Bitter leaf juice

As I see it, everyday, you do one of two things- build health or produce disease in yourself -Adelle Davis.

Life is all about choices. A lot more people are choosing to take responsibility for their health and well-being. They are availing themselves of the numerous natural herbs and plants that nature has in its intelligence, endowed us with.

Truth is, we are so blessed with a diverse array of potent herbs and plants with undeniable benefits and natural healing abilities. I talk about choices here, because the name alone ‘bitter leaf’ makes it the least on the rung given our susceptibility to the sugar, sodium and chemical laden options that are readily at our reach. Our palates are sugar-centric and therefore not fond of bitter tasting food.

It is always very engaging to listen as people share their ‘natural remedies’ and the different herbs, plants, fruits or vegetables they juice and drink to detoxify, maintain optimum health or help cure certain ailments.

Bitter herbs are generally considered liver herbs because they stimulate, cleanse and support the liver and gall bladder. They stimulate bile and hydrochloric acid production. They equally stimulate nervous system and immune system function. Interestingly, they also combat fatigue and exhaustion.

Bitter leaf certainly fits this bill. The botanical name for this plant is Veronina Amygdalina. Known as ewuro amongst the Yorubas, it is called Shiwaka by the Hausas and it is used in preparing the famous Onuigbo soup by the Igbo.

Apart from its culinary delicacy, bitter leaf is well known for its healing potency, yes, like all the other bitter herbs. Boiling or cooking herbs reduces the potency. Juicing your bitter leaf is minus the palm oil, pepper, seasoning cubes, beef, dry fish etc that make bitter leaf a culinary delight.  To get its full potency and medicinal value, bitter leaf should be juiced raw.

Here are some of the health benefits of juicing your bitter leaf:

• Improves digestion

• Internal cleansing

• Helps with diabetes – it reduces sugar level drastically

• A great remedy for stomach ache

• Stimulates the gut wall’s self repair mechanism

• Increases energy levels

• Fights fatigue and exhaustion

• Calms the nerves and strengthens muscles

• Nourishes the skin

• Soothes Arthritis

• Combats Insomnia

• Helps sooth pile

• Relieves fever and feverish conditions.

Bitter leaf is readily found everywhere.

This is obviously one of the very simple, inexpensive natural herbs you can use to ensure your optimum health and well-being!