The mulberry tree produces berries with a rich content of vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds.
For centuries, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for various health conditions as they are packed with powerful plant compounds such as polyphenol antioxidants, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long utilized mulberry leaves to support vision improvement, nourish the liver, unaffected by wind-related ailments, and purify the body.
They are also believed to help treat dizziness, dysentery, enhance liver function, maintain youthful skin, alleviate symptoms of cough and cold, boost blood circulation, relieve abdominal pain, and strengthen eye health.
The leaves and other parts of the tree contain a milky white sap known as latex, which is mildly toxic to humans and can cause symptoms like abdominal (belly) pain if ingested or skin irritation upon contact. However, many people consume mulberry leaves without experiencing any side effects.
The leaves have a good flavour and are often used to make tinctures and herbal teas — a popular healthy drink in many Asian countries. The young leaves are edible after cooking.
You can also find mulberry leaves as a dietary supplement, which is gaining popularity due to their potential health benefits. Additionally, these leaves serve as the sole food source for silkworms — caterpillars that produce silk — and are sometimes used as feed for dairy-producing animals.
Health benefits of mulberry leaves
Mulberry leaves may help reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation. These properties can make them useful for preventing heart disease and diabetes.
Mulberry leaves contain various compounds that may aid in combating diabetes, including 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which blocks the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut. Specifically, these leaves can lower high blood sugar and insulin levels, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.
Several studies suggest that mulberry leaf extract may enhance heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, and preventing atherosclerosis — the build up of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart disease.
Reduces symptoms of the common cold
During this winter you can reduce symptoms of common cold by taking mulberry tea as it is used to treat liver diseases and various ailments, including headaches, cough, eye pain, fever, and sore throat. The development of restricted bacterial strains helps prevent granular pharyngitis (nodular throat inflammation). Drinking mulberry tea can help alleviate cold symptoms by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Preventing side effects.
Although mulberry leaves have largely been shown to be safe in both human and animal studies, they can cause side effects in some individuals.
For example, some people have experienced side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, bloating, and constipation when taking supplements containing mulberry leaf extract.
Additionally, individuals who are taking diabetes medication should consult a healthcare professional before using mulberry leaves due to their effects on blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, more in-depth human studies are needed to establish the long-term safety of this leaf.
Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using mulberry leaves, as there is insufficient research on their safety in these groups.
It is advised that we consult doctors before using any herbal supplements, especially if we are taking other medications or have any existing health conditions.
