About eight years ago, I paid a visit to some relatives who lived on another island.  One evening, I had the pleasure of being introduced to what I thought was, quite possibly, the most angelic-looking canine I would ever encounter. Naturally, I had to pet this dog. It was a bit aloof- but didn’t seem to mind my attentions.  I continued petting the dog for quite some time until it, rather suddenly, snapped viciously at me and sauntered off. I was surprised and suddenly very afraid.  I had no idea dogs could saunter!

Whenever I think of that encounter, I think of the Karela vine. For, you’d go for a stroll and spot a Karela vine clutching lovingly to some fence or some other plant. You’d pick a few of its bright orange and bumpy looking ripe fruits and break inside to find seeds covered with a sweet red pulp. Then, you’d pop a seed into your mouth- suck on the pulp and you’d think: “what a thoroughly pleasant fruit!”  And, you wouldn’t mind someone suggesting you suck on these seeds regularly.

BUT then, just try drinking that steaming cup of Karela leaf tea and you’re left confused by its severe bitterness! I know quite a few people who are adamant that nothing on earth could ever convince them to go near a cup of Karela tea (again).   The Karela is the vine of many names- so you have something new to swear per cup of tea you have to endure! In some parts of the world, it is known as Cerasee, Corilla, Balsam Apple and Caprika. In other parts, it’s identified as the Bitter Gourd, Bitter Weed, Bitter Melon and Bitter Cucumber (seeing a trend here?).

I remember when people didn’t just drink Karela tea- often referred to as a “tonic”. They had to announce to their neigbhours that they were drinking/just finished drinking a cup of Karela tea. Their announcement would be greeted by respectful murmurs. Now, mind you, the respect for the Bitter Gourd tea drinker went beyond admiring his or her tolerance for the very bitter taste.  It was also accorded because this vine with so many names was believed to be good for so many things under the sun!

Like the horrible punch the tea made from Karela leaves could dish out to hypertension or the great “blood cleansing” properties it supposedly contained. Reportedly, if grandparents are to be believed, it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. I remember when Cerasee tea was the tea of choice for adults keen on “cleaning out”/ “washing out”/ “purging their system”.  I also remember when people would get upset with you if you didn’t believe that regular (not too regular, mind you) doses of Karela tea would keep colds and headaches at bay.

Stomach problems, “gas” and belly-aches were also considered no match for this tea.  Menstrual cramps, fever, constipation and those nasty “worms”?  They were, reportedly, whimpering dogs in the line of Cerasee tea’s fire. I even remember many a woman getting looked at “funny” for drinking Karela tea, since it was commonly believed that a cup or two a day kept babies away.

But, still, it wasn’t just all about the tea and the pulp.  People also had the habit of taking a bush bath with Karela leaves to aid with relief from arthritis, chicken pox, rheumatism, eczema, skin rashes and a host of other ailments neatly identified as “skin problems.”

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)