After all, does mulberry leaf tea cleanse the uterus?

In folk medicine, the mulberry leaf is known for its benefits to women's health, especially during PMS (premenstrual tension) and the menopause. This is due to the chemical compounds present in the plant, which are similar to the hormones produced by women.

In this way, mulberry leaf tea alleviates the main menstrual and climacteric symptoms. In pregnancy, the infusion is effective in relieving the common discomforts of this period. However, despite being considered a safe plant, it is important to take the tea with caution and medical advice.

In addition, mulberry leaf contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for everyone's health and is an alternative for treating internal and external illnesses. To help you understand more about its origin, properties, benefits and harms, we've prepared this article with all the information you need to consume the tea safely. Check it out!

Understanding more about mulberry leaf tea

For centuries, mulberry leaf tea has been used to treat various ailments, especially to bring well-being to women at all times of life. Find out more about this medicinal plant, its origin, characteristics, properties, what it's good for and much more!

Origin and characteristics of the blackberry

The mulberry comes from the mulberry tree, a tree of Chinese origin, which used to be cultivated exclusively for rearing the silkworm (Bombyx mori). There are several species around the world, including in Brazil, where the best-known species are the white mulberry (Morus alba) and the black mulberry (Morus nigra).

Fast-growing, the white mulberry can reach a height of 18 m. Its leaves are oval-shaped, with dark green, rough leaves. The fruit of the morus alba is white, red and purple when ripe.

The black mulberry varies in height from 4 to 12 m. Its leaves are heart-shaped or oval, and the fruits are small and darker in color. Both adapt well to all climates and soils, and do not require much care.

Properties of mulberry leaf tea

Due to its composition rich in vitamins and nutrients, mulberry leaves have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, bactericidal, antifungal, diuretic, analgesic and estrogenic properties. Therefore, mulberry leaf tea helps prevent and treat both internal and external diseases.

What is blackberry leaf tea good for?

For over 4,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has used mulberry leaf tea to detoxify the liver and cure colds, flu and stomach ailments. According to scientific studies, the tea can help prevent cancer and treat sores and lesions on the oral mucosa.

This medicinal plant is also known to help control diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, as well as helping with weight loss and premature ageing.

What effects does mulberry leaf tea have on menstruation and pregnancy?

Because it contains flavonoids, especially isoflavones, a phytohormone similar to oestrogen produced in the uterus, mulberry leaf tea improves PMS symptoms such as cramps, headaches and irritability. It also helps to eliminate fluid retention, which is very common during menstruation.

In addition, when consumed in a controlled manner and under the guidance of a doctor, the infusion can help during pregnancy, relieving heartburn and poor digestion. It is very important to use it with caution, as the infusion is generally not indicated during pregnancy.

Main benefits of mulberry leaf tea

Mulberry leaves contain powerful chemical compounds that benefit the entire body. The tea helps to prevent and combat numerous diseases, as well as aiding in the process of weight loss and premature ageing. Below, we've listed the main benefits of mulberry leaf tea. Read on to find out more!

Source of vitamins and minerals

The mulberry leaf contains a high concentration of minerals, including calcium, which is essential for healthy bones, and potassium, which is important for the cardiovascular system, preventing high blood pressure and strokes. Magnesium also stimulates brain activity, improves mood, headaches and muscle function.

The blackberry leaf is also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E and K. Both the fruit and the leaves contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, such as anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the blackberry's reddish color.

In addition, it contains quercetin, flavonoids, carotenoids and good amounts of phenolic acid. These and other substances, such as saponins and tannins, have great medicinal value and are effective in treating numerous diseases.

Strengthens the immune system

Keeping immunity high is extremely important if the body is to be able to fight off viruses and bacteria, so it's important to consume foods and drinks rich in vitamins and minerals. This is the case with blackberry leaf tea, which not only contains these nutrients, but is also rich in flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins and coumarins.

