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By Eunice Emeyazia
Today I share with you an interesting insight into this nature’s gift called the Miracle Leaf. I encourage you to be open minded so that you can gain the benefit because our local herbs are very potent, the challenge has always been THE RIGHT DOSAGE. So, let us begin in earnest.
The common name for the Miracle leaf is Life Plant, Kalanchoe pinnata, Never die plant, Setawar Kampung, 落地生. In ibo it is called “Oda- opuo”, meaning if it falls to the ground it will grow. In Yoruba, it is known as Ewe Abamoda or Odundun. Hausas call it Masallachi or Shuka Hamlin Ka. Efik call it Afiayo. It is popularly known in Brazil as “saião” or “coirama,”.
To identify this plant is easy. Its succulent, oval leaves have crenated margins, which are 10 to 20 cm long. It’s pendant flowers are arranged in inflorescences and can measure up to 5 cm in length. Depending on the plant and the area that it grows in, it can possess white, pink, or purple flowers. Its fruits are membranous, the seeds ellipsoid, and the stem has thin-walled cells located deep in the epidermis. These cell walls are impregnated with resin, forming a thin layer that can reduce liquid evaporation. That’s why the specie adapt well and tolerate extreme conditions, such as lighting and water scarcity. The compartment in the leaves and stem tissues helps it store and inhibit water loss, hence the name – NEVER DIE.
Miracle leaf belonging to the Crassulaceae family, first originated in Madagascar and is reported to have the following properties: sedative, central nervous system depressant, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, muscle relaxant, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic, immunomodulation, and wound healing.
Over the years, it has been used to treat health issues ranging from kidney stones, skin ulcer, sleep disorders, jaundice, ear infection, pile, Blood pressure, vaginal discharge – hemorrhoids, fever, migraine headaches, fibroids, broken bone, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, insect bites, bruises, boils and an excellent blood purifier.
In fact, report says Cough medicine is made from the roots in Sierra Leone. In Arunachal Pradesh, the leaf extract is taken on an empty stomach for treatment of urinary bladder stones and fever in children. In Jamaica, heated leaves are used for swellings and abscesses. In China, it is used for rheumatoid arthritis, bruises, burns, and ulcers. In the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, the leaves are used in combination with Opuntia stricta and Euphorbia hypericifolia to treat gonorrhea.
Herbal tea from the Leaf of Life plant leaves has been used in traditional medicine to cure shortness of breath, coughs and colds. Tea infused with the leaves acts as a diuretic and is used to reduce high blood pressure, though mildly sedative in nature. It is used widely for skin hydration. The crushed leaves are mixed with coconut oil and are used for curing headaches. For ulcer, some chew some of its leaves early in the morning with fried groundnut for some weeks, and get relief.
A decoction of the whole plant mixed in honey twice a day is used to treat kidney stones, and bile stone.
For wound and boil: its leaves are Slightly warmed and crushed, and tied as a poultice on the affected area to treat boils, redness, and swelling too
For treating headache: its leaves are crushed and applied on the forehead.
For eye pain: People extract the juice of its leaves and apply all around the eyes to treat pain in the white part of the eyes.
To Manage leukorrhea – women who suffer from leukorrhea ailment use the decoction of the leaves twice daily to delay the flow of blood within the blood vessels.
Pounded leaves are applied as poultices to the soles of the feet to stop hemorrhages.
Fresh leaves of the leaf of life can also be eaten raw as a medicinal remedy for asthma, bronchitis, and INTESTINAL problems…the list is. endless.
Like i said earlier, this herb is Potent but the challenge is knowing the right quantity to use. So, don’t go all out and begin to abuse this leaf because of the benefits you have learnt today. Be moderate and ask questions especially from the Granny (aged) around you.
Please share your view and experience with this leaf so others can learn.
NIM