The aromatic herb known as scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) originates from West Africa but has now spread to Southeast Asia and India. It is the most common species of the Ocimum and a member of the Labiatae family.
It has multiple branches that emerge from its base and can grow to a height of 1-3 m. The flowers are lance-shaped, tapering at both ends, and have fragrant spikes of white to greenish-yellow blossoms.
This plant’s leaves and blooms are abundant in essential oils that give soups, salads, and other regional foods a fragrant flavour.
Additionally, they are used in folk medicine to treat wounds, fever, colds, diarrhoea, and skin conditions.
Effirin (Yoruba), Nchanwu or Ahuji (Igbo), Daidoya (Hausa), Nunum (Ghana), Wild basil (Hawaii), and Tree basil are some of the different names for scent leaves. Other names are African basil, Ram Tulsi (Hindi), Vriddhutulsi (Sanskrit), and Effirin.
Scent leaves can add vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to the diet. In addition, its essential oil composition might have some therapeutic advantages.
This article will outline the side effect of scent and bitter leaves so you can have the opposite side of these useful leaves.
Also read this: How to prepare scent leaf for infection
Possibilities of fragrance leaf negative effects
Scent leaves may need some persons to exercise caution:
- Allergy
Avoid using fragrance leaves if you have any allergies to plants in the mint or basil family.
Moreover, call emergency assistance if you develop hives, swelling, or trouble breathing after consuming anything made with the leaves.
- A blood clots
The scent leaf has a lot of vitamin K, vital for blood clotting.
Huge quantities of vitamin K in supplements and food can influence how warfarin and various blood thinners work.
So, before increasing their consumption of scent leaf or any other basil, anyone using blood thinners should consult a doctor.
- Pregnancy
One study in Nigeria investigated the use of high doses of smell leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) leaf extract to induce labour in pregnant women and found encouraging results.
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming heavy amounts of this herb to prevent premature labour.
- Diminished blood pressure
Scent leaves extract low blood pressure. Therefore, theoretically, the ingesting scene leaves extracts could cause persons with low blood pressure to experience dangerously low blood pressure.
- Surgery
Oil and extracts from scent leaves may prevent blood coagulation. However, in theory, it could make wounds bleed more profusely during surgical procedures; therefore, stop using the perfume and its products two weeks before your surgery.
Well, now talk about the bitter leaves. The Asteraceae family includes bitter leaf, a tiny plant with black leaves and rough bark.
Although indigenous to tropical Africa, they are primarily farmed in West Africa, where they thrive in various soils and grow quickly.
Its name comes from how bitter the leaves are. Additionally, they are affectionately referred to as Onugbu, Ewuro (in Nigeria), Awonwono (in Ghana), Omubirizi (in Uganda), Ndoleh (in Cameroon), Ebichaa (in Ethiopia), and Umubilizi (Rwanda).
Herbal treatments use the entire plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots.
The leaves contain a wide range of bioactive substances, including sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids.
And studies have shown that these components give the bitter leaf remarkable health advantages and its relatively low level of negative effects, so let’s talk about that.
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Side Effects of bitter leaves
Bitter leaf extracts are harmless and have no known adverse effects on people or animals.
But according to scientific research, bitter leaves shouldn’t be taken in large doses because doing so makes them toxic and deadly to human cells.
It’s also vital to remember that the roots contain poisonous compounds and should only be consumed in small amounts after a thorough cleaning.
Moreover, some other side effects are:
- One of the potential side effects is rash.
- You become less hungry as a result.
- It might cause a runny nose.
- Drinking too much Vernonia Amygdalina juice can make you sick.
- It makes you tired.
- It might make you throw up
- Migraine
Conclusion:
Lastly, Ocimum gratissimum, often known as scent leaf, has many vitamins and antioxidants that aid disease prevention.nIts essential oil is exceptionally rich in phytochemicals that combat bacterial infection, bad breath, skin conditions, and colds. However, pregnant women and people using blood thinners should avoid excessive use of fresh fragrance leaf extracts. Furthermore, more human scientific research is required to pinpoint the specific pathways fragrance leaf uses to treat illnesses. Moreover, as far as the bitter leaf is concerned, the Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) has demonstrated efficacy against malaria, cancer, diabetes, parasites, and heart disease. It is tremendously beneficial. However, there is still a shortage of human-based research. If you are adding it to your diet, always wash it carefully to lessen the bitterness, even if it is safe in a typical dosage. And be careful not to overdo it if you’re using rough leaves. Okay, that’s for now about the Side effect of scent leaf and bitter leaf topic.
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FAQ:
What Is the Botanical Name of the Scent Leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum is the name of the plant. Group Labiatae
What Are the Nutritional Facts for Scent Leaf?
Fresh smell leaf weighs 100g and contains:
- 22 calories
- 3.2g of protein
- Fat: 0.6g
- 2.7g of carbs
- 295 milligrammes of potassium
- Salt: 4 mg
Is Basil the Same As Scent Leaf?
Basil and scent leaf are comparable. This is because they are both Ocimum species members. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that their chemical makeup changes depending on geographic, environmental, and hereditary factors [M].
Is Scent Leaf Effective for Losing Weight?
Because they are so low in calories and packed with nutrients, fragrance leaves can assist you in losing weight indirectly.
Bitter Leaf: Is It An Antibiotic?
Humans can use the medicinal herb known as the bitter leaf as an antibacterial. Therefore, bitter leaf is indeed an antibiotic.
Is bitter leaf safe to take every day?
Daily consumption of bitter leaf can assist someone lowers their high sugar level, bringing it down and mending their pancreas. Moderate glucose levels are also beneficial.
Can a bitter leaf harm the kidneys?
Researchers in Nigeria have demonstrated how bitter leaves shield the kidneys, liver, and heart from damage. The scientific name for bitter leaf is Vernonia amygdalina, and it belongs to the Compositae plant family.
Can bitter leaf cure renal failure?
The professor informed Africa Check that there was no scientific or medical proof that kidney disorders could be treated with lime, bitter leaf, and coconut roots. In addition, other posts that claimed certain herbal infusions and concoctions could “clean” the kidneys or treat renal problems have been refuted by Africa Check.
Can I consume raw bitter leaves?
Fresh bitter leaves can be eaten, or their juice can be used to reduce blood sugar and control blood pressure. It is accurate because bitter leaves contain andrographolide, lowering blood sugar levels and the risk of developing diabetes.