See more about the benefits.

The ripe berries, twigs, and root bark of the black mulberry are used in traditional medicine. Consumed for their taste and health benefits, these berries contain pectin, which can have a laxative effect. Additionally, compounds in the fruit and twigs may aid in lowering blood sugar levels. See these 12 benefits of the black mulberry:

1. Decreases the glucose rate in the body

The properties of black mulberry are used to control glucose in the body. The black mulberry contains a compound that inhibits the increase in blood sugar. This compound stimulates the natural production of insulin. Therefore, it helps to keep the levels regulated.

This benefit is hidden in the plant’s leaves, which can be used in pure extracts and teas. In both cases, the benefits will appear in diabetes patients.

2. Reduces menopause symptoms

Another super advantage of consuming black mulberry is the reduction of menopausal symptoms in women over 35. The properties and nutrients in black mulberry leaves regulate hormones, mainly estrogen.

Menopause alters the functioning of hormones in a woman’s body. This can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal discomfort, reduced sexual desire, mood swings, and fatigue.

Black mulberry’s properties can adjust hormone concentration in the body. This makes the process easier for women. With the symptoms reduced, entry into menopause is much easier and healthier.

3. Regulates intestinal flora

Due to the large amount of dietary fiber present in the composition of this plant, one of its benefits is to improve and regulate bowel function.

In addition, black mulberry contains substances that stimulate intestinal transit, thus combating constipation. Studies show that it reduces the harmful bacilli in the intestine without harming the beneficial bacilli, as if that wasn’t enough.

It is highly recommended to consume this plant and its derived products to treat diseases that affect the intestinal tract. Its nutrients can keep the intestines functioning in good condition.

4. Good for the bones

The composition table of black mulberry reveals a great surprise: it is an excellent source of calcium. It has 22 times more calcium than milk, which is famous for its benefits to bone structure.

In addition, black mulberry is rich in other minerals that improve overall bone health, joints, and the functioning of important organs such as the kidneys and heart. Among these minerals are potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It is noteworthy that proteins are also present in its composition.

5. Improves liver and kidney function

As mentioned above, black mulberry has important nutrients for the proper functioning of some organs. However, it is worth noting that the organs that benefit most from this are the liver and kidneys.

The composition of this plant has been made to enhance the functioning of these organs. Black mulberry nourishes the body. It also inhibits fat and cholesterol accumulation in organs. This improves overall health.

6. It helps you lose weight.

The black mulberry also offers help for those who are looking to lose weight. The plant contains substances that inhibit fat accumulation in the body. In addition, its antioxidant properties help in this process.

It also helps increase the fat volume eliminated by feces, as if that wasn’t enough, along with fiber. It facilitates fat burning, similar to the consumption of thermogenic foods. In addition, it is a natural product indicated for people who want to maintain their current weight. Although losing weight is not the goal, the black mulberry helps prevent weight gain.

Blueberry tea is also recommended to increase urinary flow, which helps eliminate retained fluids in the body. This also helps in decreasing measurements.

7. Combat high blood pressure.

Do you know what y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is? Probably not. This substance (somewhat rare) is present in the composition of black mulberry leaves. Its main function in the human body is to normalize the elevation of blood pressure.

GABA is a hypotensive acid that should be used at peaks of high blood pressure. It helps to decrease elevation, thereby restoring the normalized pressure level.

8. Helps lower cholesterol

Studies in Brazil found that black mulberry leaves contain substances that lower cholesterol. That is, it helps the body lower its cholesterol level.

Research in laboratory rodents proved that some properties in this plant’s leaves can lower cholesterol. Scientists have a promising picture on this subject. They’re betting that this benefit will be widely used in pharmacology.

In particular, the study cites the importance of two substances in this process: quercetin and caffeic acid. Both are very important for cholesterol regulation.

Interestingly, the study found greater effectiveness of this benefit in female animals. This may mean that the remedies developed with the leaves of this plant are more potent for women’s health. Only science will tell us in the future.

9. Fights cancer

We have already mentioned that black mulberry leaves contain beneficial substances. For example, quercetin and caffeic acid. In addition to these, the composition of properties of the black mulberry leaves has other antioxidant substances. These substances help fight and prevent cancer.

The antioxidant action protects cells from oxidation caused by free radicals. In this case, black mulberry properties directly affect lipoperoxidation.

Black mulberry tea or extract can protect some organs from cancer risk. It’s more effective at preventing than at fighting cancer. The chances of kidney cancer are greatly reduced with the preventive use of the properties of this plant.

10. Fights premature aging

Free radicals (the same mentioned in the previous topic) are also responsible for opening space in the body for diseases of old age. Free radicals damage cells to the point that they don’t age well and increase the risk of health problems.

