HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER LEAF
Everybody seems to know it. It
grows everywhere. Bitter-leaf, vernonia amydalina, is a very homely
plant. Wherever it grows, it flourishes. Evergreen. The Igbos call it
Onugbu. The Yorubas call it Ewuro. The Hausas call it Shiwaka. Perhaps
the most distinctive part of the Bitter-leaf plant is its bitterness.
Every part of the plant is bitter: the leaves, stems, root, and bark.
The Igbos of Eastern Nigeria use the bitter-leaf mostly as a vegetable,
while the Yorubas use it more as a medicine. Bitter-leaf is popular
among the old people for its bitterness. But the young people of today
do not like the bitterness of the bitter-leaf. They would rather prefer
biscuits, ice cream, chocolate and other sugary products. Their
philosophy is 'Life is sweet, therefore, food must be sweet.
The
fact is that bitter herbs are good for the body. On the existential
level, they remind us that life is not always sweet; that life is not
bed of roses; that both sweetness and bitterness are essential parts of
life and soare not opposed.
Bitter herbs help to tone the vital
organs of the body, especially the liver and kidney. The liver is the
largest organ of the body. It weights between 1-3 kg in the adult. Its
major funtions are (a) secretion of bile and (b) formation of glycogen.
The liver is essential in the metabolism of fats and protein, it must
therefore be well taken care of. Once the liver has any defect, it is
hard to correct. Every effort must be made therefore to keep the liver
in good condition. Alcohol, sugar and processed or refined foods can
weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections.
The kidney
is another important organ in the body. The kidney is the organ that
helps to expel waste materials from the body. It secretes urine that
flows into the urethras. If the kidney breaks down, there will be a
general disorder in the body. Bitter-leaf is very useful in the care of
the kidney and the liver. It is for this reason that we refer to bitter
leaf as a cure all, for if the kidney and the liver are healthy, the
whole system will function well.
The bitter leaf plant contains
Vernodalin, Venomygdin and saponin. Bitter leaves should always be taken
fresh. Boiling or cooking reduces the potency of most herbs. The Igbo
people of Eastern Nigeria eat a lot of bitter leaf. But they often
squeeze out the bitterness from the leaves before eating it. What left
then, is a mere chaff, with little or no medicinal value. Always
remember that raw vegetables are better than cooked ones. And
half-cooked vegetables are better than over-cooked ones. Bitter leaf,
like other plants, is a sacred plant. Therefore, respect it and pray
over the plant before you use it. We need to cultivate an attitude of
reverence for God's creatures so that we can be in harmony with them.
The following are some of the many uses of bitter leaf.
1. Stomach-ache:
Chew the tender stem of the plant like a chewing stick and swallow the
bitterness. This is a well known remedy for stomachaches. In some cases
the ache stops within a few minutes. An alternative is to pound the
fresh leaves in a mortar and press out the juice. Add a pinch of salt to
three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink. This brings
immediate relief.
2. Skin Infection:
For skin infections such
as ring worm, itching, rashes and eczema,Simply apply it to the
3. Diabetes:
Diabetes should listen carefully to this good news. They do not need to
despair or lose hope. God has not abandoned them. God has given them
bitter leaf as a sign of God's lovw and care. From time immemorial,
herbalists have been using the bitter leaf plant for the treatment of
diabetes. Bitter leaf not only reduces the sugar-level drastically, it
also helps to repair the pancreas.
4. Loss of Memory
Loss of
Memory can be a symptom of diabetes, or a sickness on its own. Whatever
its nature may be, bitter leaf is good for this ailment.
Prostrate cancer is common among menover forty years old. It sysmptom is
difficult and painful urination, among others. Bitter leaf is very good
for this ailment. It increases the flow of urine and reduces the pain,
as well as regulates the spread of the cell. Simply squeeze the fresh
leave in water and take a glassful four times daily. Don't be surprised
if you begin to urinate very frequently when you take the bitter leaf
extract. It's part of the cleansing and healing process that your body
needs.
6. General Weakness
Do you often feel weak and tired?
Do you lack vitality and vigour? Then get up and take a walk into the
bush. You don't need to trek far before you find a bitter leaf plant.
Squeeze the leaves in water and take a glass thrice daily. Soon you will
experience a new lease of energy.
7. Stroke
Bitter leaf
solution calms the nerves, strengthens the muscles and cleanses the
system. I have seen what marvels bitter leaf extract has done for many
people and I testify that it is good.
8. Pneumonia
Squeeze
the fresh leaves of the plant in water. on fire each time before drinking. Remember, do .
9. Insomnia
Bitter leaf extract has done wonders for those suffering from
sleeplessness. Simply take two You will experience great calm and well being. You may add a
little honey if you wish.
10. Arthritis
Arthritis or
rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described
above attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed joints and
eradicates the pain.
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Wednesday 18 May 2016
05:16
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER LEAF
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