Bitter leaf- The cure for ailments in Nigeria for both men and women is popularly called shuwaka, onugbu and ewuro by Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba respectively is a valuable plant that cures almost any form of ailments. “Gbobgo nise” (Which means cure for all ailments) according to the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. The leaf can be cooked, juiced or chewed raw. It is used by most rural women in Nigeria for soups and stews and it is well known for his medical benefits.

Apart from using the leaves as vegetable in soups, the leaves are also washed and squeezed to extract the juice from it. Regular consumption of this vegetable helps to regulate blood cholesterol levels which is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.Bitter leaf is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Due to the presence of nutrients especially Beta Carotene, It controls the synthesis of sex hormones in women. This allows women to stay younger and healthy for a longer duration of time.

Bitter leaf has been known to significantly lower blood sugar levels. It does not only reduce blood sugar, it also helps to repair the pancreas.The plant has been widely used and recognized for its efficacy in preventing malaria which is a common parasite in Nigeria. Drinking the juice serves as cure for malaria.Consumption of the plant is helpful in increasing milk production in breast feeding mothers especially for Nigerian women in rural areas who may not have access to food with enough nutritional value.The plant also increases appetite in anorexia (loss of appetite).

Bitter-leaf has the ability to grow anywhere in Nigeria unlike other leaves that only grow in certain places and temperature.The most distinctive feature of this plant is its bitterness. Every part of this plant is bitter starting from the leaves to its roots. The bitterness of this plant is actually good for the body.

Other health benefits of bitter leaf are broken down into the following;

-Diabetic patients can use bitter-leaf as one of their medication to cure blood sugar . It will not only reduce blood sugar in the body but also repair impaired pancreas.

-The plant helps to enhance weight loss due to its ability to increase the rate of metabolic activities in the body system.

-Bitter leaf juice when taken by nursing mothers, improves the quality and production of breast milk.

-The plant May reduce the risk of breast cancer that frequently occur in women.

-It cures ailment like pneumonia.

-For people suffering from sleepless nights (insomnia), taking bitter leaf juice at night helps.

-Bitter leaf cures Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in both men and women.

-It contains anti-parasite, anti-bacteria properties that is needed to cure malaria. It is therefore an anti-bacteria


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