Vegetables
Bitter melon
苦瓜Nutritional Value
4 / 5
Organ Affinities
Therapeutic Properties
Quick Facts
AHM Properties
In AHM diet therapy, bitter melon ranks among the most effective foods for clearing Heat. It moves heat and toxins out of the Heart and Liver, reduces fire in the eyes, cools the Blood, and helps regulate blood sugar. The intensely bitter flavor has an affinity for the Heart and helps bring rebellious Qi downward. Particularly useful in conditions involving summer Heat or damp-heat patterns.
Bitter melon contains charantin and momordicin, bioactive compounds with documented anti-inflammatory properties that reinforce its AHM role in clearing Heat and supporting healthy blood sugar regulation.
Contraindications
Avoid in Cold patterns, Spleen deficiency with loose stools, during pregnancy, or hypoglycaemia without monitoring.
Clinically authored and reviewed by Dr. Katrina Chojnicki-Hill, DAOM, AP, Dipl. OM. Cross-referenced against American Dragon Herbs and classical AHM sources. For educational purposes only — consult a qualified AHM practitioner for personalised advice.