Black mulberry tea has an antioxidant effect proven by science, which is one of the main methods of combating the premature aging of cells. In addition, it is important to follow a good diet and practice some physical activity.

This great combo of good food and a healthy diet, plus black mulberry tea, is very good for your physical and mental well-being. It can also defend your body from various diseases.

11. Prevents baldness

A scientific article from a Japanese survey showed that the properties of black mulberry can also prevent baldness. In addition, the consumption of tea or products from this plant can help in the treatment of hair loss, in addition to prevention.

This is due to its composition. The nutrients stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, improve the quality of the strands, and strengthen them. Therefore, there is a progressive decrease in hair fall.

12. Fights fungi, bacteria, and inflammation

Last but not least, the composition of black mulberry results in a combo of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It is a true natural remedy against fungi, bacteria, and inflammation.

So, Know that black mulberry tea and products greatly help if you are experiencing any of these problems or know someone who is.

How to prepare black mulberry tea?

Black mulberry tea is the most common method of consumption of this plant in Western countries like Brazil. So, see how to prepare it correctly:

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot or kettle and turn off the heat.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped blueberry leaves and cover for 10 minutes.
3. Then strain and drink.

It is not advisable to sweeten this natural drink. Sugar can change the composition of the infusion, and, as a result, some benefits are lost; however, if you prefer to sweeten it with 1 tablespoon of bee honey, which is also a natural option and will not undo the benefits.

How to drink tea correctly?

Some studies indicate that black mulberry tea should be taken every day in some cases. For example, daily consumption is shown for diabetes patients and menopausal women. People with low blood pressure can drink black mulberry tea every day.

The indicated consumption is 3 times a day, in each shift. It is important, however, to emphasize that these 3 daily servings need to be moderated. An amount that does not exceed 1 cup in each “round” of consumption. ½ cup should be enough.

One study has shown that the full and full benefits of drinking black mulberry tea appear with 90 days of daily intake (at least once a day). However, this does not mean that benefits only appear after this period.

From the moment you drink the natural drink for the first time, you already get the qualities of the black mulberry. Little by little, they manifest in the body. Try it and find out if you still have doubts. Then come back here and tell us what you think!

Where to buy?

Mulberry leaves are very difficult to find in the US, but only for those who need to learn and don’t know how to look properly. Despite the difficulty, some qualified companies sell black mulberry leaves, extracts, and capsules.

Most of them work on the internet, but it’s worth stopping by the nearest health food store and seeing if they sell there.

However, you have to be very careful about mistakes. Many people buy black mulberry leaves, thinking they are blueberry leaves. In addition, there are freeloaders or uninformed sellers. They say they are black mulberry leaves, but they are blueberry leaves. Stay tuned!

This content is part of the Alternative Medicine category. It may contain information that needs more scientific studies and medical consensus.

The use of herbs can be a healthy, cheap, and effective option when it comes to health and well-being. A good example is the mistrust. This plant is also known as the red beetle. It offers important benefits for the body. It treats arthritis and arthrosis, relieves menstrual cramps, and fights depression.

Mentrasto is abundant in regions with a tropical climate. You can find it in the country. It’s sold in open markets, natural food stores, and alternative medicine websites. It is also possible to plant the seedling of this herb and cultivate it at home. Its development requires little preparation.

Tea, poultice, and essential oils are made for external use with the extract of Mentrasto. However, its use must be guided and monitored by a specialist physician. In excess, the plant causes liver complications. Here’s how to consume responsibly and learn more about this elixir of natural medicine.

Top 4 Benefits of Billy Goat Weed

Billy Goat Weed is used therapeutically topically for arthritis, arthrosis, and rheumatism. It can also be consumed as an herbal tea to relieve colic. It has an antispasmodic action. It reduces muscle contractions in organs such as the stomach, intestine, uterus, and bladder. Effective for both menstrual and intestinal cramps. There are 4 major benefits of Billy Goat Weed are:

1- Treats arthrosis and arthritis

In Brazilian folk medicine, Billy Goat Weed tea is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It is infallible for treating joint pain, such as that found in arthritis and arthrosis. But how does this happen?

Arthritis is joint inflammation that causes stiffness and pain. Arthrosis is joint degeneration. Both illnesses are very common with advancing age. A 2006 study by the Federal University of Ceará showed that Billy Goat Weed is effective for these problems.

The study’s object was tea’s pain relief effect. It focused on people with arthrosis who had chronic bone and muscle pain. The results showed that the drink was effective. It began to be indicated as an alternative option in the treatment of pain.

Another study on the anti-inflammatory effects of mentrasto indicated the ideal form of use for this purpose. According to the research, it is to drink from two to three cups of the infusion of the mentrasto leaves per day.

The plant’s essential oil can also be used topically to massage needed areas, and the herb poultice can be placed over injured joints.

