cure fevers and to induce vomiting. In Los Santos a decoction of the leaves mixed with a yellow malva is used to alleviate insect bites and itch (!). The root is regarded as aphrodisiac. Tea made from the leaves is regarded as febrifugal by Darienitas. Las Perlas, the bitter juice is taken as a malaria preventative. Around Sautata, it is as highly regarded as quinine for curing malaria. The fruits are used as a soap substitute.