Do Know That...

 

Bitterleaf is a healing and medicinal plant?


Bitter leaf -- technically known as Vernonia amygdalina -- is a traditional ingredient in African cuisine. It is also know as shiwaka, onugbo and ewuro by the Hausas, Igbos and Yorubas.  This kind of leaf is very familiar to some people but others may not have any idea about this wonder leaf. Bitter-leaf can grow almost anywhere (Yep! my sister and sister in-law have bitteleaf in their garden and they both live in the US) unlike other leaves that only grow in certain places and temperature. The most distinctive characteristic of this plant is its bitterness; every part of the plant is bitter starting from the leaves to its roots!

The leaves, extracts, stems and barks are used for culinary,medicinal and curative purposes. Vitamins in bitterleaf includes;Vitamin A, Vitamin C ,Vitamin E, Vit.B1 and Vit.B2. It also contains flavonoids, Lactone, ketones, alkane, aldehydes, potassium, sodium, calcium, acid grit, and resin.

With its rich nutrition and one most powerful plant, here are the powerful Benefits of Bitter Leaf :

Reduces Fever
It has antiseptic properties that is very effective to reduce/relieve fever and feverish conditions. The content of andrographolide lactones, glucosides, diterpene,and flavonoids serve as fever reducer. Juice the leaves or boil 10g of dried bitter leaf and 25g dried turmeric root with 200ml water (divide into 3 parts) as tea, take it 3 times daily until the symptoms stops.



Fights Against Cancer
The bitterleaf can treat trophoblastic tumor, lung tumor and hydatidiform mole which are the forerunner of cancer. Andrographolide in the plant shows activity in particular substances that are effective in preventing liver disease, improve the immune system, anti-cancer etc. Some studies report that the plants can stop the activities of gastric cancer cells, can inhibit tumor growth.The extract from bitterleaf can inhibit the growth and development of breast cancer cells.

To make a  herbal drink, combining the bitter leaf with turmeric as mentioned above is required.


Lowers Blood Pressure
Bitter compounds and nutrients (andrographolide , alkaloid, and potassium) can improve the body’s defense systems such as the production of white blood cells that attack bacteria and other foreign bodies. High potassium in bitterleaf  is useful in removing water and salt to treat hypertension.
the potassium compounds provide efficacy to reduce blood pressure.


Treating Diabetes
Bitterleaf helps to reduce high sugar level in the blood, and great for diabetic patients. Andrographolide is the main active ingredient in bitter that serves to reduce levels of glucose in the blood. In an animal model, study have revealed that bitter leaf decoction can lower blood glucose levels . Results of experiments on the water decoction of bitter leaf 10% at a dose of 0.3 ml / kg body weight can lower blood sugar levels that are comparable to the provision of glibenclamide suspension.


To make a drug mix for diabetes,

• 5 grams of fresh leaves,
• pour 1 cup of hot water (boiled),
• after the cold and then filtered.
• Distillate then drinks daily two times as much, morning and evening after meals.

Lowers Cholesterol

High cholesterol -- especially "bad" LDL cholesterol -- is a risk factor for stroke,  heart attack and Alzheimer's disease. According to the Journal of Vascular Health and Risk Management (February 2008), bitterleaf can reduce bad and total cholesterol. In an animal model, supplementation with bitterleaf extract reduced LDL cholesterol by 50 percent while also boosting "good" HDL cholesterol. However, no research has been conducted on humans to investigate bitterleaf on cholesterol.

Eases Skin Problems
Bitterleaf has antibiotic and antifungal properties.Squeeze the fresh leaves on your palm and apply the juice on skin rashes,eczema, ring worms and any superficial skin ailments, you'll notice a change in few days. Don't apply to open wounds.


Cleanses
anti-oxidants properties thus,Taking a cup of bitter leaf juice a day, is a great way to detoxify the body of harmful toxins.


Ayuverdic Treatment

Juice extracted from fresh bitterleaf help in treating diarrhea, bacillary dysentery disease, and it is said to treat pile.  

The washed roots and stalks of bitterleaf  are boiled and the infusion is taking as a worm expeller. A cup of bitter leaf infusion taking first thing in the morning before meals.

It speeds up metabolism and therefore is great for weight loss.
 

Boosts Energy and Increases Endurance
A cup of bitter leaf juice a day, energizes you...o yes it does! The bitter substances agrapholide and panni colin function to increase endurance. In the US, bitterleaf is patented as a medicine for AIDS.
Generally to increase endurance,  drink two cups a day of the herbal tea. How to make:

• 10 grams of dried leaves were given 4 cups of water and
• boil until 2 cups.
• Drink

Nursing
Bitter leaf juice is said to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. The juice is also used by local women in Guinea-Bissau to contract the uterus after childbirth and therefore should not be taking during pregnancy  or if you're trying to conceive,because high intake might cause miscarriage.

References:  

• Ijeh II, Ejike CECC (2011). "Current perspectives on the medicinal potential of Vernonia amygdalina Del". J Med Plant Res 5 (7): 1051–1061

• Akinpelu DA. Antimicrobial activity of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Fitoterapia. 1999;70:232–234.

• Owoeye O. Anticancer Activity of Vernonia amygdalina Del. Leaf Extract, its Antioxidant and Radioprotective Properties in the Brain of Rats. 2010. Ph. D Thesis; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan: Ibadan, Nigeria.