2- Relieves menstrual cramps

The menstrual cramps can be controlled or even eliminated by making use of Billy Goat Weed tea. This is what a survey carried out at the University Center of Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos in São Paulo guarantees.

The plant has a high anti-inflammatory action. The decoction of Billy Goat Weed leaves reacted against ovarian inflammation. It also reacted against dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea causes pelvic cramps and pain before or during menstruation. Common causes include heavy flow, passage of clots, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis.

The herb’s antispasmodic property also works to eliminate cramps as it slows down the muscle contractions of the uterus.

3- Eliminates urinary infection

Urinary tract infections can also be controlled and treated with mint tea. This is because this plant is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants capable of preventing, delaying, or preventing oxidation mediated by free radicals.

Students at the State University of Feira de Santana in Bahia analyzed the plant’s antioxidant capacity. They found that by preventing the formation of free radicals through the consumption of mint tea, people can rid the body of inflammation. This includes cystitis (bladder inflammation) and pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation). These are the main causes of urinary tract infections.

4- Combat Depression

Billy Goat Weed has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties and is capable of controlling anxiety. In low doses, the plant extract acts as an antidepressant, stimulating and improving mood and sadness.

How to make mint tea?

The parts used to make the tea are the whole plant, except for the flowers, preferably fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of the plant
• 1 cup of water.

Preparation mode:

Boil the water, turn off the heat, and add the plant. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Take twice a day.

Contraindication and side effects

Do not use mentrasto if you are hypertensive or taking anticoagulants. Also, avoid it if you have liver diseases, are pregnant, or are nursing. (6 )

Its prolonged use can trigger specific problems. The branches of this plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These substances are extremely toxic to the liver.

However, for internal use, it is necessary to respect the maximum daily dose of tea of 30 to 50 g of fresh leaves daily. It is not indicated to exceed the treatment for more than 3 weeks. Medical follow-up is essential.

Characteristics

Scientifically called Ageratum conyzoides L., the mentrasto is a tropical plant. In Brazil, it is easily found in the Northeastern areas, especially in mountain ranges.

It is also known as pepperminth, baron catinga, goat catinga, celestina, curia, St. Lucia’s wort, St. John’s wort, mint, and beggartick purple.

The herb can reach 70 centimeters in height and has a peculiar odor similar to a goat.

The stem and leaves are covered with white hair and lilac or white flowers.

It is considered a weed as it multiplies quickly. According to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), mint infests crops such as vegetable gardens and vacant land. A single plant can produce 40,000 seeds propagated by wind or water.

Did you know aloe has therapeutic potential and numerous beneficial effects on health? The plant, known by its scientific name Aloe vera, is good for the hair, promotes skin hydration, prevents wrinkles, and speeds up the healing of pimples and wounds.

All this is because of its incredible composition: vitamins A and C, some B and K complexes, minerals such as potassium and iron, amino acids, phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, and plenty of water, about 95% of the total weight.

Do you know what is better? It can be used in many different ways, and to help you learn more about it, we invited naturopath Danilo Ramon, who explained the benefits and taught us some ways to use this powerful little plant!

8 Amazing Aloe Benefits

1. Acne scars

Aloe gel, that “drool” extracted from the inside of the leaves, is a natural and effective way to treat acne. This drying action of pimples happens, in the first place, because the plant is rich in antiseptic compounds. This means that it eliminates microorganisms from the skin.

It has six agents of the type, among which are: lupeol, salicylic acid (widely used in products to treat acne), cinnamic acid, and sulfur.

Thanks to this, it can prevent the proliferation of bacteria that naturally live on the skin’s surface and are responsible for causing acne.

Second, aloe vera is a potent anti-inflammatory, as advocated by the herbalist.

This causes the application of the product to decrease the blood flow being sent to the site and allows the application of the gel to alleviate the pain and swelling caused by the inflammation, even in severe acne cases.

2. Relieves the pain of rheumatism

Making a compress from the inside of aloe leaves can help relieve the pain caused by rheumatism, a generic name describing more than 100 diseases affecting the tendons and joints.

Danilo explains that this is because aloe has an anesthetic action, mainly “due to its high penetration capacity in the skin, thus causing pain blockage in the deeper layers,” he completes.

What’s more, the anti-inflammatory effect already described makes it treat the root of the problem in the case of diseases such as arthritis. Its use reduces inflammation and arthritis almost immediately.

Danilo indicates that it is used to alleviate the symptoms of this disease and joint muscle pain caused by overexertion.

3. Accelerates burn healing

Applying the drool taken from the leaves of the herb accelerates healing “due to its renewing and cellular protective action, which stimulates the renewal of tissues and epithelial cells,” points out Danilo.

