8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING SIAM WEED.

Siam weed is one of those plants that people hardly hear about or recognize but is very beneficial. Scientifically known as Chromolaena odorata, the plant known as Awolowo leaves in Nigeria, and also has many other common names, such as Siam Weed, camphor Grass, and many other local names as well, depending on the region it is found.

In Nigeria, the plant was first discovered in 1960, just after the country gained independence. The nature of its discovery led people to ascribe supernatural qualities to the plant.

This view is further stretched by the immense health benefits this plant possesses. Not many people would be able to recognize this plant, which has small, green leaves that are triangular in form as well as a soft stem, but those who know the plant are aware of what it can be used for, mostly as an herb, and how well it works.

Some farmers and agriculturists make use of this plant. This is because it is used as a soil fertility improvement plant, and as a fallow species in the slash and burn rotation system of agriculture in Nigeria.

The nutritional value of awolowo leaves includes:-

Carbohydrate

Protein

Lipid

Fiber

Calcium

Magnesium

Iron as well as flavonoids,

Alkaloids

Tannin

Saponins, and more.

Merely looking at that alone, one can tell that the plant has a lot to benefit the body. In fact, a 2007 study on the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of extracts from the leaves of Chromolaena odorata showed that it contained many compounds that indicate it had a lot of medicinal properties.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SIAM WEED AWOLOWO LEAVES

(1). It Decreases Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels in the body are very bad and can lead to heart problems. Boiling Awolowo leaves in water and drinking it is a sure, and effective way to reduce your cholesterol levels. A study on rats suggested the anticholesterolemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata. The study showed that awolowo leaves may be useful in lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular complications.

(2). IT REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE

Another helpful thing about Awolowo leaves is that it reduces blood pressure and helps to maintain a healthy balance. This makes it very beneficial to those who are hypertensive.

(3). IT HEALS CYST

Awolowo leaves is a popular alternative medicine for healing cyst. The leaves heal cysts even better than some other form of conventional medicine.

(4). IT HELPS WITH ULCER

Another health benefit of Awolowo leaves is that they can help with treating ulcer effectively, as it helps kill Helicobacter Pylori, which is a bacterium that causes ulcer. It also prevents the possibility of a relapse.

(5). IT MAINTAINS HEART HEALTH

Awolowo leaves also help to maintain your heart health by preventing several heart diseases. Adding Awolowo leaves to your diet can help to protect your heart and keep it healthy.

(6). IT CAN BE USED FOR DIABETES

Those with diabetes can benefit from Awolowo leaves as it helps to reduce blood sugar levels, allowing them to cope with their condition better. It can also be taken by those looking for a way to prevent diabetes.

(7). IT HELPS WITH CLOTTING

One other amazing benefit of awolowo lead is that it is a powerful clotting agent and can help to stop bleeding in very little time. That is why it is often used as a form of local first aid. Just rubbing the leaves on fresh injuries and wounds would help to stop the bleeding and would also sterilize the wound. Many medical studies have confirmed the wound healing abilities of Siam weed.

(8). IT RELIEVES PAIN

Awolowo leaves can also be used to relieve body pain. You have the option of drinking its juice to find relief from internal body pain, such as back pain. You can also use it as an analgesic for joint pain by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on the affected area.

There are a lot of other interesting health benefits of awolowo leaves. It is said to have ethno-pharmacological, fungicidal, and nematicidal properties. Siam weed can also be used in treating urinary tract infections.

(Bishop Dr Chinomso Jude Nwala )