This means that the plant's anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties can strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent or treat inflammation and infections.

Helps with weight loss

Mulberry leaf tea contains fiber and other substances, such as deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which help to slowly absorb foods rich in carbohydrates and starches, preventing glucose from entering the bloodstream. In addition, the drink improves the digestive process and bowel function, preventing fat from accumulating in the body.

However, the tea only helps with weight loss, so you need to change your eating habits, follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. This is because all medicinal plants should be consumed in moderation and, above all, with the guidance of a nutritionist.

Relieves menopause symptoms

The menopause marks a woman's last menstrual cycle and occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms usually include irregular and scanty menstruation, hot flushes, insomnia, changes in mood and libido, and bone loss.

Mulberry leaf tea contains phytoestrogens, components that resemble estrogen, the female hormone that stops being produced during the menopause. Therefore, the drink helps to minimize some of the characteristic symptoms. It is recommended to drink at least one cup of the infusion for 21 days or as advised by your doctor.

Prevents premature skin aging

Aging is a natural process, but leading a healthy lifestyle, i.e. eating well, playing sports and avoiding excessive sun exposure, slows down wrinkles and sagging skin.

In addition, using medicinal plants such as mulberry leaf fights free radicals, preventing cell oxidation due to the presence of vitamin E, flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acid. You can therefore consume the antioxidant-rich herb through teas and compresses directly on the skin to prevent premature ageing.

Prevents cancer

With powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, quercetin, anthocyanins and ellagic acid, mulberry leaf tea has been shown to be effective in preventing cancer. This is because these bioactive compounds prevent cancer cells from developing, especially in the breast, prostate and skin regions.

Acts against diabetes

A proven benefit of mulberry leaf tea is its action against diabetes. The plant contains a substance called deoxynojirimycin, which is responsible for reducing the rate at which sugar reaches the blood after consuming carbohydrates. In addition, the fibers present in the leaf control glucose and prevent insulin resistance.

It's worth noting that neither the infusion nor the fruit can replace the medication prescribed by your doctor. Despite having a low glycemic index, consumption should be moderate due to the risk of hypoglycemia, i.e. glucose levels dropping rapidly.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

Because it contains antioxidant properties and substances such as isoquercitrin and astragalin, mulberry leaf tea fights free radicals, controlling LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In this way, the plant extract prevents atherosclerosis, a disease caused by the accumulation of fat in the arteries.

In addition, the infusion helps inhibit the onset of other heart diseases, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes. Therefore, frequent consumption of the tea, combined with a healthy diet and physical exercise, reduces the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Improves and prevents infections

The antimicrobial, expectorant and anti-inflammatory action of mulberry leaf tea protects the defense system, preventing and combating the attack of infectious and viral agents. Therefore, the drink is an excellent alternative for treating sore throats, gingivitis and canker sores. It also helps treat asthma, bronchitis and coughs.

The plant also has a healing effect, helping the skin recover from inflammation, eczema, rashes and mouth sores such as herpes. Therefore, mulberry leaf tea or poultice can be used directly on the affected area until it dries completely.

Acts to treat diarrhea

Diarrhea is usually a response of the body when it is exposed to viruses, bacteria, medication, intolerance or food poisoning. When not treated correctly, it can lead to dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.

Mulberry leaf tea not only has astringent properties, which help to keep water in the body, but also replenishes potassium and sodium lost during bowel movements. However, when the problem lasts for more than two days, it is necessary to see a doctor to assess the case.

Blackberry leaf tea recipe

After learning all about blackberry leaf tea, you'll learn the step-by-step process for making the infusion correctly. After all, in order to extract all the medicinal properties and guarantee its effectiveness, you need to follow the recipe to the letter. Just a few ingredients are all it takes and in 15 minutes you can benefit from its therapeutic effects!

Ingredients

To prepare the tea, you will need the following ingredients: 1 liter of water and 5 fresh leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried blackberry leaves. If possible, opt for organic plants that have not undergone chemical processes, such as the use of pesticides. This way, you guarantee a quality product and avoid risks to your health.

