Sometimes we don’t realize that the wild weed backyard might be your remedy. For example, we can have the health benefits of alugbati leaves from the backyard vine. It is easy to get, cheap, and surprisingly beneficial.
The other plant that we are going to discuss is bathua leaves. Bathua leaves are softly serrated leaves which are usually found in tropical place.
Most people in India and some Africa countries have already use it as vegetable and medicine. However, most people still don’t know what to do with this weed and just discard them.
Bathua Leaves Nutritional Information
The health benefits of bathua leaves come from the nutrition contained in it. A study indicated that for every half a cup or nearly 90 grams of boiled bathua leaves contains:
- Calories 29
- Total Carbohydrate 4.5 gr
- Dietary fiber 1.9 gr
- Sugar 0.6 gr
- Total fat 0.6 gr
- Sodium 239 mg
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Protein 2.9 gr
- Vitamin A 140.7 %
- Calcium 23.22%
- Vitamin c 55.5%
- Iron 3.5%
- Vitamin D 0%
- Potassium 7.4%
That’s the nutrition we can get from consuming each serving of boiled bathua leaves. Here are the health benefits of Bathua Leaves
- Protect liver
When we take medicine, it sometimes leaves residue after the medical effect. The residue is absorbed by liver and will be gradually released. However, sometimes the slow detoxification process will be hard for our liver to stand all the toxins. A study proved that bathua leaves is a good antidote for some medicine residue such as paracetamol. Somehow, it will get rid of the toxins quickly.
- Antibacterial property
Bathua leaves are also known as goosefoot leaves. Goosefoot is a potential antibacterial property. It is able to kill many kinds of bacteria such as bacteria which attack skin, Staphylococcus. Besides, it can also kill bacteria which attribute to the tuberculosis called Mycobacterium. Hence, bathua have already been used as one of the ingredients for tuberculosis syrup. It is very helpful for the early stage of TB infection.
- Potential analgesic
When we suffer from pain such as headache, toothache, and body aches, the first thing on our mind is immediately taking painkiller. Well, that’s commonly effective. However, the frequent use will not be good for our liver and kidney since it may have some side effects.
It is better if we can get the substitute from the natural analgesic. Certain study proved that bathua is actually a powerful natural analgesic. And the good news is the fewer side effects. The other natural analgesic can be gained from  Benefits of Reflexology Foot Massage
- Keep healthy digestion
Eating habit and hygiene are the essential points for our healthy digestion. However, sometimes we are careless about it. As the result, we don’t realize that parasites live in our intestines and cause some problems. The problems may vary from the weak body, itchiness, and even malnutrition.
In this case, bathua leaves are believed to be able to kill the parasites. For this reason, medical practitioners in India use bathua juice to get rid of the parasites.
- Relieve skin irritation
Bathua which is scientifically called chenopodium album is also able to act as antipruritic agent. It helps control itchiness caused by skin irritation. We know that our skin is easily irritated by pollution, excessive sweat, and even clothes.
Therefore, applying bathua paste on skin is the good remedy for irritation. In addition, it will keep your skin healthy, just like the  List of Herbal Beauty ProductsÂ
- Prevent cancer
A scientific study on chenopodium album or bathua concluded that the leaves have anticarcinogenic properties. We should know that anticarcinogenic properties are beneficial to prevent any kind of cancer. However, a study has proved that the leaves are proved effective to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cell.
- Relieve constipation
The leaves are rich with dietary fiber. We know that dietary fiber helps absorb water into the intestines. Therefore, it is also enable the stool to easily pass. So, the regular consumption is very good to avoid constipation. In addition, we can simply stir fry or include the leaves into soup.
- Relieve diarrhea
You might be questioning about how the leaves can treat both constipation and diarrhea. Well, in fact, it really can. We can use the leaves for constipation. While for diarrhea, we just need the extract by boiling the leaves and drink only the water. Such a magical leaves, isn’t it?
- Reduce gastric ulcers
People suffer from gastric ulcers because of the unhealthy eating habit, stress, and spicy food which are able to raise the gastric acidity. In this case, bathua is very effective in balancing the acidity. Therefore, the regular consumption will also beneficial to avoid the gastric ulcers.
- Prevent anemia
Anemia leads to many problems such as tiredness, pale face, breath shortness, and even loss consciousness. It is attributed by the hemoglobin deficiency. Based on the information above, bathua leaves is high in iron. As we know, iron is essential for the hemoglobin formation.Â
- Good for diabetic patients
In addition to the benefits of bathua leaves, it is also good for diabetics. Just like Health Benefits of Atis Leaves for Diabetes, bathua is able to lower blood sugar level. This is the reason why diabetics should include bathua to their low sugar diet.
- Antioxidant property
Bathua is rich with vitamins, especially vitamin A and C. Both vitamins are known to be the powerful antioxidant. As we know, antioxidant is in charge of fighting the free radicals. Therefore, Consuming bathua which contains antioxidant will prevent you from cancer and premature aging.
- Anti-inflammatory agent
Body inflammation might lead to some problems such as swelling. It is possible since the essential oil in bathua leaves is very helpful to reduce swollen body part because of inflammation. therefore, the benefit of bathua leaves as anti-inflammatory property is just like the  Benefits of Arnica
- Purify blood
As the ability of bathua to help detoxification, it can also purify our blood. Further, it gets rid of toxins in the blood. Just take some leaves and make it into juice. Drink it regularly and it is good for your blood. And the followings are the other benefits of bathua leaves.
- Maintain cell integrity
- Prevents arthritis
- Good for kidney
- Good for menstruation
- Nourish hair
- Treat hemorrhoid
- Maintain healthy eyes
Cautions in Consuming Bathua Leaves
As mentioned before, natural medication often employs bathua leaves. Therefore, we can simply make juice from it, boil the leaves, or directly apply the bathua leaves paste onto skin. However, if you have serious disease and you consider using bathua, please ask your doctor first. As the conclusion, it is important to know the recommended intake, especially when you also use the prescriptive medicine.