Elsie UdohMany of us shy away from consuming bitter substances. Come to think of it, life has its fair share of “bitterness” already; why make it any worse?
But you see, sometimes bitter substances have the best sweet results. Yes, you read that right. Take bitter leaf, for instance. It’s safe to say that anybody who chews bitter leaf and keeps a steady face while at it deserves to be feared because there’s just no way to ignore its bitter taste.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, the health benefits of bitter leaf are innumerable! In this post, we will look at just one aspect of bitter leaf’s health benefits—the sexual health benefits of bitter leaf—and make you see reasons why this leaf should make it to your meals, tea, and even drinks.
The Sexual Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf
Before we get right into it, let’s provide you with a little medical jargon to show that we know what we’re talking about. Just in case you’re about to get defensive and question our recommendation of bitter leaf intake.
When it comes to consuming bitter leaf (which the medical experts call “vernonia amygdalina”), there is a high amount of quinine present in it.
Quinine is an alkaloid that aids in the treatment of malaria. Bitter leaf is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. So do you see now why this bitter leaf is actually worth consuming?
Now, when it comes to sexual health, bitter leaf does much here too. Due to the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and compounds that it contains, bitter leaf aids blood circulation, energy levels, and stress relief, which contributes to agile sexual health.
Unlike other supplements, it is easy to get and prepare and is also a far more affordable alternative to improve your sexual health.
Here are five sexual health benefits of bitter leaf:
1. It Boosts Blood Circulation for Enhanced Libido
We already mentioned that bitter leaf increases blood circulation and that in itself is a good thing. Here’s why: with improved blood circulation comes increased sensitivity, leading to better sexual arousal and performance. That’s clear enough, right? Let’s break it down a little further.
The increase in blood circulation is a result of the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds present in bitter leaf. All of these put together help to support your heart health, expand the blood vessels, and enhance blood flow throughout the body, which will get to your reproductive organs and help them to function better.
2. Bitter Leaf Regulates Hormones and Enhances Fertility
The phytochemicals contained in bitter leaf have a fair share in improving sexual health. They do this by regulating key hormones, and this has multiple benefits, such as aiding irregular menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalances. But that’s not even all.
Bitter leaf also helps to regulate estrogen—a hormone that aids sexual and reproductive health—which improves fertility in women.
3. Boosts Stamina and Reduces Fatigue
Bitter leaf contains essential vitamins like B-complex and minerals as well as iron. These combine to boost energy levels.
A higher energy level helps to combat fatigue, and the overall result is boosting your stamina and endurance for improved sexual performance.
4. Improves Mood
Bitter leaf also contains natural adaptogens; these help to reduce stress by managing your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and it’s important to strive for a balanced cortisol level, which bitter leaf can help you with.
Consuming bitter leaf will reduce mental and physical stress, which will improve your mood and create a more relaxed state conducive to intimacy.
5. Supports Immune Health
The antioxidants in bitter leaf help to strengthen the immune system, which indirectly supports your sexual health by keeping the body in the best working condition. A strong immune system can increase vitality and energy, which are key essentials for a satisfying sexual experience.
Additionally, its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties can help to maintain your reproductive health.
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How to Prepare Bitter Leaf for Consumption
When it comes to consuming bitter leaf, the thought of chewing the leaf might not always be a go-to consumption method.
While that is actually an effective method to enjoy the sexual health benefits of bitter leaf along with its other health benefits, the fact still remains that the taste is not pleasant, and oftentimes we are repulsed by things that don’t have a sweet taste.
However, there are other ways to prepare bitter leaf and make them a little easier for consumption despite their taste. They include:
Bitter Leaf Juice Preparation
One of the consumption methods involves drinking it as a juice. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Fresh bitter leaf
- Water
How to Prepare:
- Wash the bitter leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Extract the juice by blending the leaves with a small amount of water.
- Use a sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
And with that, your bitter leaf juice is ready for consumption. You can add a drizzle of honey for sweetness or lemon for flavour and still preserve its benefits.
Health Tip: Drink a small glass once or twice a day, preferably in the morning or before meals, for an energy boost and other benefits.
Bitter Leaf Tea Preparation
Another easy way to enjoy bitter leaf’s sexual health benefits is by consuming it as a tea. Here’s how to go about that:
Ingredients:
- Dried bitter leaves
- Water
How to Prepare:
- Add a handful of the dried leaves to boiling water.
- When it comes to a boil, leave to simmer for 5–10 minutes, then strain.
Again, you can add natural sweeteners like honey or ginger for taste.
Health Tip: You can drink bitter leaf tea in the evening to have a restful sleep and a positive mood.
Bitter Leaf Soup
Another consumption method of bitter leaf is by adding it as one of the main ingredients in your soups. Preparing it in soups like Ofe Onugbu (bitter leaf soup) allows for delicious consumption.
Pro Tip: You can also add bitter leaf to your smoothie with other fruits like bananas and a touch of honey to enjoy the benefits without the bitter taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bitter leaf juice safe for daily consumption?
Yes, it is generally safe, but it’s recommended to limit intake to avoid overstimulation. Consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
How long does it take to see the effects of bitter leaf on sexual health?
The effects of bitter leaf on sexual health can vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer periods of consistent consumption for noticeable results.
Can bitter leaf be combined with other herbs?
Yes, it can be paired with herbs like ginger or turmeric for enhanced effects on circulation and energy.
What’s the best time to take bitter leaf?
Mornings or before meals work best to maximise absorption and avoid interference with digestion.
Are there any side effects of consuming bitter leaf for sexual enhancement?
Bitter leaf can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hypertension, then you need to put a tight rein on your intake of bitter leaf. Overconsumption can also lead to stomach discomfort. Additionally, pregnant women as well as children under five should avoid it. To be safe, consult your medical practitioner before incorporating it into your diet.
Final Thoughts
Should you consume bitter leaf? Well, if you want to boost your libido, enhance fertility, reduce stress, improve your mood, and improve stamina, then it will be worth your while to incorporate bitter leaf into your diet.
Follow the varied consumption methods provided here to avoid being deteriorated by the bitter taste and enjoy the numerous sexual health benefits of bitter leaf.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
