Aluguntugui a.k.a Soursop Leaves Tea

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.