In recent times, there have been increased advocacy from some quarters, for the consumption of foods and drinks that are as natural as possible, instead of the synthetic ones that oftentimes, have passed through various stages before they are produced. Plants around us are as natural as many things and many of these plants possess many health benefits.
While several parts of many beneficial plants are often utilised for both their nutritional and health benefits, one of their parts that often pack quite a punch in terms of nutrients is their leaves. Fortunately, one can make use of some of these plants' leaves as a herbal tea by simply boiling them in water.
In this article, plants whose leaves can be boiled and consumed as a sort of herbal tea, as well as a few of their health benefits would be our focus. They are presented below:
1. Neem
Neem, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is a popular tree in Nigeria where it is known as "Dongoyaro". It is a highly valued medicinal plant whose every part including the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, and bark are utilised for one medicinal purpose or the other.
Due to its impressive nutrient profile, its leaves are sometimes boiled and taken as herbal tea. A few health benefits of its herbal tea include the following:
1. It promotes hair health.
2. It may aid liver and kidney health.
3. It may improve skin health.
4. It possesses antimalarial effects.
5. It is also good for diabetic management.
2. Moringa
Moringa, scientifically called Moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant that has often been used for many health benefits for many centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds and its leaves are often used in powdery or capsule form. However, should you choose to simply boil its leaves in water, below are some of the health benefits you can derive from it:
1. It is rich in antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative damage.
2. It may lower blood sugar levels.
3. It may help fight inflammation in the body.
4. It can help lower cholesterol.
5. It may protect against arsenic toxicity.
3. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is highly valued for its fresh, lemon-like aroma and its citrus-like flavour. It is a highly valuable plant due to many of the nutrients it contains which grant it impressive health benefits. It can be boiled in water to make what is known as lemongrass tea, and some of the health benefits of its tea include the following:
1. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
2. It may help to reduce your risk of cancer.
3. It may help to reduce high systolic blood pressure.
4. It may facilitate weight loss.
5. It may help regulate the body's cholesterol levels.
4. Papaya (Pawpaw)
Papaya is well valued in Nigeria for its sweet taste, but beyond its taste, its fruit, seeds and leaves are often utilised for other purposes including medical ones. Its leaves are usually utilised in the form of tea, tablet, extracts and juices and are known to possess several health benefits. Should you choose to boil the leaves in water to make herbal tea, below are some of the health benefits you can derive:
1. It may help to promote balanced blood sugar.
2. It promotes the health of the digestive system.
3. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
4. It supports hair growth.
5. It possesses anti-fever properties.
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