Looking for the best medicinal herb? Try Stevia

Stevia Plant is a plant that makes it possible for people who cannot take sugar to have the desired taste. This is a plant that has a taste that gives sweetness to the food item to whichever this is added. If a person is suffering from disease like sugar or similar disease and cannot eat any sweet product because of added sugar then usually those people go for sugar free and similar stuff. But a little research in this field may lead them to an output that offered them the best deal. These people can go for Stevia Plants which would never let the sweetness go away from the life of any individual. This product is found at various parts of the world. Since it is not available at every part of the world, this plant is also exported to and imported from various parts of the world. The plant basically is a member of the herb family and the leaves of the plant are used as the main stuff to act as sugar. With the increasing popularity of the product the production of the plant has been on an ever increasing demand and now it is being used in the various parts of the world. This makes Stevia Plant an herb that has exceptional benefits. This makes it possible for various people to enjoy the flavor of life. With this plant there are few side effects expected but as of now there has been no case of such side effect all across the globe. This thing brings in the success story of the product. It is available in few countries, and these include Brazil, Israel, Australia, Hong Kong and many more. These countries use this product in a large quantity. It is used in the large quantity in Japan where it has been used since many years and thus no cases could be confirmed for negative impact. Further, various countries have also banned his product with the fear of the impact or the quantity of the product to be used has been limited. This makes it something very genuine to be used. But still due to the high level of usage, this plant is used under the covers of the black market. The product has also been used for a simple reason that it is also a supplement to the diet. Doctors usually prescribe the daily dosage in many countries so that the maximum output could be received from this particular plant.

    

Taste:

As far as the quantity to be used is concerned then one thing is assured that Stevia Plant is highly economical when it comes to the comparison in the quantity to be used for the sugar. This is sweeter than the normal sugar and that too around 300 times. Thus when it comes to making ice creams or chocolates, even then this product can be used and that too in a quantity that is much smaller than the otherwise used sugar quantity. Stevia Plant has a lot many advantages once the plant is explored.

Stevia is a Boon in Field of Natural Medicine

Recent research has proved that stevia plant can be beneficial in the treatment of many health conditions. Stevia is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-glycemic, and anti-hypertensive properties which may help with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic fatigue, indigestion, upset stomach, heartburn, weight loss, cold and flu, gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities, dandruff and hair loss, brittle bones or osteoporosis, streptococcus, candidacies, bacterial infections and skin conditions such as cuts, wounds, rashes, itchiness, blemishes, acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, and wrinkles. It may also improve energy levels, strengthen immune system, stimulate mental activity, and may also help in quitting the habit tobacco and alcohol.

Uses of Stevia –

1.   Dandruff and hair health - Stevia concentrate is believed to be beneficial for dandruff, dry scalp, and dull, dry and thin hair. People have noticed stronger, dandruff-free and rejuvenated hair after the usage of stevia. But to have best results regular use of stevia. For better results simply mix 3-4 drops of stevia concentrate into your regular shampoo and wash as normal. Also, after shampooing, using stevia tea as a conditioner and rinsing it out after 5 minutes can help in retaining natural hair color and strength.

2.   Gingivitis - Study shows that antibacterial properties of steviaplants may help in overcoming gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay and mouth sores. It may suppress the development and reproduction of infectious organisms in the gums and teeth, prevent the growth of plaque and may improve overall oral health. People who have used stevia as a mouthwash have experienced significant decrease in gingivitis and other mouth infections. Simply gargling with Stevia mouthwash and brushing with Stevia added toothpaste may be beneficial. To make Stevia mouthwash, add 3-4 drops of stevia extract in half a cup of lukewarm water or steep half a cup of tea with its leaves or teabag and gargle three to four times daily especially in the morning and at night. For toothpaste, mix 2 drops of stevia extract to the regular toothpaste. 

3.   Heartburn and Indigestion - People in different part of the world such as Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia have been using Stevia tea to soothe upset stomach, heartburn, and to improve indigestion and gastrointestinal function. Drinking Stevia tea after every meal may serve as a digestive aid and relieve heartburn and stomach pain. 

4.   Wrinkles and other skin problems - Stevia is believed to be a remarkable healing agent for skin disorders. Due to its antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic activity may help with wrinkles, skin blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, acne outbreaks, scarring, rashes, itchiness and chapped lips. A small amount of Stevia concentrate applied directly onto the affected skin may promote the healing process and can freshen up the skin.

