Bitterleaf is a potent leaf popularly known for its strong taste and dark juice. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants and is widely known in Africa for its traditional medicine use and delicacies, as well as in some Asian countries. We can attest to its potency because older generations of African descent, especially Nigerians, have emphasized how Bitter Leaf, also known as Vernonia Amygalina, kept them so agile that they barely fell sick.
In Nigeria, it’s called Onugbu in eastern Nigeria (Igbos), “Ewuro” in Yoruba, and “Fatefate” in Hausa. Bitter leaf is a highly consumable plant from the roots, stems, and aqueous extract (bitter leaf juice).
Analysis of the mineral components in bitter leaf
Bitterleaf comprises three parts and a variety of nutrients.
The whole plant, the leaf, the ariel part, and the root.
These parts have diverse medicinal uses.
E.g., the whole plant is used in the treatment of malaria, snake bites, and insect bites.
The leaf is a remedy for fever, common cold, tuberculosis, and mouth ulcers.
The aerial part is effective in the treatment of cancer, common cold, and urinary tract infections.
The root is effective for febrifuges, tonics, stomachics, and anthelmintics.
Studies have shown that bitter leaves contain a wide range of mineral compounds and vitamins, such as terpenes and phenolic acids, which are bioactive essential compounds effective in anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, etc.
Sesquiterpene lactones, which are bitter compounds in bitter leaves, are effective as they combine over 3000 known compounds, such as alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins.
How to reduce bitterness in bitter leaf
Farm fresh bitter leaf has a tangy bitter smell, and the bitterness is stronger by the time you’re done picking them; the bitterness stays on your hands.
There are different processes for reducing bitterness in this leaf
Washing
Traditional Igbo communities use a raffia basket and clean water. They continuously rub the bitter leaf on the surface of the basket to squeeze out its dark juice first. The bitter leaf starts shredding during this process, resulting in tiny, easily consumable products. This washing process will go on for some minutes until the juice becomes clearer. Some do this in riverine areas, while others do it in the comfort of their homes.
This refined bitterleaf, when added to a mixture of palm oil and other local ingredients, is a palatable delicacy.
Parboiling:
This process involves slicing bitter leaves and bringing them to a boil for 2–3 minutes. Sugar, salt, or potassium can be added as a sweetener.
There has been a superstition among the Igbos of Nigeria that when you add the bitter leaf to your pot of soup with your left hand to avoid talking while at it, it tends to reduce the bitterness.
It is important to note that this method does not guarantee a sweet taste; the bitter may have reduced, but the bitter agent is still active. The more bitter, the healthier.
4 Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf.
Detoxification
Bitter leaf helps to cleanse the body. High consumption of junk food exposes the body to harm. Regular intake of a mixture of bitter leaf juice and scent leaf purifies those excesses.
Instant Relief
The juice extract can be used for instant relief of fever, colic pain, loss of appetite, irregular stools and diarrhea, common cold, cough, fever, hepatitis, tuberculosis, mouth ulcers, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal disorders and sores.
Immune Booster for fertility
Bitter leaf contains edodites, which promote hormonal balance for women. This compound aids women in getting pregnant, increasing fertility in women.
It also helps increase sperm production in men.
Regulation of blood sugar
The ethanol components in the bitter leaf are responsible for regulating blood glucose. Consumption of bitter leaf reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Anti-cancer
Bitter leaf contains Andrographolide compound, which has multi-anti-cancer properties
Treatment of insomnia
A glass of bitter leaf juice before bed increases relaxation and aids sound sleep.
Rich in vitamins
Bitter leaf contains calcium, vitamin E, and K, which prevent deficiency and strengthen the bones and teeth.
Conclusion
There’s a popular adage in Igbo that says, “Sweet things kill easily.”. This implies that bitter things can save lives.
Bitter leaf has been saving lives since as far back as humanity. Modern science has proven that its potential is limitless.
If you cannot eat the leafy parts, add them to your delicacy, which is highly palatable as well.
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