This is Karela! In English, it's referred to as the bitter gourd or more commonly, the bitter melon. The bitter melon is used in Carribbean, Indian and Asian cultures and cuisines. It is related to the cucumber. This can be deducted by looking at it's appearance and how it grows. Similarly to the cucumber, it grows and hangs off of a long stringy vine. It varies in light to deep green in color, has an oblong shape and has a bumpy, wart-like texture. Once ripe, the Karela turns yellow in color and the inside turns bright red.

Like it's given name, the melon is extremely bitter! It's consumed in many creative ways due to its flavor. The melon is spiced and used to prepare soups, stir fries, and curries. It's even pickled, valued for it's juice and sometimes served raw!

Bitter melon has been used in herbal and traditional medicine to lower blood glucose levels, prevent cancer, relieve allergies and asthma symptoms, aid in diabetes relief, sharpen vision and strengthen the immune system. It's also known to help with skin conditions, Herpes and HIV. It's also known to be a anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-histamine.

Ways To Use Bitter Melon For Ailments of the Body:

• Make a paste of Bitter Melon, water and Aloe Vera Leaf by using a food processor. Apply this mixture topically to sooth ailments of the skin like rashes, psoriasis and hemorrhoids.
• Chop and boil the skin and flesh of the bitter melon. Strain and drink the resulting liquid.
• Juice the skin and flesh of the bitter melon. Drink the resulting liquid.

Of course, this article isn't meant to provide any medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you have an ailment that needs to be treated!