Not all weeds are invasive or bad for the environment and health; some are beneficial, especially the Tawa Tawa plant benefits!
However, be careful about eating them excessively, which may cause serious problems.
Continue reading to discover Tawa Tawa plants’ benefits and possible side effects.
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Benefits of Tawa Tawa Plant
Tawa-Tawa, also known as the Gatas-Gatas plant in the Philippines and Astham plant, is a popular pan-tropical plant with medicinal benefits.
Although a weed, it does not invade the ground or damage nearby plants but offers many benefits like Basil plants and Rosemary.
Here are a few tell-tale benefits of Tawa-Tawa plants.
1. Asthmatic Properties
Did you know this plant is called Asthma plant for its anti-inflammatory properties?
It is believed to have bronchodilatory effects, which help open up airways in the lungs and remove phlegm from nasal passage.
2. Treats Dengue and Malarial Fever
Drinking Tawa-Tawa tea helps increase blood platelets and reduces bleeding, which may help people suffering from dengue and malaria.
Moreover, it helps rehydrate the body and lower body temperature to help treat fever symptoms.
However, do not rely upon it as the sole treatment for dengue, and consult with a healthcare expert.
3. Treats Diarrhea
Tawa-tawa leaves contain potential astringent properties and quercetin (flavonoid), which help tighten and constrict tissues or the lining of the intestines.
Drinking Tawa-Tawa tea helps reduce excessive contractions of intestinal muscles, preventing the passage of water in the stools.
Moreover, it helps hydrate the body to recover from the water loss caused by diarrhea.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
In some Asian cultures, Tawa-Tawa is consumed to keep blood pressure optimal.
It contains an anti-diuretic agent that helps conserve fluid and reduce water from excessively passing in the urine.
These compounds may also help relax and dilate blood vessels to keep blood pressure levels normal.
5. Boost Immune System
It contains many antibacterial and antiviral compounds, which boast potential immune-boosting properties.
Drinking Tawa-Tawa tea regularly may help improve sleep and reduce stress to ensure a healthier lifestyle. Remember, a healthy body is less susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
6. Prevents Cell Damage
Although yet to be proven, drinking Tawa-Tawa tea helps reduce cell damage.
The plant’s leaves contain antioxidants that help destroy free radicals in your body.
It provides electrons to free radicals to neutralize them, preventing cellular damage.
Side-effects of Tawa-Tawa Plants
Typical to herbal plants, overconsuming the Tawa-Tawa plant can have many side effects.
- Overdrinking Tawa-Tawa tea, usually, a couple of times daily, invites nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal pain.
- The plant leaves contain alkaloids and tannins, which are toxic when consumed excessively.
- Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation or itchiness due to irritants on the leaves and stems, requiring gloves beforehand.
- Excessive antidiuretics can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to runny stool or diarrhea.
- Avoid drinking Tawa-Tawa tea when taking the blood thinner (anticoagulants) to prevent counteracting its effects.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Some people may develop allergic reactions to Tawa-Tawa plants; consult your physician before tying it out as a sample.
Remember, the effectiveness of herbal remedies will largely depend on the individual plant maturity, growing conditions, and dosage.
