Bitter-leaf with the botanical name-‘’vernonia amydalina’’ is a homely plant that almost everybody knows what it is. Anywhere bitter –the leaf is grown, it flourishes and it’s evergreen.
There are various names for bitter –leaf in our society. The Igbos call it ‘Onugbu’. The Yoruba call it ‘Ewuro’ while the Hausa call it ‘Shiwaka’.
Perhaps, the most spectacular part of the bitter-leaf plant is its bitterness. Every part of the plant is bitter-the leaves, stems, roots and bark.
The Igbo of Eastern Nigeria uses the bitter leaf mostly as a vegetable, while the Yoruba use it as a medicine and vegetable as well.
Bitter-leaf is popular among the aged because of its bitter taste. But young people do not cherish it because of its bitterness; they prefer sugary things whereas, bitter herbs are good for the body’s components
Bitter herbs help to tone the 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 adult. Its main functions are; the secretion of the bile and formation of glycogen.
The liver is vital 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 rectify. 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 vital 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 because of this that we refer to bitter leaf as a cure-all, for if the kidney and liver are healthy, the whole system will function well
The bitter-leaf plants contain Vernodalin, Vernomygdin and Saponin. Bitter-leaf should always be taken fresh. Boiling or cooking reduces the potency of most herbs.
When you squeeze out the bitterness from the bitter leaves before eating it as a vegetable or using it as an herb, what is 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.
Some uses of Bitter-leaf:
1.STOMACH-ACHE:
Chew the tender stem of the plant like a chewing stick and swallow the bitterness. In some cases, the ache stops within a few minutes. An alternative is to pound the fresh leaves in a mortal and press out the juice. Add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink. This brings immediate relief.
- SKIN INFECTION
For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf are excellent. Simply apply it to the affected part daily.
3. DIABETES:
Diabetics should read this carefully as good news. They need not despair or lose hope. God has given the bitter leaf as a sign of God’s love and care. Traditional medics have been using this herb for the treatment of diabetes for a long time.
Bitter-leaf not only reduces the sugar level drastically, but it also helps to repair the pancreas. Squeeze ten handfuls of the fresh leaves in ten litres of water and take two glasses thrice daily for one month, this amounts to six glasses daily.
4. LOSS OF MEMORY
According to experts, 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. Take one glass thrice daily for a least two months.
5 . PROSTATE CANCER
This is common among men who are over forty years old. Its symptom is difficult and painful urination, among others. Bitter leaf is very good for this ailment. It increases the flow of urine and reduces pain, as well as regulates the spread of the cell.
Simply squeeze the fresh leaves 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.
- GENERAL WEAKNESS
Do you feel weak and tired? Do you lack vitality and vigour? Then get up and take a walk into the bush (or at your compound backyard if you plant one there). Squeeze the leaves in water and take a glass thrice daily. Soon you will experience a new lease of energy.
- STROKE
Bitter leaves solution calms the nerves, strengthens the muscles and cleanses the system. There are many testimonies that bitter leaf extract has done for many people and so, the fact is that bitter leaf is a good herb for this type of ailment.
- PNEUMONIA
Just squeeze the fresh leaves of the plant in water. Take a glass full thrice daily. Warm 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 help preserve the solution.
However, notice that if you store bitter leaf extract for twenty-four hours or more, the bitterness ill disappear or diminish.
9.INSOMNIA
Bitter leaf extract has done wonders for those suffering from sleeplessness. Simply take to glasses of bitter leaf solution every night. You will experience great calm and well being. You may add a little honey if you wish.
- ARTHRITIS
Arthritis or rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described overleaf attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed joints and eradicates the pain.
Seeing you next time for another edition of health tips.
Dr Anselm