Bougainvillea is not just a visually stunning addition to balconies and gardens; it is also edible and boasts numerous therapeutic properties that few are aware of. The vibrant colors of its leaves can beautify your outdoor spaces, but did you know they can also benefit your health?
The benefits of bougainvillea are attributed to the rich phytochemical compounds it contains, such as bouganvinones, pinitol, betacyanins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Here, we outline the key advantages of incorporating bougainvillea into your lifestyle:
- Detoxifies the Body: The purple bracts of bougainvillea aid in purifying the body by expelling toxins and other residues that accumulate due to an unhealthy diet or environmental pollution.
- Diabetes Prevention: Studies have shown that two extracts from bougainvillea offer benefits in preventing and treating diabetes.
- Relieves Cough: Bougainvillea’s expectorant properties make it an excellent remedy for alleviating coughs and promoting the expulsion of mucus and phlegm.
- Diarrhea Control: A tea made from bougainvillea bracts can help in controlling diarrhea and rehydrating the body.
- Soothes Stomach Aches: A bougainvillea tea can be highly effective in relieving stomach aches and acidity.
- Joint Pain Relief: The anti-inflammatory properties of bougainvillea are excellent for alleviating joint inflammation and, consequently, pain.
To prepare a delicious bougainvillea tea, you’ll need approximately 6 bracts (the colorful part of the plant, often confused with the tiny white flowers) and 250 ml of water.
Boil the water and add the thoroughly washed bracts. Once the water changes color, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. You can add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten the tea according to your taste. Enjoy the delightful and health-boosting benefits of bougainvillea in a simple cup of tea!