5.   Weight Loss - Recent medical research have proved that low at carbohydrates, calories and sugar stevia may be beneficial in weight management. It is the least harmful herb used for management of weight. It is suggested to drink one cup of stevia tea or mix 10-15 drops of stevia concentrate in one cup of cold or warm water. And for best results drink it 15 minutes before every meal. 

Stevia Plants - Natural Medicine to cure in a Healthy Way

 Recent research showed that "Stevia has been safely used in research in doses of up to 1500 mg per day for 2 years." Due to the fact that stevia can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, most people would not even be able to consume 1500 mg in a whole week. There are a number of benefits provided by steviaplant and few main among them are listed below:

1.     Tooth Decay can be prevented – If someone started using this sugarless sweetener to replace refined sugars in their diet, they may see a decrease of tooth decay. One can only imagine how many teeth can be saved by replacing all of that sugar with healthier options, such as stevia. It also helps in making the teeth strong.

2.     Regulation of Blood Pressure - There is research that stevia could lower high blood pressure by using between 750-1500 mg of stevia each day. If more people choose to lower their risk by eliminating soda and using stevia throughout the day, they may have a better chance to lower their blood pressure in the future and with minimum risks.

3.     Decrease the blood sugar level – Blood sugar level can be decreased by using stevia plant. 1000 mg of stevia could reduce blood sugars by 18%. So it can prove to be a boon in the field of diabetes.

Apart from these benefits stevia plants can be used for other purposes also. There are many foods used on a daily basis that can be sweetened with stevia instead of the other harmful and refined sweeteners. For example, homemade spaghetti sauce can be easily sweetened with stevia. Or squeeze lemon juice into water and add a dash of stevia for some refreshing low calorie lemonade.

Precautions that should be taken while using stevia –

1 .  Mild Muscle Pain - Some people have reported mild pain in certain muscles while taking stevia. So it is recommended to consult any expert before using stevia plant.

2.     Bloating and Nausea - Bloating, nausea, and mild gas are the common side effects of stevia, but they are least concerning effects.

3.     Infertility - There have been studies that show stevia having a contraceptive effect on the body, and there have also been studies that show it does not. This one is still up for debate. So prevent excessive use of stevia plant.

4.     Numbness - Some reports of short-term numbness in feet, fingers, hands and other extremities.

5.     Cancer - Another controversial side effect of stevia because the study that claimed stevia as a cancer causing mutagenic compound was highly criticized for being poorly conducted. There have been other studies that show stevia as not having any carcinogenic cancer causing effect on the body.

6.     Blood Sugar level - Studies have shown that stevia can actually lower blood sugar, which means it should be used with caution by people with diabetes. They should consult their doctor about the usage of stevia.

7.     Lowers Blood Pressure -Studies also show that stevia may play a role in lowering blood pressure. People who have low blood pressure already should avoid using the sweetener as a sugar substitute. 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NATURAL MEDICINE?

These herbal plants are also called natural medicines due to their strong medicinal effect. There are hundred and thousands of herbs which can be used in various types of diseases. Some main herbs which are used frequently are:

1.    Camomile - It is generally made into a palatable tea or infusion and is used for relieving in sleep disorder, nervous tension and head colds.

2.    Valerian - The root of the valerian plant is effective in the treatment of sleeplessness, depression and as a remedy for asthma. Valerian can often be purchased already ground for use.

3.    Comfrey and Garlic – They both are regarded as miracle plants of herbal lists. Comfrey is thought to possess excellent healing qualities and now science has proved it contains two important substances which are beneficial to health. It can be a medicine of bronchitis and as a general tonic while recovering. The leaves of comfrey are also believed to speed up the healing process of burns. The root of this herb is rich in fiber and is a strong laxative. When this ground root is added to alcohol, the resulting tincture is effective against diarrhea. Garlic has been in use for centuries and called as 'nature’s antibiotic'. The most popular use of garlic is to provide extra immunity to colds and flu. It can also purify the blood. Garlic capsules are available for those who find the taste objectionable.

4.    Stevia - The stevia plant is a naturally available sweetener that does not cause any health problem. Stevia plants are also responsible for regulating the level of blood sugar. Stevia in its common form is a white powder extracted from the leaves of the plant and it is rated at 70 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.

