Bitter melon is available for sale at most Asian grocery stores. Bitter melon is a tropical fruit native to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, famous for its extremely bitter flavor.
The primary use of the fruit is treating stomach issues, such as gastrointestinal upset and ulcers. Consuming the fruit or the seeds treats stomach disorders, and applying it topically treats skin disorders, such as psoriasis, abscesses and infections. No long-term trials have been conducted to test the fruit's efficacy, and it does not have FDA approval. Anyone considering using bitter melon to treat disorders of any type should consult with a doctor.
