The health benefits and uses of Mango Leaves
Mangos are known as the king of fruits and are well known for their delicious flavour. But did you know that Mango Leaves have some fantastic medicinal properties and health benefits for the human body?
In this article, we will explore the 20 facts and benefits of mango leaves and explain how to use them at home.
1. Diabetes: The tender leaves of the mango tree are steeped in hot water to make tea for those with diabetes. The liquid within the leaves contains tannins which help the body to regulate its glucose and insulin levels and aid in keeping blood sugar stable. It also contains many other anti-inflammatory agents which can protect the eyes and other parts of the body from free radical damage which comes with diabetes.
2. Blood Pressure: Mango leaves also have hypotensive properties and can aid in lowering high blood pressure. Its active compounds help to strengthen the blood vessels and allow for better blood flow around the body. Mango leaf tea also has a relaxing effect on the nervous system which also helps to regulate blood pressure.
3. Respiratory Problems: Those who suffer from a cold, bronchitis, asthma or flu infection may consider drinking a mango leaf decoction in water with a little honey. This helps to open the airways for better breathing due to the antioxidants it contains. This is helpful to relieve sinus congestion, coughing and mucus.
4. Hair Growth: In many countries, the leaves of the mango tree are used to make herbal shampoos and conditioners. They contain phytochemicals. which help to clean the scalp and hair follicles, and strengthen them to prevent hair breakage.
5. Kidney Stones: Dried mango leaves can be ground into a fine powder and preserved as a kidney stone remedy. Simply adding a teaspoon in a glass of water in the morning can help to flush the kidneys to break up and release kidney stones. This has a diuretic effect which may make you urinate more often.
6. Anti-Bacterial: Mango leaf tinctures can be dripped under the tongue to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. The leaves have been shown to help destroy harmful bacteria in the body such as the bacillus subtilis, staphylococcus albus and Vibrio cholerae. Polyphenols found naturally in these leaves help to heal the body and get rid of chronic pain and swelling.
7. Ear Ache: If you suffer from earaches of pain then you may be surprised to know that there are many simple herbal remedies to relieve this problem. Fresh mango leaf juice can be heated slightly and dripped into the ear. This clears up ear infections and helps to break down hard wax.
8. Anti-Viral: Mango leaf tea can help to prevent cold sores from spreading from person to person, and may also be useful in treating other viral infections. Its natural compounds inhibit the replication of the HSV1 and HSV2 herpes viruses. It may also help to slow the spread of HIV through the body, however is not a permanent cure.
9. Teeth: You can mash mango leaves into a paste and use as an all-natural toothpaste. Its bitter chlorophyll helps to destroy bacteria on the teeth, reducing tartar and plaque. This can also lower inflammation in the gums and make them less likely to bleed when you brush.
10. Fights Parasites: Mango leaves are sometimes used to purify water which may contain parasites. Studies show that a natural compound called mangiferin in the leaves destroys Cryptosporidium parvum, a parasite often found in contaminated water.
11. Treats Diarrhea: Mango leaf tea or juice can help to settle a stomach if you are suffering from diarrhoea. The anti-inflammatory compounds reduce gas and bloating and are one of the best natural anti-diarrhoeal remedies. Simply drinking the liquid three times per day acts as a stomach tonic and helps to flush out toxins in the digestive system.
12. Weight Loss: If you are a little overweight, consider drinking mango leaf tea daily for a week to help speed up weight loss. Drinking this aids digestion as added support for a healthy diet or weight loss regime.
13. Immune Support: If you catch infections often, or have an autoimmune disease then this drink can help. The mangiferin compound has been shown to boost glutathione levels in the body. This is the master antioxidant that helps to strengthen your immunity and modulate the entire immune system. This may also help those suffering from cancer, but currently, more scientific research is required.
14. Allergies: The bark, stem and leaves of the mango tree have been shown to reduce allergic reactions in studies performed on mice. This suggests that a natural mango leaf extract may be used to treat certain allergic disorders such as hay fever, irritated skin and other issues.
15. Sore Throat: In some cultures, the leaves are dried and used as a treatment for sore throat. The dried leaves are simply burned to allow you to inhale a little smoke. This has been said to cure a sore throat very quickly, as the aromatic compounds help to reduce inflammation in the throat.
16. Varicose Veins: Those with varicose veins can also drink this tea every once in a while to improve blood flow, and reduce symptoms of varicose veins, especially in the legs.
17. Mango Leaf Tea for health benefits: The most common way to use mango leaves is by harvesting tender leaves from the mango tree and steeping in hot water to make a herbal tea. Be sure to wash and clean the leaves before doing this, to make sure that they do not have any dirt on them.
18. Infusion: A healthier option is to soak the leaves in cold water in the refrigerator overnight to make a mango leaf infusion. This water is more powerful as it has not been heated.
19. Nutrients and health benefits of mango leaves: Fresh Mango Leaves are rich in Vitamins C, B and Beta Carotene. They are also rich in flavonoids, polyphenols and compounds which give the leaves their potent medicinal properties.
20. Caution Some people are allergic to mango leaves, as they contain an oil called urushiol. Some people may experience a mild rash, however, others could experience a severe allergic reaction characterized by a sore throat, swelling and changes to blood pressure. Before using herbal medicine at home, be sure to consult a doctor or herbal practitioner. These professionals will ensure that you are using the correct amounts for your body and health condition. As you can see mango leaves have some fantastic health benefits and medicinal properties for the human body, especially for diabetic patients.