Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf

Bitter leaf is a very common plant in west and central Africa. It is known scientifically as Vernonia amygdalina. Many people today do not know bitter leaf is more than a bitter leaf. It can give health benefits that you will spend huge amounts to get from a hospital or a pharmacy. In order to get the best medicinal and healing properties from bitter leaf, you will need to get the juice out of it. You can juice it by rubbing a few leaves in your palm and squeezing out the juice. If you have a blender then you can chop it up and blend and strain the juice out with a sieve.  Bitter leaf contains vitamins like vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B 12.

1 Bitter leaf brings down your blood sugar levels

Taking bitter leaf juice is known to bring down high levels of blood sugar.

2 bitter leaf cures body itches and skin rashes such as eczema, ring worm or scabies

Bitter leaf contains antibacterial and anti-fungi properties.  Apply the fresh juice on affected areas as often as needed.

3 Bitter leaf has been found to alleviate fever

When you feel feverish take bitter leaf juice till the fever goes down. If you have problems drinking the juice because of its bitter taste, try adding honey or sugar unless you are diabetic.

4 Nursing and breastfeeding mothers

Drinking bitter leaf juice helps in increasing breast milk production in nursing mothers. Drink one glass of bitter leaf juice twice a day or as often as needed.

5 bitter leaf detoxifies and cleans your system

Taking bitter leaf juice helps the body get rid of toxins.

6 contraction of uterus

Bitter leaf is able to contract the uterus and can be used to induce labour. Women who live in villages like Mundame in Kumba, south west Region of Cameroon make a woman drink bitter leaf juice at the onset of labour and after delivering to contract the uterus

Precaution: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, taking excessive amounts of bitter leaf juice can cause miscarriage. It is advisable to take any recommended antipyretic like efferalgan to bring down your fever if you are pregnant.

After knowing how important bitter leaf is, hope you will no longer have bitter feelings toward bitter leaf. It helps if you add pineapple, orange, carrot juice or any other sweetener of your choice to sweeten the bitter leaf juice.

Sources:

Health benefits of bitter leaf. Available online at http://www.nigerianfoodtv.com/2013/06/health-benefits-of-bitter-leaf-vernonia.html accessed on June 30 2015.

Top five health benefits of bitter leaf. Last updated on December 26, 2013. Available online at http://www.naturalnews.com/043321_bitter_leaf_health_benefits_herbal_medicine.html accessed on July 3, 2015.

Bitter leaf and its health benefits. Available online at http://diet234.com/bitter-leaf-health-benefits/  accessed on July 1, 2015.