Medicinal Benefits of Velvet Leaf Plant

Despite of what it’s called, no one really likes to spot any velvet leaf plant around. That’s because it is regarded as an agricultural pest, able to multiply at a very fast rate courtesy of the thousands of horseshoe-shaped seeds that it’s capable of producing. However, velvet leaf plant offers a number of benefits.

Velvet leaf plant got its name from the fact that it has heart-shaped leaves that feel velvety to the touch because they are covered with fine hair. It also bears beautiful bright yellow-colored flowers from spring to fall.

The various parts of velvet leaf plant are actually being used for medicinal purposes for so many years now. The roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds — all of these are used by traditional healers in dealing with an assortment of health problems that range anywhere from relieving pain to treating snake bites.

In some parts of the planet such as India, velvet leaf plant is being used for warding off pregnancy. But in other areas, the plant is revered for its ability to increase libido, meaning it is regarded as an aphrodisiac.

As you can see, despite of being very much loathed for multiplying rapidly and robbing other plants of the opportunity to thrive, velvet leaf plant is actually helpful. The following are some other proofs that velvet leaf plant can be beneficial despite of its bad reputation as an agricultural pest:

It Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms

Lots and lots of women agree that velvet leaf plant is very good at managing the various unfavorable symptoms felt a few days before menstruation strikes. They say that the said plant is particularly effective at relieving menstrual cramps which is one of the most annoying things that PMS tends to bring.

It Encourages Increased Urine Production

Velvet leaf plant possesses diuretic properties, which means that it has the ability to increase the production of urine. This is what makes the plant beneficial for individuals who are suffering from urinary tract infections or UTIs — promoting urination is something that can help in flushing our bacteria present in the urinary system. The diuretic properties of velvet plant is also what makes it effective for shrinking and flushing out kidney stones.

It Improves Digestive Process

Traditional healers commonly recommend tea out of velvet leaf plant’s leaves and twigs for improving digestion as well as keeping upset stomach at bay. The said tea is also commonly taken for increasing one’s appetite.

It Relieves Painful and Swollen Joints

Velvet leaf plant is a well-known healer of joints that are achy and swollen, thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly, the plant is consumed by mouth for joint healing from within. But then it may also be employed topically for directly combating joint pain and inflammation.

It Also Deals With Various Skin Issues

The topical use of velvet leaf plant does not begin and end with reducing joint problems. It’s actually something that is commonly used for disinfecting minor wounds, keeping them from being infected. Velvet leaf plant is also a very popular remedy for scabies, which is a contagious skin disease that is caused by microscopic mites.

CAUTION: When planning on using velvet leaf plant or any herbal preparation that contains it, make sure that you have a talk with your health care provider about it first. This is true most especially if you are pregnant or nursing. The same should be done if you are diagnosed with a medical condition and currently taking drugs for it.

Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media sites to let everyone in your network know that despite of being hated by many farmers and gardeners, velvet leaf plant actually offers a number of perks!

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