Medicinal Benefits Of Mango Leaves
The mango leaves are reddish or purplish when tender and new, and grow into a dark green color and have a pale underside. These leaves are rich in vitamin C, B and A. They are also rich in various other nutrients. The mango leaves have powerful antioxidant properties as they have a high content of flavonoids and phenols (1).
1. Treating Diabetes
The mango leaves are very useful for treating diabetes. Animal studies suggest that the tender leaves of the mango tree contain phytochemicals, which may help in treating diabetes (2). The leaves are dried and powdered, or used as an infusion to treat the same. It may also help in treating diabetic angiopathy and diabetic retinopathy (3). Mango tea leaves are very good for this purpose. Soak the leaves in a cup of water overnight. Strain and drink this water to help relieve the symptoms of diabetes. It also helps treat hyperglycemia. The leaves contain a compound called 3 beta-taraxerol, and ethyl acetate extract which synergize with insulin to activate GLUT4 and stimulate the synthesis of glycogen.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Mango leaves may help lower the blood pressure as they have anti-hypertensive properties (4). They help in strengthening the blood vessels and treating the problem of varicose veins.
3. Treats Restlessness
Mangiferin, a phytochemical present in mango leaves, possesses anti-anxiety properties that may calm down restlessness experienced by people due to anxiety (5). Adding two to three glasses of mango leaf tea to the bath water helps treat uneasiness and refreshes the body.
4. Gall And Kidney Stones
The mango leaves may help treat kidney stones and gallstones (6). The daily intake of a finely ground powder of mango leaves, which are dried in the shade, with water kept in a tumbler overnight, helps in breaking the stones and flushing them out.
5. Respiratory Problems
The mango leaves are good for all kinds of respiratory problems. It is especially useful for people suffering from colds, bronchitis and asthma (7). Drinking a decoction made by boiling mango leaves in water with a little honey helps to cure cough effectively. It also helps in curing voice loss.
6. Cures Dysentery
Mango leaves may be very helpful in treating bleeding dysentery (7). The leaves dried in a shade should be powdered and then be taken with water two to three times a day to stop dysentery.
7. Ear Aches
Ear ache can be quite irritating. Using this home remedy provides good relief. A teaspoon of juice extracted from mango leaves as eardrops provides relief from earache. Heat the juice slightly before using it.
8. Heal Burns
To heal burns on the skin and scalds, burn a handful of mango leaves to ashes (7). Apply this ash on the affected area. It provides relief.
9. Treats Hiccups And Throat Problems
If you are suffering from hiccups or throat problems, mango leaf is a good home remedy (8). Burn a few mango leaves and inhale the smoke. This helps to cure hiccups and throat problems.
10. Stomach Tonic
Put some mango leaves in warm water, close the container with a lid, and leave it overnight. The next morning filter the water and drink it on an empty stomach. The regular intake of this infusion acts as a good stomach tonic and helps prevent various stomach ailments (8). Are mango leaves poisonous? No, mango leaves are not poisonous and are generally considered safe for consumption. Can we eat raw mango leaves? Yes, you can consume fresh raw mango leaves if they are available in your neighborhood.