5.    Elderberry - The root and flowers of elderberry plant can be used for various purposes. For example, an infusion of the flowers is good for relieving asthma or for soothing sore eyes. And root can be used in making tincture, taken in small weak doses, is an effective diuretic and laxative.

6.    Rosemary - It is used both in cosmetics and medicine. Oil of rosemary rubbed onto the skin often relieves tension headaches and muscular soreness, and may also be applied externally for the relief of rheumatic pains.

7.    Kitchen herbs - Some of the everyday kitchen herbs have beneficial qualities. A compress of thyme can be used to sooth boils, fennel is useful against constipation, and the two commonest culinary mints, spearmint and peppermint, either chewed or drunk in infusion, are believed to stop vomiting.

Precautions –

Anyone who is unfamiliar with herbs or plants should be extremely careful not to use large amounts for long periods in treating a condition or any illness. Certain plants have negative or dangerous side-effects when used incorrectly.  Massive amounts of parsley can cause hemorrhage and perpetual drinking of camomile tea can induce nausea and pronounced vertigo.  So it is very necessary to consult an herbalist before trying something new.

HOW TO GROW STEVIA PLANTS

Growing of Stevia plant is not an easy task. Stevia is considered as a difficult herb to grow, but it has proved to be quite adaptable and capable of being cultivated in climate zones as diverse as Florida and southern Canada. 

If you are growing stevia for the first time keep in mind that it does well in containers. It can be used as a ground powder or liquid in baking or in desserts. If you are planning to grow it inside surface sow seed 8 weeks before the last frost date. Germinate them using gentle bottom heat. It is very necessary to provide good drainage and overwatering should be avoided. After all risk of frost is overcome plant the stevia plants outside but 8 inches apart into a full sun location. If you wish to over winter the plants inside, remove the plants from your garden before the temperature drops below 10 degrees C. Use containers to grow these plants for best results. Leaves can be used (fresh or dried) directly in hot drinks. The length of the plants should be 24 inches.

 The complete procedure of growing stevia is explained below –

1.   Sowing of Seeds - It is best to propagate stevia plants from cuttings or tissue culture from a successful plant. Germination success of stevia plant from seed normally has a very low percentage. Sometimes the percentage is only 10%. The increase in germination success percentage depends on the selection of the seeds. If we select dark seeds and plant only those seeds - germination should exceed to 85%. Sweetness of stevia depends on the type of seeds we are using.

2.   Care and Growing - Stevia should be planted in the spring after the soil temperature reaches 65 deg F., in full sun and in a light, sandy, open, well drained soil with neutral pH. Fertilizer should be of standard quality for better results. To keep roots cool, preserve water, keeps the leave clean from soil (prevents dirty taste in green powder) and hold down weeds apply a layer of mulch, such as grass clippings, or bark mulch. Avoid weeding around mature stevia plants as their branches are brittle and can be easily broken. Overwatering should be avoided after transplanting and in winter as houseplant. Keep evenly moist during summer heat. Drip or soaker hose are very effective for summer watering.

3.   Harvesting – It is recommended to harvest entire plant as flower buds appear. Harvest only in the morning for highest sugar content, whether pinching tips or harvesting entire plants. The full harvest season will occur in late September or early October. Harvesting is done by cutting the entire plant at the base. With a rubber band, tie loose branches together and hang upside down to dry under warm, dark, drafty conditions for 2-4 days. Usage of food dehydrators should be avoided or open oven doors as this will also tend to cause a bitter flavor. Remove all the small branches and grind leaves into powder using an electric coffee grinder for 25-30 seconds. The final product is ready for usage.

STEVIA – A SWEET MEDICINE

Stevia plant is best known as a source of natural sweeteners. It is mainly found in South America. Native people in South America have used stevia as a sweetener for hundreds of years. Apart from a sweetener it is also an herbal medicine. 

Properties of Stevia –

1.   Antibacterial

2.   Antifungal

3.   Anti-inflammatory

4.   Anti-microbial

5.   Anti-viral

6.   Cardio tonic

7.   Diuretic

8.   Hypoglycemic

Due to its extraordinary properties stevia is a boon to the people who are suffering from diabetes. The leaves of stevia plant contain diterpene glucosides with a sweet taste but which are not metabolized and contain no calories.

