Everybody seems to know it. Grows everywhere bitter-leaf, Vernonia Amygdalina, is very homely plant. Wherever it flourishes. Evergreen. The Igbos call it Onugbu. The Yorubas call it Ewuro. The Hausas call it Shiwaka. Perhaps the most distinctive part ofthe bitter-leaf plant is its bitterness. Every part of the plant is bitter: the leaves stems, root and bark.
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 stomach-aches.
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, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent. Simply apply it to the affected part daily
3. Diabetes
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. Squeeze ten handfuls of the 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 it 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
Prostate cancer 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 the 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.
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 track 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. Take a glass-full 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 help preserve the solution. However, note that if you store bitter leaf extract for twenty-four hours or more the bitterness will disappear or diminish.
9. Insomnia – (sleeplessness)
Bitter leaf extract has done wonders for those suffering from sleeplessness. Simply 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.
10. Arthritis – Rheumatism.
Arthritis or rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described above attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed and eradicates the pain.
11.Breast Cancer:
Consuming bitter leaf in various forms may combat breast cancer cell growth, according to the February 2004 "Experimental Biology and Medicine." In a test tube study of human breast cancer cells, scientists from Jackson State University found that bitter leaf inhibited the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Breast cancer patients will do themselves a lot of good by generously eating bitter leaf as soup and also as bitter leaf extract
12.Prevention Of Heart Diseases :Bitter leaf is an abundant source of the two important polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic and linolenic acid.
A study found in the November 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that diets rich in these two fatty acids were protective against cardiovascular disease. In this study, those who consumed the greatest amounts of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids had a 40 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to those that seldom consumed these two fats.Bitter leaf extract and soup are of great use therefore in prevention of heart diseases.
13.Worm Expeller:The washed roots and stalks of bitterleaf are boiled and the infusion is taking as a worm expeller. A cup of bitter leaf infusion taking first thing in the morning before meals
14.Dental problems :The stick of bitter leaf is a very good chewing stick which helps to prevent Gingivitis and toothache. Whilst the bitter taste may make it unappealing to many for everyday use; a person with embarrassing gingivitis may benefit from using it. The relief from toothache ia also a very good incentive for using bitterleaf chewing stick.
Apart from all these bitter leaf is also useful in treating piles,nausea&vomiting, increase breast milk production in nursing mothers and contract uterus after childbirth.
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