Soursop
known in Ghana as “Aluguntugui” tea, also known as graviola tea or gunabana
tea, made from soursop leaves is a refreshing, nutritious herbal tea, having
possible cancer preventive properties. The soursop tree is found in the
forests of South America, Central America, parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Possible Health
Benefits of Soursop Tea
- Effective
in treating cancer: It was observed
through several researches that acetogenins and alkaloids present in soursop
was 1000 times effective than chemotherapy in killing malignant cells of
about 12 types of cancer including pancreatic, breast, lung, ovarian,
throat and colon. It produces the similar heating effect in the body as
chemotherapy, but without the side effects of nausea or hair
loss. Researches published in the January 2011 issue of Pharmacognosy and
November 2011 issue of Molecules provide some scientific evidence for
these properties. Several universities and institutes have also conducted
studies in this regard, but without any concrete evidence.
- Helping
in weight loss: Presence of Vitamin B1 in the
tea helps in speeding up metabolism, thus promoting weight loss.
- Relieving
pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of
this leaf tea help it to act as an effective herbal remedy in relieving
pain without any side effects.
- Beneficial
for the digestive system: This tea
ensures a healthy digestive system also helping in the proper absorption
of food, thereby preventing indigestion, diarrhea and other abdominal
problems. It also lessens the symptoms of gall bladder diseases.
- Blood
purifying properties: Soursop tea acts
as a blood purifier by flushing out toxins from human body, thereby
helping in maintaining a clear skin and controlling acne as well as other
skin disorders.
- Helping
in healing wounds: It helps in the
production of fibrinogen, thereby facilitating in the fast healing of
wounds.
- Controlling
high blood pressure: Soursop leaves are
effective in reducing high blood pressure due to their potassium content.
The tea made out of the leaves is very effective for hypertensive people
as it increases urine secretion and in this way the extra salt is flushed
out from the body.
- Aiding
in liver problems: This herbal tea
acts as a liver tonic, thereby curing liver problems, hematuria and
urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). In order to get effective
results, soursop tea should be taken on an empty stomach early in the
morning.
- Improving
immunity: The presence of Vitamin C in this
tea helps it to fight against cough, cold, blocked nose, flu as well as
other viral infections.
- Relieving Constipation: Being
rich in dietary fiber this tea helps in relieving bowel disorders as well
as provides relief from constipation.
- Rich
in calcium: A good source of calcium, it
helps in strengthening bones and providing energy.
- Helping
in sleep: Drinking the tea made of
soursop leaves help in regulating sleep.
- Rich
in iron: As it is rich in iron, it helps in
increasing the red blood cell count as well as treating anemia.
- Helping
to reduce fever: The tea when taken
internally is good for reducing fever. This remedy is traditionally used
for children in Africa.
- Lowering
blood sugar levels: It helps in reducing
blood sugar levels by encouraging beta cells present in the pancreas
to produce insulin at an increased rate.
How to Make Soursop Tea
 |
| Aluguntugui Tea. Photo:herbalteasonline |
· Boil
a cup of water in a small container
· Take
3-4 fresh or dried soursop leaves and tear them into small pieces
· Put
the crushed leaves in the water, allowing it to boil at a medium temperature
for another 30 minutes
· Strain
the tea once it is ready
· A
teaspoonful of honey may be added for taste.
· The
tea may be drank warm or cooled before consumption. It is recommended to drink
it thrice a day when using for a medical reason.
Soursop Tea Safety and
Precautions
Side Effects
People
on hypertension medication or with low blood pressure are advised not to drink
this tea. Consumption in large amounts may lead to nausea and vomiting. Its
antimicrobial property causes it to kill the friendly bacteria present in the digestive
tract, leading to digestion problem. It is recommended to consult a doctor
before using it for cancer or any other terminal disease.
Consumption during
Pregnancy
Several
animal studies have revealed that soursop tea causes uterine contraction. Therefore
pregnant or lactating women are advised not to drink the tea.
