Bitter leaf plant is a vegetable that is used for culinary
and medicinal uses. It is called Vernonia amygdalina botanically. In Nigeria,
it is called ewuro, shiwaka, onugbu, oriwo and other local names in many
dialects. Every part of the bitter leaf plant is bitter and used in medicine.
The leaves are the part most commonly used in cooking.
Bitter leaf plant has numerous phytonutrients and nutrients
which give it the ability to heal. Some of these nutrients and properties are:
- Fiber and other carbohydrates.
- Vitamins A, C, E, B1 and B2.
- Minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc
- Antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids.
- Fatty acids like linolenic and linoleic acids.
- It has antimicrobial properties.
- It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bitter leaf plant has numerous health benefits of which some
are:
- It is widely used in treating diabetes because it regulates blood sugar. ( 1 cup juice daily)
- Bitter leaf is used to purify the blood and detoxify the body. (Juice)
- Bitter leaf supports liver and gall bladder functions and health. (Juice)
- It can help to lower bad cholesterol level in the blood. (Juice or in soup)
- It is a digestive aid and helps to reduce bloating. (Juice or in soup)
- It is used to treat stomach ailments. (Juice or in soup)
- It is used to treat skin disorders like warts, acne, eczema, psoriasis, itches and rashes. (Juices or mashed leaves are applied to affected parts)
- Used to treat fevers especially malaria. (Juice)
- It is used for deworming. (Decoction of root and stem)
- It is used to stop bleeding from wounds. (Juice)
- It is used to treat gum infections. (Juice)
- It gives strength and vitality. (Juice and soup)
- It is used to stop breastfeeding. (Juice is rubbed on the breast to discourage infants)
- It is used to treat swellings. (Mashed leaves)
- It helps to boost the immune system because of its antioxidant content. (Food)
Bitter leaf is used to cook local soups like egusi (melon
seed soup), black soup and ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup). It has numerous uses
in different cultures. It can be included in bitter tonics or used as a bitter
on its own. A combination of bitter leaf juice and basil juice is used widely
in Nigeria to help in regulating blood sugars.
Your comments and additions are welcome below or by email to
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Twitter @heal2bwell.
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