Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Tea

Leaves (see medicinal uses). An infusion of the leaves is drunk regularly after meals for its health benefits, whilst it is also drunk specifically in the treatment of diabetes, high blood sugar levels, kidney and urinary disorders, to reduce blood cholesterol levels and as a general tonic and blood purifier[ 318 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial  Anticholesterolemic  Antidiarrhoeal  Blood purifier  Diuretic  Hypoglycaemic  Kidney  Leprosy  
Skin  Tonic  Urinary

Brazilian orchid tree leaf has become very popular as a treatment for diabetes ever since research carried out in the 1920's demonstrated its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. The leaves contain a range of compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. Various trials have been carried out into the health benefits of the leaves, particularly the hypoglycaemic activity. Whilst most of these trials have been positive, at least one was unable to discern positive benefits[ 318 , 739 ]. The main plant compounds in the plant include astragalin, bauhinoside, beta-sitosterol, flavonols, flavonoids, glycosides, guanidine, heteroglycosides, kaempferitrin, organic acids, quercitrosides, rhamnose, and saponins[ 318 ]. Astragalin has well-proven antibacterial activity[ 318 ]. Kaempferitrin, a flavonoid, has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels, to have diuretic activity and to help repair kidney cell damage[ 318 ]. The leaves are anticholesterolemic, blood purifier, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and tonic[ 318 , 739 ]. An infusion is drunk regularly after meals for its health benefits, whilst it is also drunk specifically in the treatment of diabetes, high blood sugar levels, kidney and urinary disorders, to reduce blood cholesterol levels and as a general tonic and blood purifier[ 318 ]. Other conditions that have been treated with the leaves include central nervous system disorders, diarrhoea, elephantiasis, intestinal worms, leprosy, obesity, skin disorders, snakebite and syphilis[ 318 ].

Containers  Pioneer  Wood

Other uses rating: Medium (3/5). Agroforestry Uses: A fast-growing, pioneer species that also fix atmospheric nitrogen (some disagreement - see Cultivation below), it can be used in reforestation projects and, with its small size and fairly open crown, is suitable for use in the first stages of a woodland garden[ 419 , K ]. Other Uses The wood is moderately heavy, soft, of low durability when exposed to the elements. Too small and of low quality for applications other than making lightboxes, light workmanship etc[ 419 ]. Whole trunks and branches are used for fuel and to make charcoal[ 419 ].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Nitrogen Fixer