In traditional Chinese medicine, bitter melon is considered to have the functions of quenching one’s thirst, promoting metabolism, detoxifying body, and enhancing one’s immune system. Li Shizhen (1518-1593), one of the greatest physicians, pharmacologists and naturalists in China's history, wrote about bitter melon in his famous Compendium of Materia Medica, “bitter in taste, non-toxic, expelling evil heat, relieving fatigue, and illuminating”.

Scientists have identified four very promising bioactive compounds in bitter melon. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which regulates fuel metabolism and enable glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. Bitter melon is found to be effective on both type 1 (insulin dependant) and type 2 (maturity onset) diabetes without any known side effects. Bitter melon is used in India for weight loss. 

Home-made bitter melon tea is easy to prepare. 

1. Buy a few bitter melons from super market or Asian market. Cut the bitter melon in thin slices cross-section.

2. Dry the bitten melon in the oven at 400 degree Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

3. The color of the melon will turn dark and most water gone. Store the dried bitter melon in a closed container in the refrigerator for future use.

4.  To prepare bitter melon tea, use several slices of dried bitter melon and 1 tsp green tea. Add 8-oz of boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes.