Benefits of Starfruit Leaves as a Cough and Asthma Medicine
Lontar Taru Permana is a cultural heritage healing science that has been studied and passed on from generation to generation. In this tradition, starfruit is valued for a number of extraordinary health benefits, among which starfruit can cure coughs and asthma.
Star fruit is oval in shape, about 4-10 cm long, with bright green or yellow skin. This fruit has very sour flesh and is often used in cooking to give it a distinctive sour taste. Apart from the fruit, starfruit leaves also have various health benefits which have been studied in several scientific studies. The benefits of starfruit leaves are used as a herbal ingredient used in various traditional medicines or health drinks.
Starfruit (Source: Private Collection)
The benefits of starfruit leaves are believed to be able to increase the immunity of the immune system so that it can prevent the formation of cancer cells. However, the benefits of starfruit leaves still need to be studied further through more in-depth scientific research. It is best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before consuming star fruit leaves. Balinese people generally use starfruit as a traditional medicine for aches, coughs, canker sores and rheumatism.
Boiled Water from Starfruit Leaves (Source: Personal Collection )
The following are several diseases that can be cured by using starfruit as a traditional medicine
1. Prevents Cancer
The benefits of starfruit leaves contain anthocyanin, flavonoid and polyphenol compounds. These compounds are antioxidants that can help fight cell damage caused by free radicals and prevent the growth of cancer cells. Several studies also show that the anthocyanin and polyphenol compounds in starfruit leaves can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
2. Increases body endurance
Starfruit leaves contain vitamin C which is very good for increasing body endurance. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help fight free radicals and increase the production of white blood cells which are important for the immune system.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
The flavonoid and polyphenol compounds in starfruit leaves can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. The benefits of starfruit leaves that come from these compounds can help inhibit the activity of enzymes related to the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Drinking boiled water from starfruit leaves is also believed to be effective in treating high blood pressure. Starfruit leaves contain polyphenolic compounds which can help lower blood pressure by reducing blood vessel contractions. This compound can also help increase the elasticity of blood vessels.
5. Overcoming digestive problems
Wuluh starfruit leaves contain compounds that can help increase the production of digestive juices and improve bowel movements, so the benefits of wuluh starfruit leaves can help improve digestion. Apart from that, these compounds can also help reduce symptoms of stomach ache, diarrhea and constipation.
6. Maintain healthy skin
The vitamin C content in starfruit leaves can help maintain healthy skin by repairing cell damage and increasing collagen production. Collagen is an important protein needed to maintain healthy skin.
