Post by Trade Coach on Apr 18, 2021 13:18:14 GMT 1
The Country Nigeria is a land rich in many natural resources which include herbs, spices that are rich is flavor, nutrients and medicinal values. These herbs and spices have unquantifiable positive effects on the health of the citizens. We are going to take our time to review them one by one and expose to you the export potential of the herbs, leaves and spices.
Bitter Leaf is not new to many people in this forum, therefore we are going to do a little introduction and go straight to the many benefits of the leaf. Along the line we introduce some herbs that work hand in hand with it in treating some deadly diseases in both human beings and animals.
Bitter Leaf with botanical name as (Verononia Amygdalina), Yoruba name, Efo ewuro, Ibo calls it Olugbu, Hausa know it as Shakwa shuwaka and Etido in Efik. It is a Nigerian herb that grows mainly in the tropics and has semblance to lettuce and few other herbs.
This herb serves many Nigerians as medicines in their diet. The herb comes in different species; some come in small leaves while others come in large leaves.
The plant is bitter naturally, the bitter taste is more pronounced when eaten fresh and raw. The older generation like it with the bitter taste; while the younger ones with preference for sweet things, will like to crush and wash the leaves in order to reduce the bitter taste.
The vegetable can be used together with many other vegetables in making soups and stews in Nigeria. The most popular combination is using it with egusi (ground melon seeds). It adds a pungent bitter sweet taste that differentiates it from other types of vegetables.
One of the most wonderful areas I witnessed the medicinal power is in poultry. Whenever there is an outbreak of Coccidiosis in the poultry pen among the chicken, a few drops of freshly pressed bitter leaf water solves the problem. I have used it and also witnessed it several times. Other people have used it and confessed to its efficacy too.
You know that Coccidiosis is a sickness that affects the intestine of the chicken; it is also good for intestinal disorders in human beings.
Traditionally, it is used to treat fever, malaria, stomachache, diarrhea, dysentery, and even cough. This vegetable is useful in many ways in any Nigerian society.
Bitter leaf has been known to reduce blood sugar levels, and repairs damaged pancreas and kidney, it has always been recommended for diabetic patients from the ages. It is quite rich in vitamins and minerals.
It is also used to cleanse such vital human organs as the liver and kidney. It is equally used in treating skin infections such as ringworm and eczema.
Drinking bitter leaf especially for young children is not a pleasant experience; bitter leaf usually leaves a bitter taste in the mouth after taking a glass cup of the juice. But I can bet you that those parents that continuously insist that you drink that bitter juice are aware of the benefits loaded in the plant.
Bitter Leaf Reduces The Risk of Cancer.
Bitter leaf contains many anti-cancer properties such as, andrographolide compound which has been scientifically proven to aid in treating prostate cancers, gastric cancers, and colon cancers.
Studies have further shown that bitter leaf extract can boost immunity, inhibit tumor growth and prevent the development of cancer cells.
It Lowers High Blood Pressure.
Bitter leaf uses the property of bitterness it contains to lower the sugar level in human beings thereby lowering the blood pressure. Hypertensive patients are advised by health professionals to drink the juice as the potassium content prevents the sodium from spiking up in the blood stream. It helps in flushing out accumulated salt in the body.
Bitter Leaf Enhances Fertility.
It is of great benefit to the productive system of women. Drinking bitter leaf juice can get women conceive as the chemical compounds present in the leaf like edotides promotes hormonal balance and boots immune system to help detoxification. Once the hormonal system is balanced; the chances of getting pregnant increases in women.
Bitter Leaf Aids Weight Loss
Bitter leaf juice contains some components that aid in burning fat. Take the juice consecutively for some days, you will notice bad cholesterol eliminated from your body system, thereby reducing excess calories in your body.
This is one of the wonders of nature that has been given to us free of charge. The demand for this leaf, dried or fresh is enormous. Key in to the programme and you will not regret it.