It is also an anticoagulant that prevents bleeding and is essential for healing skin lesions.

Aloe induces the body to produce more fibroblasts, a type of cell, and collagen, a protein that gives firmness.

Because of this, there is a higher rate of re-epithelialization, which is the growth of new tissue to replace the one that died. To explain the power of this home remedy, aloe is effective even in treating 2nd and 3rd-degree burns, which reach the deepest layers of the skin.

The best part is that it also treats oral and genital herpes and lessens the appearance of the scars left by these sores.

And you know that burn after taking too much sun? Applying the gelzinho also relieves the burning sensation, refreshes the skin, and promotes faster recovery.

4. Stimulates hair growth

A study explained that aloe is a plant full of vitamins and amino acids. Many of them are part of the production process of new hair strands, such as vitamins A and K.

In addition, the gel increases the vascularization of the scalp, improving circulation and oxygenation in the region, which serves as a stimulus for the functioning of hair follicles.

The vitamins and water present inside the leaves hydrate and nourish the strands, and by keeping the strands healthy, there is a reduction in the fall caused by the breakage.

The pH of aloe is slightly acidic, at level 6, which is a very similar acidity to that of the scalp. Therefore, its nutrients can act more effectively and promote a stoppage of the fall from the root.

5. Prevents wrinkles

Aloe vera baba is a natural anti-wrinkle cream due to its effects on skin renewal, cited by Danilo.

What happens is that the increased production of collagen and fibroblasts it promotes makes the skin more elastic and less brittle. This makes the surface look smoother and smoother.

Amino acids, on the other hand, close pores, thus decreasing oiliness and increasing makeup durability. Finally, it is rich in water and is quickly absorbed. For this reason, it promotes deep and lasting hydration.

6. Stops dandruff

This gel is a natural way to end the problem of dandruff, scaling caused by seborrheic dermatitis, and caused by chronic inflammation or fungi that lodge in the scalp.

Aloe acts on both causes. The herbalist explains that the “antibiotic action [of the plant] helps eliminate the region’s fungi.” At the same time, it reduces the inflammatory process and alleviates the burning and itchy sensation resulting from it.

7. It helps your digestion

“Internally, it [aloe] has a powerful digestive action,” explains the professional. This potential is due to several types of enzymes, such as cellulase, catalase, and lipase, which lead to the release of stomach acid, which breaks down food.

He also pointed out that the plant protects the gastric mucosa and helps to treat ulcers and gastritis, main thanks to reducing inflammation and accelerating the re-epithelialization of wounds.

8. Treat constipation

To complete this list, another incredible benefit of aloe vera, pointed out by Danilo, is that it stimulates the functioning of the intestinal tract, where it acts as a natural laxative. Thus, it becomes an excellent remedy for treating 100% natural constipation.

It increases the sending of water to the intestines, stimulates the production of mucus that makes the stools softer and more slippery and amplifies the peristaltic movements, which the organ makes in an attempt to send the “poop” out of the body.

How to use aloe at home?

Hair and skin treatments

There is no secret to using aloe vera in external treatments. Remove the gel from the inside of the leaves with the help of a sharp knife, and apply it to the desired area.

The professional indicates that the pure gel can be applied with the hands and massaging the scalp, in treatments for fall and dandruff, in length to moisturize, or on the skin to relieve pain. “In stings or wounds, put the gel on a cotton pad and apply it directly on the spot,” he teaches.

“Aloe can also be combined with various therapeutic substances and medicinal plants and is also widely used in topical mixtures, such as shampoos and soaps,” concludes the specialist in herbal medicine.

For consumption

It is usually drunk as juice, which can be made at home or purchased at stores specializing in herbal products.

However, according to Danilo, the ideal is always to seek previous herbal guidance. That’s because “using excessive doses can cause misuse and very severe reactions,” he warns.

Care and contraindications

Aloe should not, under any circumstances, be consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it has toxic compounds for the fetus and child, who receive them through the placenta and breast milk.

Some people may be allergic to its components. Therefore, its use should be discontinued if you experience any irritating effects.

Excessive internal use can cause nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and gastric irritation.

It should be noted that the plant can also interact with some types of medication, such as topical steroids, hydrocortisone ointment, diuretics, and certain medications for heart problems and blood glucose control.

Plant characteristics and how to grow

Aloe is a short plant, reaching a maximum of 90 centimeters in height, and with leaves, an average of 14 per foot, large, broad, and fleshy, with a firm gel texture inside. It multiplies through pieces of leaves or roots.

This species is easy to grow, as it grows in any soil, does not have deep roots, facilitates planting in pots, and does not need much care to develop.

But if you want a little foot close to you, plant it in a sunny location and water it whenever the soil is dry. At least six weeks after planting, it is possible to harvest the first leaves.