Everybody seems to know it. It grows everywhere. Bitter-leaf, vernonia amydalina, is a very homely plant. Wherever it grows, it flourishes. Evergreen. Popularly called Onugbu in Igbo language. 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 use the leaf mostly as a vegetable, while the Yorubas use it more as a medicine. Bitter-leaf is popular among older people for its bitterness. But the young people of today do not like the bitterness of the bitter-leaf. They would instead 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 a bed of roses; that both sweetness and bitterness are essential parts of life.
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 eat a lot of bitter leaves. But they often squeeze out the bitterness from the leaves before eating it. What left then, is 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 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 weighs between 1-3 kg in the adult. Its primary functions 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 organ in good condition. Alcohol, sugar, and processed or refined foods can weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections.
The following are some of the health benefits of bitter leaf.
1. Skin Infection
For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes, and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent. Apply it to the affected part daily.
2. 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.
READ ALSO: Perfumes Are Hazardous To Your Health
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 love 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, but it also helps to repair the pancreas. Squeeze ten handfuls of fresh leaves in ten liters of water and take two glasses thrice daily for one month, this amounts to six glasses daily.
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 suitable for this ailment. Take one glass thrice daily for a least two months.
5. 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.
6. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is common among men over forty years old. Its symptom is difficult and painful urination, among others. Bitter leaf is perfect for this ailment. It increases the flow of urine and reduces the pain, as well as regulates the spread of the cell. 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.
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. Insomnia
Bitter leaf extract has done wonders for those suffering from sleeplessness. Take two glasses of bitter leaf solution every night. You will experience great calm and well being. You may add a little honey if you wish.
9. Pneumonia
Squeeze the fresh leaves of the plant in water. Take a glassful thrice daily. Warm the solution on fire each time before drinking. Remember, do not boil, just warm. Continue the medication for a month. You do not need to squeeze the leaves each time you want to drink it. You can squeeze a large quantity at once and add some honey. This will preserve the solution. However, note that if you store bitter leaf extract for twenty-four hours or more, the bitterness will disappear or diminish.
10. 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.
Follow us on facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.