While banaba leaf has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries, there’s been a lot of renewed interest in it lately. So what’s it all about? Read on to discover more. 

What is Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa)?

Banaba is an herbal remedy derived from the leaves of the banaba tree (Lagerstroemia speciosa), a medium-sized tree native to India and several tropical Southeast Asian islands.  The banaba tree is also known as jarul, giant crepe-myrtle, Queen’s crepe-myrtle, banaba plant, or pride of India.

Traditionally, just about every part of the tree has been used medicinally including the root, bark and fruit, but it’s the leaves that are most commonly used. What we now know is that the leaves contain more than 30 beneficial constituents such as corosolic acid, ellagitannins and antioxidants, among others.    

Traditional Benefits of Banaba

Although more scientific results are needed for this herb, historically banaba has been popular for supporting:

• Blood sugar
• Weight loss
• Cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Kidney and urinary health

Where to Buy Banaba and How to Make Banaba Tea

Banaba leaf extract is widely available online or in health food stores in the following forms: capsules, powders, liquid extracts, softgels or blended with other blood sugar supporting ingredients.

You can also find loose leaves to make into banaba tea. Here’s how:

• Boil 2 cups of water
• Place 2 tsp of dried banaba leaves into a tea infuser
• Add infuser to water and steep for 3-4 minutes
• Strain and add lemon if desired
• Enjoy hot or cold

Blood Sugar Levels

For more info check out: What Your Blood Sugar Levels are Telling You

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