Cerasse Tea

Description

Cerasse Tea: A Traditional Herbal Remedy

Cerasse tea, made from the leaves and vines of the Momordica charantia plant, is a popular herbal drink in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Known by various names such as bitter melon or bitter gourd in other regions, cerasse is valued for its potent medicinal properties.

Description

• Plant: Cerasse is a climbing vine with bright green leaves and yellow flowers. The plant produces a warty fruit that turns bright orange when ripe.
• Taste: True to its name, cerasse tea is distinctly bitter.

Health Benefits of Cerasse Tea

1. Blood Sugar Control:
   • Cerasse is traditionally used to help manage blood sugar levels. Compounds in cerasse, such as charantin, may improve insulin sensitivity.
2. Detoxification:
   • Known for its cleansing properties, cerasse tea is consumed to purify the blood and flush out toxins.
3. Improved Digestion:
   • The bitter compounds in cerasse stimulate the digestive system, aiding in digestion and relieving constipation.
4. Boosts Immune Health:
   • Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, cerasse tea helps strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
5. Skin Health:
   • Cerasse tea is sometimes used externally or internally to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and rashes.
6. Menstrual Health:
   • Women traditionally use cerasse tea to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate cramps.
7. Anti-Parasitic Properties:
   • Cerasse tea is used to eliminate intestinal worms and parasites.
8. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects:
   • The tea’s compounds help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial and fungal infections.

Preparation

1. Ingredients:
   • 1-2 small sprigs of dried cerasse leaves/vines or 1-2 teaspoons of dried cerasse.
   • 2 cups of water.
2. Steps:
   1. Bring water to a boil.
   2. Add the cerasse leaves or vines to the boiling water.
   3. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
   4. Strain and serve. Add honey or lemon to balance the bitterness if desired.
3. Dosage:
   • Drink 1-2 cups daily. Excessive consumption may lead to side effects.