Cerasee Tea

Cerasee tea is obtained from leaves of the plant Momordica charantia, commonly known as “Bitter Melon”.

It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, minerals, and phenolic compounds.

Besides using in various dishes, cerasee is used as a natural remedy to treat various health issues.

Read more about Jamaican Cerasee here!

This article successfully covers the health benefits of cerasee tea, its side effects, and how to brew the cerasee tea.

What is cerasee tea?

Cerasee tea is made by boiling the fresh leaves of the “bitter melon” plant in water. It is also available in the form of teabags.

It is used to treat a wide array of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and digestive problems. [1]

In addition to leaves and stems, the bitter fruit of this plant is used raw or cooked in a variety of dishes.

Cerasee’s leaves, stems, and fruits are rich in bioactive compounds and are used for medicinal purposes in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Is cerasee tea a detox?

Cerasee is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that protect the body from oxidative stress. These antioxidants act as scavengers of free radicals and help to eliminate harmful toxins from the body.

So, yes. Cerasee is the best detox tea used by people for detoxification and purification purposes.

Health benefits of cerasee tea

Cerasee tea is abundant in polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, Gallic acid, and vitamin C.

These compounds are credited for the antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities of cerasee tea.

Modern research has revealed that cerasee contains about 200 active compounds which exert beneficial effects on health. [2]

1. Cerasee tea reduces blood glucose level

Cerasee is well known for its hypoglycemic activity. It has been used by people in Jamaica to treat diabetes.

Studies have concluded that by consuming the cerasee fruit extract, a reduction in blood sugar level was reported.

However, more studies are needed in order to examine the effect of leaves and stem of bitter melon on blood glucose levels. [3]

2. Bitter melon tea may act as cancer fighter

Cancer is defined as abnormal and uncontrolled growth/division of cells and is the leading cause of death.

Phytochemicals (flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols) help prevent the growth of tumor cells and reduce the risk of cancer. [4]

3. Momordica may improve skin health

Owing to the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, cerasee helps to protect the skin from acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). It inhibits the growth of bacteria and relieves inflammation.

Cerasee aids in relieving allergic skin conditions such as eczema.

Antioxidants are responsible for removing toxins and thus slow down the aging process.

4. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiac diseases are the primary cause of death. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis are hallmarks of cardiovascular diseases.

Gallic acid content in momordica tea has the ability to reduce the cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins in the body, however, the HDL (good cholesterol) level is not affected.

Antioxidants may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

5. Cerasee may combat flu and cold

Due to amazing antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, Momordica plant has the potential to fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. [5]

It has been used as a remedy to cold and flu and decreases the severity of symptoms associated with flu and cold.

6. Cerasee tea nay help with weight loss

Cerasee has beneficial effects on losing weight and burning calories.

It inhibits the assemblage of lipids in the body by regulating gene expression of adipocytokines and transcription factors.

7. Momordica tea is a powerful antioxidant

Momordica tea is packed with antioxidants due to polyphenolic compounds.

These compounds protect the body from oxidative stress and limit the risk of chronic diseases. [6]

They optimize heart and brain health, boost immunity, bone health, and prevent cancer.

8. Cerasee tea may optimize liver health

Antioxidant activities of cerasee help optimize live health.

It supports the liver by detoxifying toxic chemicals and prevents the liver from oxidative damage.

Cerasee tea recipe

You can make cerasee tea using fresh leaves and stems or teabags.

Water 1000ml
Teabags 5-6
Sweeteners (sugar or honey)

How to make cerasee tea

Take 1000 ml of cold water and bring it to a boil. (If you are using fresh leaves then boil them with water for 10-15 minutes)

Add tea bags in boiled water and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. The more the time it takes to steep, the more bitter the taste will be.

Add some sweeteners such as sugar or honey to avoid bitterness. You can add some ice to enjoy iced cerasee tea.

How much tea should you have?

1-2 cups of cerasee tea should be consumed per day to attain benefits.

Side effects of cerasee tea

Cerasee tea is commonly used in the Caribbean due to its health-promoting activities. However, it has some adverse effects when used in large quantities.

Momordica plant contains 2 proteins, alpha and beta momorcharin, that are proved to induce abortion. It increases the bleeding tendency and uterine contraction. [7]

Cerasee decreases spermatogenesis in males may increase the risk of infertility.

It may contain some potent toxins which cause inflammation of the liver.

Cerasee has anti-hyperglycemic activity. In large Quantities, it interacts with insulin, and may drastically decrease blood sugar levels resulting in hypoglycemia. [8]

Don’t take it for more than 9 days continuously.

Other side effects may include pain in the head, abdominal discomfort, and loose motion.

Conclusion on cerasee tea:

Cerasee tea, bitter in taste and obtained from leaves of Momordica charantia. It is popularly used for medicinal purposes in the Caribbean.

Cerasee is loaded with bioactive polyphenolic compounds responsible for the health benefits of this tea.

Besides health benefits, momordica has some adverse effects when used in large quantities i.e. liver damage, hypoglycemia, interaction with other medicine, anemia, and a more potent effect is abortion.

Always take the advice of your health care provider to avoid side effects.