Should you drink water infused with Centella asiatica leaves regularly?
Many people have a habit of boiling and drinking water infused with Centella asiatica leaves daily, but is it advisable to drink Centella asiatica leaf water every day?
The health benefits of Centella asiatica leaves
According to an article by Dr. Dang Hanh from the Traditional Medicine Department of Hanoi Medical University, besides being used in salads and as a raw vegetable, the leaves of the Aralia plant are also a valuable medicinal herb in traditional Eastern medicine. The Aralia plant is used both as an ornamental plant and as a medicine in traditional medicine.
Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, scientifically known as Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, is a plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. It is widely used as a medicine in many countries around the world and has shown excellent therapeutic effects.
Panax notoginseng contains saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, vitamins (C, B1, B2, and B6), and amino acids. Saponins are considered the main component of P. fruticosa. These compounds are essential for metabolic processes in the body, especially for antioxidant activity in tissues.
Studies show that the plant Panax notoginseng has many benefits, including: strengthening the body's immune system; improving male fertility; combating fatigue, providing nourishment, increasing appetite, and promoting restful sleep; increasing work capacity and weight gain; and detoxifying and cooling the liver.
In particular, scientists have recently demonstrated that the plant Panax notoginseng has antidepressant, anti-stress, memory-improving, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, liver-protective, blood lipid-lowering, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.
Additionally, the leaves of the Aralia plant are used to support the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease because they improve symptoms such as tremors, loss of balance, insomnia, memory loss, nervous tension, and nervous exhaustion.
The leaves of the Aralia plant are effective in combating memory loss and strengthening the nervous system because they contain many B vitamins, especially vitamin B1.
Scientists have studied and shown that the leaves of the Aralia plant increase the amplitude of brain electrical potentials and enhance the receptiveness of cortical nerve cells.
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, particularly due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons. This results in a decrease in the neurotransmitter dopamine in the striatum, leading to a number of motor deficits and some non-motor symptoms.
Although the exact cause of the disease remains unknown, previous studies suggest it is linked to multiple factors such as genetics, environmental factors, and aging. Among these, factors leading to oxidative stress may play a role in the development and progression of the disease. The chemical components in Centella asiatica have been shown to support the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Should you drink Centella asiatica leaf tea daily?
According to Dr. Dang Hanh, water infused with Centella asiatica leaves has many health benefits. However, it should not be consumed excessively as a daily substitute for plain water, as it may cause undesirable side effects.
The leaves of the Aralia plant contain saponins, which can cause fatigue, vomiting, and dizziness. Therefore, Aralia leaf tea should only be consumed in moderation, for a limited time, and a doctor should be consulted if used daily.
Furthermore, freshly picked Centella asiatica leaves contain a lot of sap, especially a very high amount of sapoprine. Ingesting large quantities can cause diarrhea and digestive disorders in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
When dried, the sapoprine content is significantly reduced, thus eliminating some of the side effects mentioned above.
Additionally, when dried and used to make tea, you'll notice a pleasant aroma and mild flavor. Therefore, drinking dried Centella asiatica leaves is ideal for those who don't like the pungent, strong smell of fresh leaves.
Things to keep in mind when drinking Centella asiatica tea.
The article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, states that when applying any remedy made from Centella asiatica leaves, the following points should be noted:
- The leaves of the Aralia plant contain a lot of saponins, so excessive use can easily lead to side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, discomfort, fatigue, etc. Therefore, depending on the specific case, consider the appropriate dosage and do not use it for extended periods.
- Children should not drink water infused with Centella asiatica leaves; it should only be used topically because their organ systems are not yet fully developed. Excessive consumption of Centella asiatica leaf water can negatively affect their overall health and cardiovascular system.
- Although it is a natural medicinal herb with low toxicity, using it in large doses still carries the risk of poisoning, especially in the lungs, liver, stomach, heart, and intestines.
Pregnant women in their first three months should avoid drinking Centella asiatica leaf tea to prevent adverse effects on the fetus.
In general, since the leaves of the Aralia plant are a natural remedy, once you know their benefits and decide to use them, you need to be persistent and use them regularly. Don't be impatient because the effects won't be as quick as with Western medicine. All remedies made from Aralia leaves need time to be absorbed and take effect before they are effective.
Alongside using Centella asiatica leaves to support health, a scientific lifestyle and diet are also necessary. This combination will help the treatment process go smoothly and avoid the risk of the disease progressing to a serious stage.