Is there caffeine in bitter melon tea? A guide for health-conscious drinkers

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Unlike black, green, or oolong teas, which come from the Camellia sinensis plant, pure bitter melon tea is naturally and completely caffeine-free. Made from the tropical vine's fruit and leaves, it provides a warm, soothing beverage without the stimulating effects of traditional caffeinated teas.

Quick Summary

Pure bitter melon tea, also known as ampalaya or karela tea, is an herbal infusion made from the Momordica charantia plant and contains no caffeine. It offers a variety of health benefits, including blood sugar support, digestive aid, and antioxidant properties, making it a popular choice for those seeking a non-stimulating beverage.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Pure bitter melon tea contains zero caffeine, making it suitable for any time of day, including evenings.
Herbal Infusion: Made from the fruit or leaves of the Momordica charantia plant, not the traditional tea plant, ensuring it is a true herbal drink.
Blood Sugar Support: It contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but caution is advised for those on diabetes medication.
Rich in Antioxidants: The tea is a good source of antioxidants like Vitamin C, which protects against cellular damage.
Digestive Aid: Its fiber content and traditional use suggest it can support healthy digestion and relieve constipation.
Nutrient-Dense: Besides vitamins and minerals, bitter melon also contains compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p that offer therapeutic properties.

A Naturally Caffeine-Free Herbal Infusion

For those looking to reduce their caffeine intake or find a soothing evening beverage, bitter melon tea is an excellent choice. As an herbal infusion, it is derived from the fruit, leaves, or seeds of the bitter melon plant, scientifically known as Momordica charantia. True herbal teas, or tisanes, are not made from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and therefore do not contain caffeine unless blended with caffeinated ingredients. This makes bitter melon tea a safe and reliable option for people sensitive to caffeine or seeking a relaxing drink at any time of day.

Health Benefits Beyond the Absence of Caffeine

Bitter melon has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its wide range of health benefits. The tea is no exception, offering a potent dose of nutrients and bioactive compounds in each cup. Some of the key health benefits include:

Potential for Blood Sugar Regulation

This is perhaps the most well-known benefit of bitter melon. The plant contains several compounds that mimic the effects of insulin, such as charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p. These compounds may help improve glucose uptake and lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic individuals, although more research is needed. It's crucial for individuals on diabetes medication to consult a healthcare provider before adding bitter melon tea to their regimen, as it can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Rich in Antioxidants

Bitter melon is a powerful source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are linked to chronic diseases and premature aging. The tea's anti-inflammatory properties can also help manage inflammation-related health conditions.

Supports Digestive Health

Rich in dietary fiber and compounds that aid metabolism, bitter melon tea can support a healthy digestive system. It has been traditionally used to help with stomach and intestinal disorders, improve liver function, and relieve constipation due to its natural laxative effects.

Boosts Immunity

The high vitamin C content, which is essential for immune function, can help boost the body's resistance against infection. Additionally, bitter melon contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, which may help fight off common illnesses.

How to Prepare Bitter Melon Tea at Home

Making your own bitter melon tea is a straightforward process, whether you use fresh or dried bitter melon. Many brands also offer pre-packaged tea bags for convenience.

Ingredients:

A few thin slices of bitter melon (fresh or dried)
1-2 cups of water
Optional: honey, lemon, or ginger to taste

Instructions:

Wash the bitter melon thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds. If using fresh bitter melon, you may choose to remove the seeds and soak the slices in salt water for 15-30 minutes to reduce some of the bitterness, though many prefer the full flavor.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
Add the bitter melon slices to the boiling water. If using dried slices or leaves, you can also place them in a tea strainer.
Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the nutrients to infuse into the water.
Remove the tea from the heat and strain the contents into your mug.
Add honey, lemon, or ginger if desired, and enjoy hot or iced.

Bitter Melon Tea vs. Common Tea Types: A Comparison

To understand bitter melon tea better, here's how it stacks up against other popular teas, both caffeinated and herbal.


Feature	Bitter Melon Tea (Herbal)	Green Tea (Caffeinated)	Chamomile Tea (Herbal)
Caffeine Content	Zero	Moderate (20-45 mg per cup)	Zero
Origin	Momordica charantia vine	Camellia sinensis plant	Chamomile flowers
Flavor Profile	Naturally bitter, earthy	Grassy, vegetal, sometimes nutty	Mild, sweet, floral
Best for	Evening relaxation, blood sugar support	Morning/daytime energy, focus, antioxidants	Evening relaxation, sleep aid
Key Compounds	Charantin, Polypeptide-p	Catechins, L-theanine, caffeine	Apigenin

Conclusion

In summary, pure bitter melon tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal beverage. For those looking for a flavorful, healthful alternative to traditional caffeinated teas, this is an excellent choice. With a long history of traditional use and a wealth of potential health benefits, including blood sugar support, antioxidant protection, and digestive aid, it's a beverage that offers more than just a bitter taste. By understanding its properties and preparing it correctly, you can enjoy a soothing and nutritious drink at any time of day. As always, those with underlying health conditions, especially diabetes, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consult a healthcare professional before making it a regular part of their diet. For further reading on bitter melon's general health benefits, you can consult sources such as this overview on RxList.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bitter melon tea is an herbal infusion made from the fruit, leaves, or seeds of the bitter melon plant (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, ampalaya, or karela.

Yes, since pure bitter melon tea is naturally caffeine-free, it can be consumed at night without interfering with sleep.

While generally safe, consuming large amounts may cause mild side effects like abdominal pain or diarrhea. It can also cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially for those taking diabetes medication.

No, bitter melon is likely unsafe during pregnancy as certain chemicals can induce uterine contractions. Pregnant women should avoid it and consult their doctor.

To reduce the bitterness, you can soak fresh slices in salt water before brewing. Adding honey, lemon juice, or ginger after brewing can also help balance the flavor.

Bitter melon is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help increase feelings of fullness and support weight management. However, research is mixed and should not replace a healthy diet.

For most people, drinking bitter melon tea in moderation is safe. However, due to its effects on blood sugar, those with underlying health conditions or on medication should seek medical advice for long-term use.