Fresh or dried leaves are brought to a gentle boil in water then filtered. This traditional preparation was consumed in small quantities, always under the supervision of someone knowledgeable about the plant. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The pulp of the ripe fruit is crushed then applied directly to the affected skin area, held in place with a clean cloth. Traditional external use, to be reserved for skin that is not deeply damaged. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
A few leaves are briefly infused in hot water, far from prolonged boiling, to obtain a bitter beverage consumed in small quantities according to village customs. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Momordica balsamina is found in the wild in the savannas and bushlands of sub-Saharan Africa, where it readily climbs on neighboring shrubs; it is sometimes cultivated in traditional gardens for its local uses.