Banaba

Banaba is a popular medicine plant and is used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is high in corosolic acid which is used in many treatments for diabetes. It is a natural plant insulin, can be taken orally, and has no side effects, according to Japanese research.

 There has been much research done on Banaba leaves and their ability to reduce blood sugar, and its "insulin-like principle." 
 

Banaba has been used as a folk medicine among people with diabetes in the Philippines. Folkloric use also includes diuretic and purgative action from leaf decoctions and the use of root parts for stomach ailments. The plant is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes.

Active ingredients that are found in Banaba are corsolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin. These ingredients are thought to stimulate glucose uptake and have insulin-like activity. The latter activity is thought to be secondary to activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase or the inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase.

Banaba is a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Australia. It is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree that can grow to 18 m in height, with a 9 to 12 m spread. The large, oblong, dark-green, leathery leaves measure 5 to 10 cm wide by 12 to 30 cm long. The leaves turn an orange-red color in the fall. The flowers are pink to purple in color, giving way to oval, nut-like fruits. The bark of the tree is thin, mottled, and peeling.

In Japan, Banaba tea has become quite popular. In the US, many weight-loss formulas are now using banaba as a safe, natural component for reducing weight. Information regarding long-term human use is not available.

No adverse effects have been reported with its use.



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   Gynura Procumbens

GYNURA PROCUMBENS

 

        It's not Ashitaba. It's Gynura Procumbens.

        My officemate introduced me to this plant. He was eating it raw. He said it was a miracle plant.  Cures many kinds of illnesses particularly diabetes and hypertension. It's name was Ashitaba. When I googled it, I found out it's name is Gynura Procumbens.

         Gynura procumbens is believed to be one that possess the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Locals will recommend you to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form. It has been used for the treatment of eruptive fevers, rash and kidney disease.

         Gynura procumbens is an amazing edible herb. It has been used as “FOLK MEDICINE” for hundreds of years. This herb has been found to be an extremely alkalizing and miraculous antiviral, anti-inflammatory edible plant. It is high in antioxidants and  offers the possibility of remarkable results when it comes to improving overall health and longevity, and aiding in conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. It's also been known to significantly support the detoxification process. Easy to grow, your entire family can be eating it in a matter of days. It multiplies quickly so you can share plants with your friends and relatives.

       Wikipedia states, Gynura procumbens (Sabuñgai), sometimes called "longevity spinach," is an edible vine found in the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, Thailand, and Indo-China. Leaves are ovate-elliptic or lanceolate, 3.5 to 8 centimeters long, and 0.8 to 3.5 centimeters wide. Flowering heads are panicled, narrow, yellow, and 1 to 1.5 centimeters long.

           This plant is an evergreen scrub which is of considerable medicinal value. It has found its way around the world and is widely used as an accepted medicine for diabetes, HTN, and elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

          The plant is popularly called as Ashitaba in our place. I shared it at home and was glad one day my mother found a plant. Now it has grown wild and my mother eats 3-4 leaves a day while toiling her plants in our small garden. A friend shared she mixes it with her sandwich spread during breakfast. I found an expensive container in an officemates table one day and was surprised to see it has gynura leaves in it. He has diabetes. Now, almost everyone I know in my place knows about it already and have plants in their homes. If you haven't got one yet, and have such illnesses, it's time you should. I eat 4-5 leaves a day, too. We combine it in our mixed vegetables for lunch and dinner.

 

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Sambong  for kidney disorders or kidney stones.
Guyabano or Soursop a cancer cure.
Moringa Oleifera the miracle tree.
Health Benefits of Basil  which is great for Pesto