The picture above is known as Vernonia amygdalina (the bitter leave ),and I have actually made a post about it before with
It was just like every other tree in my house but its medicinal.
Maybe that's because it usually taste bitter.
Though my mum usually say it can be used to cook ,
My dad never agrees or let her use it .
So to us it felt useless, at first till we discovered its usage.
/* So this leave can be used to treat infections and stomach pains
It helps regulate blood template,
It enhances red blood cells ,
It helps in blood clothing..
When it gets applied to wounds it can easily stop bleeding.
And When mixed with honey after squeezing out the juice from the leaves, you can drink it ..and its health benefits includes..
Regulates blood pressure,
Helps to maintain regular menstrual cycle,
Helps to relieve cough,
Helps to soothe toothache,
Helps for weight loss and stomach fats..
Etc.
*Even be used to make the bitter leave soup too
Well looking at the tree it doesn't look like it as much leave but the tree never stops growing leaves no matter the season because his own leaves are way much bigger* ,
/And the local name is called (Olugbu in Eastern part of Nigeria)/
What do you MIX the Oblugu with, @urchice? Is there another herb you use to lift the taste or offset the bitterness? Agreed this is one super-powerful herb!!
Due to the natural bitter taste of the leaves it is hard for any other herbs used in mixing it to change the taste.
Like most common herbs used with it only changes the scent of the juice ,just like lemon grass and scent leaves,
The best way to reduce its bitter taste is after getting the juice from the leaves ,you mixing with honey in a glass cup and refrigerate it.
Once its past 24hours the bitter taste reduces but it's health benefits stays the same
I actually agree with you @urchice about bitter leaf's medicinal benefits. I personally used to squeeze the leave with a little water, add lemon orange juice and drink it early in the morning. This soothes my bowl and helps me to maintain a good body weight.
Last weekend, I made a soup with it. But one must wash out thoroughly the bitterness before using it. You can add bushmango and melon to the soup.