Cerasee (momordica charantia), the one and only Jamaican bush tea feared by everyone because of its degree of bitterness, is believed to be a blood cleanser. Cerasee is native to Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean area. It was introduced to Brazil by African slaves and from there cerasee spread to the rest of Latin America and the West Indies. Today cerassee is a staple in Jamaica where it grows wild.
It is widely accepted that a fair consumption of this bitters on a weekly basis will prevent colds, flu, headaches, jaundice, and bellyaches, used medicinally, and as a vegetable. cerasee tea made of the vine is used for diabetes, hypertension, worms, dysentery and as a general tonic and blood purifier and is also very effective to relieve constipation and colds and fevers in children.
In my days a 1lb of the green herb collected and placed into a zinc bath pan filled with three to four gallons of water, placed in the hot sun for about two to three hours until warm. You were then made to sit in the bath pan for 10 to 15 minutes using the leaves to wash gently the affected areas. This was done for seven to nine days. Zinc bath pans are no longer available here in Jamaica, but an empty container can be used with the herb in the sun and then poured into a bathtub and applied in the same way.
This daily tea served for seven days,is made with a teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water, infused for five minutes. Today cerasee tea is available in tea bags on the market shelves, as well as in bulk packages in ethnic stores and is not as bitter as the freshly picked leaves. Cerasee should not be boiled for internal use, the tea is infuse.
Later in life, regular exercise and regular intake of cerasee will help build bone mass. Women are especially at risk of contacting osteoporosis, in particular after menopause, when estrogen levels drop and are therefore advised to take cerasee regularly.
In nutritionally deprived areas and in winter, postnatal mothers eat the cerasee leaves to stimulate milk production. In the southern parts of Mozambique the cerasee leaves are taken as an anti-inflammatory remedy and particular sought for urinary tract inflammations. The cerasee fruit is especially appreciated for its bitter taste by the Shangaan and the Kanuri of North-East Nigeria.
Jamaicans are particularly fond of the cerasee leaves and use them as an herbal medicine and culinary herb. The cerasee tea form is used for diabetes, digestive disorders, fevers and ulcers. Cerasee is especially sought after as a detoxifier. The leaves, ground peanuts and honey are mixed together and used as a sauce in chicken and meat dishes. The whole cerasee plant mixed with other herbs is used for skin ailments. psoriasis, scabies for colic and other coetaneous diseases.
Cerasee is rich in vitamins A & C, carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorous and alkaloids and increases energy and stamina. Cerasee cleanses the body of harmful toxins thereby increasing energy, vitality and stamina. Because cerasee is natural, the vitamins and minerals contained are easily absorbed by the digestive system thereby allowing for greater absorption and efficacy.
Cerasee is recommended for suffers of ulcers (stomach and duodenum), bile and digestive disorders. Momordica passed three out of five pathogen tests and is considered as a natural antibiotic.
Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously subscribed. Certain foods and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.