How Using Bitter Leaf For Menstruation Can Affect Ovulation

Using extracts from plants like guava leaf, scent leaf, and bitter leaf for menstruation is not a new practice. Both anecdotal evidence and several scientific studies [1, 2] have noted that extracts from the plant contain compounds with antioxidants, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, hence they can help reduce inflammatory pain and menstrual discomfort.

How drinking Bitter Leaf juice Can Affect Ovulation

Looking for natural a remedy to boost ovulation? Try drinking Bitter leaf juice more often. According to scientific reviews [1], bitter leaf is loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids, Polyphenols can improve ovulation and egg viability in women, whereas flavonoids protect the egg from oxidative damage, which can help boost women’s chances of pregnancy [10, 11, 12, 13, 14].

Previously, I shared some tips on how to use scent leaf and guava leaf to ease menstrual pains and discomfort. Today, we discuss how to use the bitter leaf for menstruation, the benefits of taking bitter juice before or during the period, and possible side effects. Bitter leaf, also known as Vernonia amygdalina, is a leafy green vegetable that is native to Africa. It has a long history of traditional use in African medicine and is known for its many health benefits, especially for women going through periodic pain and cramps.

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How to Use Bitter Leaf for Menstruation

Here is a suggested schedule for taking bitter leaf juice for women experiencing pain and discomfort during menstruation:

• Before your period:

Drink 1 glass of bitter leaf juice per day, starting 1-2 weeks before your period is due.

• During your period:

Drink 1-2 glasses of bitter leaf juice per day, starting on the first day of your period.

Recipe For Making Bitter Leaf Juice

Here is a recipe for making bitter leaf juice that can help ease menstrual pain and cramps

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch of bitter leaf, washed and chopped
1 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of honey or sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a blender, combine the bitter leaf and water.
Blend until smooth.
Strain the juice into a glass.
Add honey or sugar to taste.
Drink immediately.

Tips For Preparing Bitter Leaf Juice

Here are some tips for preparing bitter leaf juice:

• Use fresh and tender part bitter leaf leaves.

• Wash the leaves thoroughly with a small amount of salt to remove any dirt or grit.

• If you are sensitive to the bitterness of bitter leaves, you can blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes before blending.

• Only store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

You can also add other fruits or vegetables to the juice, such as lemon, orange, or pineapple, or you can pour one small spoon of honey Into it after drinking the bitter juice

Safety Precautions When Drinking Bitter Leaf Juice

Here are some safety precautions to take when drinking bitter leaf juice:

• Start with a small amount of juice and gradually increase the amount as you tolerate it.
• If you experience any side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop drinking the juice and talk to your doctor.
• Do not drink Bitter leaf juice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Time To Drink Bitter Leaf Juice For Menstruation

There is no stipulated time you can take bitter leaf juice during your period to help reduce menstrual cramps and other symptoms. You can also take it before your period to help regulate your menstrual cycle. You can also take it during the period but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking bitter leaf juice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Benefits Of Taking Bitter Leaf Juice During Menstruation

Here are some ways that bitter leaf can benefit women’s health.

• Can help Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Reduces menstrual cramps
• Lower the risk of Anemia
• Improves blood circulation
• Boosts the immune system

Can Help Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

Chemical analysis shows the presence of Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Protein, and Vitamin C in bitter leaf extract [1]. According to research, this nutrient can promote smooth menstrual flow.
This means intake of bitter leaf juice can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular menstruation. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help to reduce menstrual cramps.

Reduces Menstrual Cramps

According to research, bitter leave is traditionally used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever as it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help to reduce menstrual cramps [3, 4].

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2013 found that bitter leaf extract was effective in reducing menstrual pain in women [5]. The study participants who took bitter leaf extract reported significantly less pain than those who took a placebo.

Another study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research in 2016, found that bitter leaf extract could help regulate the menstrual cycle. The study participants who took bitter leaf extract had shorter menstrual cycles and less irregular bleeding than those who took a placebo.

Lower the risk of Anemia

Women do experience a lot of blood loss during their period which increases the risk of anemia — a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other problems because the red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so having too few of them can lead to some of the complications mentioned above or even worse.
Interestingly, bitter leaf juice is a good source of iron [1], when taken can boost iron levels, since iron helps in the formation of red blood cells, and hence is essential for preventing anemia.

Improves blood circulation

Bitter leaf extract contains a compound with vaso-dilatory properties, which influence the flexibility of blood vessels in response to changes in blood volume. This means intake of bitter leaf juice can help improve blood circulation.

One animal study noted that bitter extract may help prevent the building up of a waxy plaque on the inside of blood vessels, rid bad cholesterol, and encourage the smooth flow of blood through the artery and vein [6], which can help to reduce menstrual pain and other symptoms.

Boosts the immune system

A chemical analysis [7, 8] shows that bitter leaf is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, and phenolic acid which have free radical scavenging properties. This means each time we take bitter leaf juice it will help boost our body’s antioxidant level.

This is also good because antioxidant boosts the immune system. Bitter leaf juice also contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This can help to protect women from infections and other health problems.
[9, 2]

FINAL THOUGHT

The use of bitter leaf for menstruation is a traditional remedy for menstrual pain and other symptoms. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help to reduce menstrual cramps.

It is also a good source of iron, which can help to prevent anemia. Bitter leaf juice can also improve blood circulation and boost the immune system. However, while drinking the juice, it is important to start with a small dose and gradually increase the amount as you tolerate it.
Also, beware that excess intake of bitter-leaf juice can have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any side effects, stop taking bitter leaf juice and talk to your doctor.