Cory Quirino's Inside Out

Bitter medicine

MOMORDICA Charantia Lina, better known as ampalaya, is a vegetable, fruit and herb.
Indigenous to Asia, it has 90 different names (bitter melon, bitter gourd). But though its name varies, its amazing healing benefits are recognized.

Momordicus is Latin for bitter. Ampalaya’s bitter taste is caused by momordicin. It is believed to have originated in Africa.

This plant is one of many used centuries ago as medicine. Historically, it is considered a natural drug. The Chinese use it for human immunovirus infection and tumors. It is also used as aphrodisiac, laxative and emetic (a substance that causes vomiting).

Ampalaya has many nutrients: vitamin A, 335 mg; vitamin B7, 0.06 mg; B2, 0.03 mg; B3, 0.3 mg; C, 55 mg; calcium, 3.2 percent by weight; iron, 0.9 mg; phosphorus, 3.2 percent by weight.
The humble, unattractive fruit contains amino acids, alkaloids, polypeptides (p-insulin), cytokins and others.

William D. Torres, Ph.D., University of the Philippines, says, “While most studies in vitro (in lab glassware) and in vivo (in humans and animals) would not pinpoint or identify the compound or compounds derived from the leaves and fruits of M. Charantia L. that are responsible for hypoglycemic activity, various studies support [its] use as an adjunct therapy for diabetes.”

A tip [generously given by Lito Abelarde, president of Charantia] is to use it right after taking your dessert so it can slow down the increase in glucose caused by eating sweets!
People with a history of diabetes in the family and are extra careful about taking simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, as opposed to complex carbohydrates, should take ampalaya tea to avoid feeling guilty about giving in to sweet cravings.

In her book “Diabetes Care,” Gloria Y. Yeh, MD, MPH, Harvard Medical School, reviewed results of 108 studies involving 565 people with Type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. She found that the seven most promising substances for diabetics were aloe vera, American ginseng, ampalaya, chromium, coccinia indica (ivy gourd) pymnena sylvestre, nopal (Mexican/Central American) cactus and vanadium.

(Reference: “Ampalaya: Nature’s Remedy for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes,” by Frank Murray)
The World Health Organization predicted a worldwide epidemic of diabetes among people aged 20 and older in 1995-2025. In the Philippines, it is among the top five diseases.
If you suspect you may have diabetes, see your physician immediately. If you do not have it, make this humble fruit a part of your daily life.

Juice up
1 ampalaya, medium-sized1 c buko juice/coco water1 carrot (1 sugar beet root)
Drink up for better health.

Bliss heaven
It isn’t vanity to want to be healthier. If you also become more attractive as a result of this, why not? There is a sanctuary tucked somewhere in Katipunan Road, White Plains, QC. It is more than just a spa. Called Amezcua, it offers a fusion of ancient and modern medicine and East-West relaxation therapies.

It guarantees a healthier body and peace of mind. Offering an intriguing menu of health packages like pain management, weight loss, women’s health and diabetes, detoxification and so on, this oasis lets the urban-weary resident relax and recharge.

But what is interesting is its medical spa services: live-blood analysis, iris analysis and body terrain assessment. With a combination of herbs, laser treatments and supplements, pain can be eased and managed.

Those who need to detoxify, there are the cleansing diet program, colonic hydrotherapy and massages, all supervised by medical director and doctor Edwin Bien, and general manager Renu Gidoomal (tel. 9131353).

Bliss
Treat yourself to a whole day of therapy. Have a healthy vegetarian breakfast then have yourself weighed. Undergo various painless tests to determine your state of health. Consult a nutritionist, join a yoga or belly-dancing class, undergo colonics, meditate, have a relaxing massage.

Indulge in organic foods all day for a change. That’s what you need to do now. You owe it to yourself.

Youthful hands and feet
You know what they say, you can tell a person’s age by her hands and feet. So, seek medically supervised sclerotherapy. Many who seek a more youthful look turn to dermatologists. In the case of unsightly (and potentially dangerous) varicose veins, you need a vascular surgeon to deal with the problem.

The Lauren Vein Center, the first in the Philippines (from the Australia-based Lauren International), located at Legazpi Village and St. Luke’s Medical Arts Building, offers a technique of sclerotherapy designed by Chinese Malaysian doctor Hoolin Saw.

At the local clinic, spider veins, varicose veins and even facial veins (which probably no other clinic will treat) are handled by doctors Serge Sumintac and Servando Semagen. Now, your vein problems can be fixed minus surgery. Call 8939771, 8942361, 7231023.

The before- and after-treatment results are amazing using the finest needles and a gentle but effective sclerosing solution. Good news is there is no downtime in your daily regimen or activities.

Tip
Whenever possible, keep your legs in a raised, upright position as often as you can. At the office or home, find a quiet corner to relax for 10 minutes, twice daily.

Life can be made better by knowing your options. Beginning today, make it a healthy one!
Love and light!

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posted by Misteryo Philippines Network (MPN) @ 1:05 AM