It’s a rare Friday the 13th and it’s a good day to talk about the health benefits of Akapulko.
If you’re unfamiliar with Akapulko, you may know it more for its other names like Cassia alata, Senna alata, emperor’s candlesticks, candle bush, candelabra bush, Christmas candles, empress candle plant, ringworm shrub, and candletree.
It’s an ornamental flowering plant that has different medicinal uses.
Here is my list of some of the health benefits of Akapulko.
1. Akapulko Helps Detoxify The Body
Akapulko has been found to be both a laxative and diuretic.
This means that it can help induce the release of unwanted waste out of your body.
It also promotes perspiration which is another way of releasing toxins and unwanted fluids out of your body.
2. Has Antifungal Properties
Akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid.
It is a fungicide used to treat different fungal infections like eczema, ringworms, and scabies.
Because of this quality, akapulko has been used as an ingredient for many medicinal soaps in the Philippines.
3. Akapulko Helps Treat Hemorrhoids
Drinking akapulko tea is helpful in treating anal lacerations and hemorrhoids.
It’s able to lessen the swelling and hasten the healing process.
4. Helps Treat Skin Problems
Because of akapulko’s antifungal and antibacterial properties, it is able to treat different skin conditions.
You can use akapulko for eczema, eczema, insect bites, ringworms, scabies, tinea infection, and other sorts of skin itchiness.
5. Akapulko May Help Manage Diabetes
Akapulko has blood-lowering effects.
It can help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates which can also slow down the release of sugar.
This can be helpful with diabetes patients.
6. Helps Improve Bowel Movement
Akapulko can be used to loosen your stool to promote regular bowel movement.
This shrub is a laxative and purgative.
It can be very helpful with constipation issues.
7. Akapulko Has Antibacterial Properties
Akapulko contains certain compounds like tannins which give it its antibacterial qualities.
It’s great for preventing the growth of different microorganisms that do harm to your body.
8. Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Akapulko has been used for years to relieve symptoms of inflammations.
It can help treat arthritis, bursitis, gout, rheumatism, and other joint and muscle problems.
9. Akapulko Helps Reduce Fever
You can use akapulko to reduce your body’s temperature when you have a fever.
Another amazing plant that can help lower your fever is mayana.
You can check my article about the health benefits of mayana here.
10. May Help With Lung Problems
Akapulko has been used as a traditional remedy for symptoms of some lung issues.
It’s been used for asthma attacks, bronchitis, and coughs.
11. Akapulko Helps With Some Gastrointestinal Disorders
Drinking akapulko tea may help you with bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.
Although I haven’t read much about this, there are anecdotal claims about it.
12. Supports Oral Care
Akapulko can also help you with regards to your oral health.
You can use it as mouthwash which can help with mouth ulcers, sores, and toothaches.
13. Akapulko Contains Antioxidants
There have been studies that will suggest that akapulko has antioxidants.
It will be very helpful in combating oxidative stress in your body.
In effect, it can prevent different kinds of chronic diseases.
Conclusion
I’ve seen a lot of akapulko plants around in our neighborhood. But I wasn’t aware of its name then.
I didn’t know that the plant that’s just right next to me had amazing uses.
You may have already guessed it.
My choice for its best health benefit is its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s very helpful for my arthritis condition.
What’s your akapulko health benefit choice?
As always, please make sure to ask your doctor or health professional first if it’s safe for you to use or consume akapulko.
Always be on the safe side.
Please share this article with someone you know who can benefit from this.
Thank you!
Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:07875jfSenna_alata_flowers_Cassia_alata_L._ringworm_bush_Philippinesfvf_13.jpg