Medlar leaves: properties, benefits and how to prepare the infusion that lowers blood sugar

Of the medlar we know and appreciate above all its fruits, few people know instead that even the leaves are rich in properties. With these you can prepare a beneficial infusion that helps lower blood sugar.

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From medlar we know and appreciate its fruits above all, few people know instead that even the leaves are rich in properties. With these you can prepare a beneficial infusion that helps lower blood sugar.

The common medlar (Mespilus germanica), is a tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family, not to be confused with the Eriobotrya japonica, that is the Japanese medlar (the most commonly known). Its fruits, medlars, are highly appreciated and are a source of important vitamins such as Vitamin A, B vitamins and mineral salts but are also endowed with anti-inflammatory properties.

Today, however, we do not focus on the fruits but on the leaves of this tree, often mistakenly underestimated and discarded. It is in fact a real natural remedy with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory but above all hypoglycemic power.

Index

Medlar leaves, properties

The leaves of the common medlar are endowed with different properties some similar to those characteristic of the fruit, others quite peculiar.

• Lower blood sugar: consuming loquat leaves in the form of an infusion (below the recipe) can be useful in case of diabetes or prediabetes. In fact, they have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in both diabetes and insulin resistance, a condition often considered prediabetes.
• Antioxidants: thanks to the content in flavonoids and carotenoids these leaves are rich in antioxidants, that is, they counteract the action of free radicals responsible for the aging of our cells.
• Anti-inflammatory: the leaves of the medlar act as natural anti-inflammatories and are therefore able to lower inflammation within our body.
• They help the immune system: among the properties of these leaves there is also the ability to help our body's defenses to function better.
• They prevent degenerative diseases: since these leaves contain kaempferol, a flavonoid able to counteract inflammation (even in the brain), they could be used in the future as a remedy against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
• Diuretics: taking medlar leaves in the form of an infusion, promotes diuresis and is a concrete help for the kidneys both in the prevention of stones and infections.
• Digestive and satiating: medlar leaves promote digestion, relieve stomach discomfort and help increase the sense of satiety.

 

How to use loquat leaves

The loquat leaves are long and bright dark green in color. If you have an untreated medlar tree available, preferably of the species Mespilus germanica (rarer than the medlar we all know), you can harvest them in late spring or early summer. These are then dried in the sun and finally chopped and stored in a closed glass jar in a cool and dry place.

They can then be used whenever you need an herbal tea after meals that is digestive, able to lower blood sugar and with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Loquat leaf extract is also used in some creams and ointments that counteract skin inflammation.

Infusion of loquat leaves

To enjoy the benefits of medlar leaves it is possible to prepare a very simple infusion.

You need:

• 1 tablespoon of dried and chopped loquat leaves
• 1 cup of water

Bring the water to a boil, remove it from the heat and add the medlar leaves, leaving them to infuse for about 10 minutes, then filter and drink after main meals.

Naturally the herbal tea should be enjoyed as it is without adding sugar or sweeteners, in this way, in fact, the most important effect of the drink, the hypoglycemic effect, would disappear.

Controindicazioni

Given the effect of medlar leaves on blood sugar (not suitable for everyone), before experimenting with the infusion based on this plant it is good to ask your doctor for advice whether or not it is appropriate to use this remedy based on your conditions of health.

Read also:

• Medlar: properties, benefits and how to best enjoy them
• Forgotten fruits: the common medlar (Mespilus germanica)