Loquat leaf is a product of nature that has gained a lot of attention lately after its medicinal and beneficial properties were discovered.
Loquat leaf or Japanese plum leaf comes from the loquat tree, a tree that typically grows in tropical or sub-tropical parts of the planet. It belongs to the family Rosaceae and it originates from Southeastern China.
Loquat tree also produces fruit, which is round, yellow or white, with a tangy taste. It is usually eaten fresh but it can also be used to make desserts, preserves and juice.
The leaves of loquat are shiny and dark green and they are usually collected in late spring or early summer. After they are picked, loquat leaves are left to dry in the sun, after which the fine hairs on the leaves are removed and the leaves are cut into smaller pieces. Loquat leaves that are dried and cut can be used individually or along with other ingredients. They are also used for making the loquat leaf extract.
Benefits of loquat leaf
Loquat leaves have a high nutritional value and they are particularly rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and vitamin C.
These leaves are famous for their high antioxidant content. They neutralize toxins and promote waste elimination from the body, reversing the effect of free radicals. Antioxidants slow down aging processes in the body and improve the overall resistance to various diseases.
Loquat leaf is particularly recommended for people suffering from diabetes. It contains substances that increase the production of insulin in the body and thus normalize blood sugar levels. It also improves the health and the functioning of the pancreas, by supplementing the insulin production and also by stimulating the regeneration of pancreas cells.
If used topically, loquat leaf is beneficial for allergic reactions on the skin, especially the hives. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and thus helps with a number of skin issues. Some experts claim that loquat leaf even reduces the risk of skin cancer. This is, however, yet to be scientifically confirmed.
Loquat leaf is highly praised for its antiviral properties. It is believed to fight various viruses, such as those responsible for common cold or flu, and herpes virus as well. There are those who believe that this natural product can even suppress the HIV virus.
If taken in form of herbal tea, loquat leaf helps with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, dehydration and edema. Some experts recommend this tea as a remedy for depression too.