Cerasee

Identity

Common Name

Cerasee

Scientific Name

Momordica charantia

Botanical Family

Cucurbitaceae

Native Region

Tropical Asia and Africa

Cultivation Regions

Tropics worldwide

Plant Parts Used

Leaves, Young fruit

Synonyms

Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Cerasee Bush

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A climbing vine with deeply lobed palmate leaves, small yellow flowers, and a warty elongated green-yellow gourd fruit; the leaves and young fruit are used.

Historical Background

Cerasee (bitter melon) has been a Caribbean, Asian, and African folk herb for centuries, its leaves and fruit brewed into a bitter 'blood-purifying' and digestive tea. In the Caribbean, 'cerasee bush tea' is a cultural household cup, sipped for cold season and cleansing traditions.

Earliest recorded uses: Caribbean, Asian, and African traditions for centuries; a bitter 'blood-purifying' and digestive leaf tea.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Bitter, green, earthy, slightly metallic

Tea Information

Research Summary

Cerasee has a tradition as a bitter digestive, 'blood-purifying,' and blood-sugar tea; preclinical and small trials show modest glucose-lowering and antioxidant activity. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for diabetes, infection, or any disease, though it remains a culturally important bitter cup.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources