5 Common but super leaves that detoxify the body

Nature has blessed Nigeria with an abundance of medicinal plants, many of which have been used for centuries to cleanse the body and promote good health. From traditional soups to herbal teas, detoxifying leaves are an essential part of Nigerian wellness culture.

These leaves not only flush out toxins but also improve digestion, boost immunity, and enhance overall vitality. Guardian Life has curated five powerful Nigerian leaves that detoxify the body, their nutritional content, and some interesting facts about them.

Bitter Leaf ( Ewuro)

Bitter leaf is a potent blood purifier that helps flush out toxins from the liver and kidneys. It has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it excellent for cleansing the body of harmful substances.

It is rich in flavonoids, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Despite its bitterness, many Nigerians drink bitter leaf juice as a natural remedy for malaria, typhoid, and high blood pressure. Bitter leaf improves digestion and relieves bloating by enhancing bile secretion for better fat metabolism.

Scent Leaf (Efirin)

Scent leaf detoxifies the digestive system by flushing out harmful bacteria and promoting gut health. It’s very high in eugenol, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and K and all are essential nutrients for human’s overall well-being.

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Additionally, scent leaf is widely used to treat stomach aches, food poisoning, and diarrhea. It has antimicrobial properties, which help cleanse the intestines and prevent infections. Drinking scent leaf tea after a heavy meal aids digestion and prevents bloating.

Utazi Leaf (Arokeke)

Utazi leaf helps the liver detoxify harmful substances and aids in breaking down excess sugar in the body. This leaf contains alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants.

Utazi leaves are popular among the Igbo people, it is often added to traditional soups to balance flavors and enhance digestion. It is effective in controlling blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics. It is also a natural appetite stimulant and aids in weight management by reducing cravings for unhealthy foods.

Moringa Leaf (Ewe Igbale)

Moringa is a super detoxifier that cleanses the blood, enhances kidney function, and removes heavy metals from the body. This super leaf is packed with protein, iron, calcium, potassium, and over 90 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, and C.

Little wonder it is nicknamed the “miracle tree” because of its high nutritional content and healing properties. Moringa leaf also improves skin health by eliminating toxins that cause acne and blemishes. Drinking moringa tea regularly helps lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

Ewedu (Jute Leaf)

I hear people say ewedu is underrated. Mehn, ewedu is the baba of all the leaf that help with detoxification naturally. It is rich in fibre, which helps cleanse the digestive tract and remove harmful waste from the body.

Moreso, Ewedu is high in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and dietary fibre—essential nutrient for your body.

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The mucilage (slimy texture) in Ewedu acts as a natural laxative, preventing constipation and aiding digestion. It equally has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce body pain and joint discomfort.

Detoxification is not about taking extreme measures; it is about adding natural, everyday foods into your diet to support your body’s cleansing processes. These Nigerian leaves are packed with powerful nutrients that keep the liver, kidneys, and digestive system functioning optimally. They can be added to soups, used as tea or just extract their content and sip.