How to make blackberry leaf tea

Add the blackberry leaves and cover the pan with a lid to release the properties for 10 minutes. Then simply strain and the tea is ready. Avoid sweetening with refined sugar so as not to lose its effectiveness.

The ideal is to consume up to 3 cups of tea a day. It can be stored in the fridge, preferably in a glass bottle, for up to 24 hours. People with chronic illnesses or who use medication should only drink the infusion with a doctor's prescription.

Other information about blackberry leaf tea

Mulberry leaf is very versatile because, as well as combining with various medicinal plants and herbs, it can also be used in other ways. Even so, the infusion is contraindicated in some cases and can pose some risks when consumed incorrectly. See this and other information about mulberry leaf tea below!

Herbs and plants that go well with blackberry leaf tea

Combining herbs and plants not only gives the tea a unique flavor, but also enhances its phytotherapeutic effects, speeding up the healing process or preventing diseases. To prepare blackberry leaf tea, you can add mint, linden flowers, ginger, dried hibiscus flowers, rosemary and cinnamon sticks.

All these plants, roots and spices contain vitamins and nutrients, which complement the nutritional value of the blackberry leaf. In addition, some of them contain a sweet taste, such as cinnamon, so there's no need to sweeten the tea. As an option, honey is nutritious and makes the drink even tastier.

Other ways to use blackberries and blackberry leaves

In addition to tea with blackberry leaves, other ways to use the fruit and leaf are through tincture. It is recommended to dilute it in water. However, only a doctor or herbalist can indicate the ideal amount and frequency. The capsule is another alternative and can be consumed up to 3 times a day, between meals or according to medical advice.

A decoction of blackberry root is just as beneficial as the leaves, especially for treating toothache, canker sores and gingivitis. Simply boil 240 ml of water with 1 teaspoon of root for about 20 minutes. Once cool, strain and drink one cup a day or, if you prefer, rinse your mouth twice, morning and night.

Blackberry leaf poultice

Mulberry leaf poultice helps to treat wounds and also has an astringent effect on the skin. To prepare, place 2 tablespoons of water and 6 fresh mulberry leaves in a saucepan. Allow all the water to evaporate over a low heat.

Then macerate the leaves well and wait until the mixture is at a bearable temperature. Apply the poultice to gauze and then to the wounded area. When the compress has cooled, repeat the process twice more.

Risks and contraindications of mulberry leaf tea

The side effects of mulberry leaf tea are linked to drinking too much of it, which can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition, the plant can trigger allergies in people who are predisposed to it. If symptoms such as itching, palpitation and difficulty breathing appear after drinking it, stop using it immediately.

People with controlled diabetes should avoid drinking this tea, as its hypoglycemic effect tends to reduce blood glucose levels and can also interfere with the action of medication.

Consumption of mulberry leaf tea, as well as the root, is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of uterine contraction and affecting the baby's development. Children under the age of 8 should also avoid drinking it.

Price and where to buy mulberry leaf

Blackberry leaf can easily be found in health food stores, fairs and ecommerce stores. It costs around R$ 3.50 per 100 g. However, this price can vary depending on the quantity and quality of the product, whether it is pesticide-free or organic, for example.

Take blackberry leaf tea with the necessary care!

As we've seen throughout this article, mulberry leaf tea has medicinal properties that are beneficial for health, especially for women. However, as with any medicinal plant, its use should be associated with a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

In addition, it is very important that the tea is consumed with caution for its results to be felt. After all, it contains substances that can interfere with the action of other medicines, such as in the treatment of diabetes. Even if this is not the case for you, avoid excesses and drink the tea in moderation.

Therefore, its use should preferably be done under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist to indicate the correct frequency and dosage. Finally, we hope that this text has clarified your doubts and that mulberry leaf tea brings positive effects to your health!