Wellness  

What Are The Health Benefits Of Uziza Leaves And Seeds

By Chinelo Eze

31 March 2022   |   2:54 pm

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Uziza as it is called by the Igbo's , is a plant known by its botanical name as Piper guineense. For the Yoruba's it's called Ata iyere. Calling it a name other than its botanical name or tribal reference, it's also known as the West African Black Pepper or Ashanti pepper. Uziza spice is used…

Piper guineense is commonly called West African Black Pepper or Ashanti pepper (Uziza in Igbo and Ata iyere in Yoruba).

Uziza as it is called by the Igbo’s , is a plant known by its botanical name as Piper guineense. For the Yoruba’s it’s called Ata iyere.

Calling it a name other than its botanical name or tribal reference, it’s also known as the West African Black Pepper or Ashanti pepper.

Uziza spice is used often by most tribes in Nigeria to cook soups like ofensala particular to the Igbo’s and also afiaefere which is an Efik soup, and it is also used in pepper soup.

In making some other types of soups, uziza seed or leaf is also used. Uziza is known for its distinct taste and aroma in cooking.

Uziza is a promising source of roughages that assist in lessening stomach pains and menstrual spasms.

It enables an individual with bowel movements issues to find relief due to its high dietary fibre. It also alleviates constipation problems.
Uziza is used in two parts: the seed and the leaves.

The leaves have a hot spicy taste in foods with a pale green colour when fresh. It can as well be dried, or grounded and dried.

Asides from making a name for itself in the culinary world, uziza is also known for its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of tannins, dietary fibre, protein, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, saponins, phenols, peptides.

The leaves have large percentages of beta-caryophyllene, an anti-inflammatory agent.

Uziza leaves and seeds are often being used in unorthodox ways to treat infertility affiliated with its remedial and healthy uses.
The fresh leaves of uziza are boiled and taken as a tea to consume its benefits.