How it works: A staple in Caribbean and African traditional medicine, Cerasee tea is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. Cerasee tea benefits are largely due to charantin and momordicin found in the Cerasee plant.
What it is: Cerasee tea is brewed from the leaves and vines of the bitter melon plant (Momordica charantia). Several studies confirm potential cerasee tea benefits. However, there are also side effects you need to be aware of.
Word of Caution: While traditional use supports many health claims, the scope of scientific research on Cerasee tea is still growing.
Research-Based Cerasee Tea Benefits
Cerasee tea is rich in powerful bioactive compounds. Charantin and Momordicin, are the two main compounds Researchers associate with Cerasee therapeutic properties. So let’s look at five cerasee tea benefits and the reasons these compounds are effective for promoting better health.
1. Supports Blood Sugar Control
Cerasee tea contains charantin, a compound known to help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies show that charantin mimics insulin’s activity. Charantin1 improve glucose uptake in the body, which is beneficial for managing diabetes and preventing blood sugar spikes.
2. Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Cerasee tea contains polypeptide-p2, an insulin-like compound that is thought to lower blood sugar naturally. In clinical studies, bitter melon extract (from which Cerasee tea is made) has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in both animals and humans.
3. Promotes Digestive Health
Momordicin which is another key compound, stimulates digestive enzymes and promotes bile flow. Drinking Cerasee tea may help ease indigestion, reduce bloating, and support overall gastrointestinal health, making it an effective natural remedy for common digestive issues.
4. Boosts Immune Function
Cerasee tea helps bolster the immune system because of its antimicrobial and anti-viral properties. Research suggests that momordicin and lectins in Cerasee can inhibit the replication of viruses3 and the growth of harmful bacteria. making the tea particularly effective in boosting the body’s defenses against infections.
5. Cerasee tea skin benefits
Cerasee tea has long been used as an herbal remedy for skin detox, both when consumed and applied topically. The teas skin-supporting benefits are largely due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,4 and antimicrobial properties which work together to improve skin conditions.
Important Note: Most studies have been conducted on the bitter melon fruit itself, so more direct studies on Cerasee tea are needed to fully understand its long-term effects.
Traditional Cerasee Tea Benefits
For generations, Cerasee tea has been used to purify the blood, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also a traditional remedy for treating colds, managing diabetes, and cleansing the body.
Related Article: You may also like Cerasee tea for weight loss
Where to Buy Cerasee
You can find Cerasee tea in local grocery stores, health food shops, and online marketplaces. Jamaican Cerasee for making tea is commercially available in loose leaves, tea bags and powder formulations.
We are listing some pros and cons of the three common formulations to help you decide which one is right for you:
| Formulation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Leaves | Fresh and potent. | More time-consuming to prepare. Requires a strainer. |
| Cerasee Tea Bags | Convenient and easy to use. | May not be and strong as l loose leaves. |
| Powdered Form | Can be added to smoothies or recipes. | More difficult to measure precise doses. |
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. So, if you buy a product after clicking a link, I may receive a small commission. There’s no extra charge to you. See full disclosure.
How to Prepare Cerasee Tea
To make Cerasee tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Cerasee leaves or 1 tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For a stronger brew, steep longer or add more leaves. You can sweeten the tea with honey or lemon to balance the bitterness.
How Often to Drink Cerasee Tea
For general health benefits, it’s recommended to drink one cup of Cerasee tea in the morning and one in the evening, up to three times a week. For blood sugar management, consult a healthcare provider for the best regime.
Side Effects Of Cerasee Tea
Some side effects also come along with Cerasee tea benefits. While the tea is generally safe for most people, some may experience side effects such as can cause stomach discomfort, including pain and nausea. It may lower blood sugar levels significantly, or affect liver health and male fertility.
Who Should Avoid Cerasee Tea?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Cerasee tea due to its potential effects on uterine contractions. People with low blood sugar, as well as those with liver or kidney disorders, should consult their doctor before using this tea.
Conclusion
Cerasee tea offers a natural, scientifically supported way to manage blood sugar, promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
While you may gain some important Cerasee tea benefits by adding it to your routine, you should be aware of its side effects.
You should also keep in mind that moderation is key. And always consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Çiçek, Serhat S. “Momordica charantia L.-Diabetes-Related Bioactivities, Quality Control, and Safety Considerations.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 13 904643. 17 May. 2022, doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.904643 ↩︎
- Khanna, P et al. “Hypoglycemic activity of polypeptide-p from a plant source.” Journal of natural products vol. 44,6 (1981): 648-55. doi:10.1021/np50018a002 ↩︎
- Naik, Sanjay, and Sanjit Kumar. “Lectins from plants and algae act as anti-viral against HIV, influenza and coronaviruses.” Molecular biology reports vol. 49,12 (2022): 12239-12246. doi:10.1007/s11033-022-07854-8 ↩︎
- Bortolotti, Massimo et al. “Momordica charantia, a Nutraceutical Approach for Inflammatory Related Diseases.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 486. 8 May. 2019, doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00486 ↩︎
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated here should be viewed as medical advice. See our full medical disclaimer here.