Uses of Stevia Plant –

1.   It is a natural sweetener.

2.    Stevia can also be used as a flavoring to sweeten recipes, and it will not caramelize, brown or crystallize as sugar will. So the recipe will be more perfect.

3.   In the fresh state stevia leaves can be directly used for making tea and coffee.

4.   Their extract and powder can be used in various recipes.

5.   Stevia plants are a healthy sweetening agent for diabetics and other people who are very concerned about the sugar intake.

6.   It is helpful in improving dental health, treating bleeding gums and other teeth problems.

7.   As stevia plants are enriched with various nutrients it is beneficial for the skin and hair.

8.   Stevia has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, so application of fresh leaves or extracts of stevia plants helps in quick healing of cuts and wounds.

9.   As stevia contains 0 calories it will be very effective in weight control.

More Advantages of Stevia –

·         It is a non synthetic product.

·         It can be used in its natural state.

·         Due to its more power, a very less quantity is required.

·         It is non – toxic in nature

·         It enhances the flavor of any recipe.

·         It is non-fermentative in nature.

·         It does not have any bitterness.

·         It is clinically tested and do not have many side effects.

Side Effects of Stevia –

1.   Allergy - Stevia might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae /Compositae family of plants.

2.   Lowers the blood sugar - Some of the chemicals contained in stevia might lower blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control. So it is very important to regularly monitor the sugar level if you are using stevia plant.

3.   Lowers the blood pressure – Some of the chemicals that are present in stevia might cause blood pressure to drop too low in people who have low blood pressure. So if you are having a low blood pressure problem consult your doctor before using stevia.

Accurate dose of Stevia –

The appropriate dose of stevia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. Always keep one thing in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and so the dosage is very important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Short Description- Stevia is an extraordinary sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding process of the sweetest Stevia parent plants. It is interesting to note that the dried leaves of Stevia are about 40 times sweeter than sugar.

Stevia Plants- their plantation and use

Stevia Plants are used for making powder or is used as refined plants for sweetening purposes. The plant can be cultivated easily if it is provided with moistened fine soil and the seeds are left to germinate for two to three weeks. The seed should be left for germination at not more than 2 or 3 mm. care is needed for proper growth of SteviaPlants. A Stevia Plant is sensitive to cold and demands proper watering and conditions for proper growth. A  Stevia Plant can be grown on dry soil and is sensitive o sun. proper growth is achieved by exposing the plant to the sun. One condition that is very necessary for the proper growth of plant is the presence of phosphates in the soil. The plants growth Is considered as slow as compared to other plants. The Harvesting of the plant can be done for five times in a year if the plant is given proper care and watering. After each harvest, the plant should be cut at ground level and the harvest of five times in a year can be done for six years from the growth of the Stevia Plant. The plant can be regenerated for six years from the time it is grown and grows up a meter when harvesting is required. The total dry weight of the full grown plant is 70 gm and the leaves of the plant weigh 15 to 35 gm.

Precautions with Stevia Plants

The plant was earlier considered as Toxic and the credit goes to the Japanese for proving that the plant is not toxic and the discovery has enabled other countries also in using the plant for food additives. Some countries that include Canada have yet not legalized the used of Stevia Plants extract for food additive purposes. The worries of several nations are not entirely baseless. The use of the Stevioside extracts injures the reproduction and potential threat of Carcinogenic diseases is there which worry the health authorities. The Stevia Plant is used as high abortive plants. And the doses are considered as high doses. After studying the reports, the World Health Organization gave its verdict on 2006 that the use of Stevia Plants has no negative effect and does not hampers reproduction or it is also not carcinogenic. The safe daily use of the Stevia Plant Extracts is set at 10 mg for every kg of the body weight. This means that the limit for a person weighing 70 kg is 700 mg. this signifies that the people who consume Stevia Leaf extracts or the Stevia Plant powder, the limit of consumption is 50mg per kg and 3500 mg of the extract is the limit that can be taken by the humans.

Diabetes and Stevia

People who suffer from type 2 diabetes can consume the extracts of the SteviaPlants for controlling their diabetes but should also check their body glucose regularly for deciding on their medication. For taking Stevia Plant Extract, regular check on the blood pressure is necessary for the diabetic people.