The herb known as Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) as the name suggest is a bitter plant whose leaves, extracts, stems and barks are used for culinary, medicinal and curative purposes.
Vitamins in Bitter leaf includes; vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2. It is normal for African cuisine to contain bitter leaf as an ingredient.
Even though it is called bitter, the taste is actually described as having a mild flavour.
Bitter leaf carries several health benefits for many people around the globe who consume it regularly.
Bitter herbs help to tone the vital organs of the body, especially the largest organ of the body. Bitter leaves should always be taken fresh.
If you are a smoker or someone who is breathing second hand smoke, using bitter leaf is helpful for acting as a shield against the pollutants that pour from cigarettes while burning.
Through the consumption of bitter leaf juice, smokers and those breathing second hand smoke can help protect themselves against the health dangers associated with the habit.
The important thing this leaf does is to clean the blood, hence preventing sickness.
Bitter leaf can grow anywhere unlike other leaves that only grow in certain places and temperature. These leaves flourishes anywhere they grow.
If you often feel weak and tired or you lack vitality and vigour, squeeze the bitter leaf in water; take a glass 3 times daily. It is good in treating stroke, strengthens the muscle and cleanses the system.
Chew the tender stem and swallowing the juices is a well-known remedy for stomach aches.
Alternatively, pound the fresh leaves in a mortar to extract the juice, add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink.
This version is reported to bring immediate relief.
For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent.
Simply apply it to the affected part daily. Diabetic patients can also use bitter leaf as one of their medication to prevent high sugar level in the blood.
It will not only lower the sugar level in the blood but also repair impaired pancreas.
Bitter leaf juice relieves fever and feverish conditions. Take the squeezed juice, 3 times daily until the symptoms disappear.
