Each languages has their own specific name for the utazi plant across Nigeria, the Edo's calls it 'utezi', the Yoruba know it as 'arokeke' and the Efik and Ibibio calls it 'utasi'.
Gongronema latifolium leaves are broad, having the shape of a heart and it is slightly oval in appearance with a deeply cordate base. It has a unique bitter taste most especially when eaten fresh as it tend to lose it butter taste when getting dried. It is culinary, medicinally, and nutritionally useful.
Gongronema latifolium belongs to the category of medicinal plants/herbs that are useful in the prevention and treatment of some diseases and ailments that are detrimental to human health.
Do you know that utazi is a spice and vegetable to garnish some special local delicacies, such as Isiewu, nkwobi , abacha /ugba ( African salad ) ofe nsala ( white soup), unripe plantain porridge, etc because of its sharp - bitter and sweet taste?
HEALTH BENEFITS
There are speculation that the plant has antibacterial, anti-oxidant,anti-ulcer and pyretic properties among other benefits.
The leaves are believed to neutralise the intoxicating properties of alcohol and its harmful effects on the liver. Decoction of the whole plant ( the leaves and stems ) is useful in the home treatment of Digestive ailments which includes constipation, dysentery and intestinal worms amongst other.
The leaves are helpful in the treatment of malaria, to lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure in diabetic and hypertensive patients respectively, to cleanse the womb and treat abdominal pain after childbirth, to relieve cough etc.
Traditionally, a mixture of utazi,balsam pear and scent leaf or Africa basil is usually given to patients sick of hepatitis to help cleanse and rebuild their liver.
NOTE>>> IT IS STILL VERY NECESSARY TO CONSULT MEDICAL EXPERTS FOR ADVICE BEFORE ANY APPLICATION. HERB IS GOOD BUT IT ABUSE IS DETRIMENTAL TO ONES HEALTH.
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