5 Benefits of Bougainvillea Flowers for Health

Besides being used as an ornamental plant because of its beauty, bougainvillea flowers can also be used as herbal medicine.

Bougainvillea flowers are generally consumed by making tea. However, it can also be eaten raw, fried in batter, and used in drinks.

1. Rich in antioxidants

Research in the journal Research Journal of Medicinal Plants reports that bougainvillea flowers have good antioxidant content. Antioxidants have an important role in protecting the body from various diseases by reducing oxidative damage to cellular components.

Antioxidant content will protect body cells from exposure to free radicals. With this protection, it will reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases related to cell damage.

2. Helps lower blood sugar levels

According to an article in the Journal of Natural Remedies, bougainvillea contains pinitol. This compound is believed to have an insulin-like effect and has the potential to be developed as a diabetes drug.

Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology states that short-term administration of D-pinitol can lower plasma glucose in rats with diabetes.

These compounds also increase glucose utilization in insulin-resistant monkeys.

3. Can relieve coughs and sore throats

Drinking boiled water from the paper flowers is believed to relieve coughs. Reported by DrHealthBenefit, bougainvillea flowers have expectorant properties that can help mucus discharge from the respiratory tract. This mucus excretion can speed up cough recovery.

In addition, the antiseptic properties of bougainvillea can treat sore throats caused by allergies or infections. This antiseptic property will help with inflammation and soothe the sore spot.

4. Helps overcome digestive problems

Besides being able to treat coughs and sore throats, a decoction of bougainvillea flowers can overcome digestive problems. According to the Health Cautions page, the active compounds in bougainvillea leaves have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach.

Unhealthy eating patterns and pollution are contributing factors to the entry of unwanted substances into the body. Consuming bougainvillea flower tea can help flush out these toxins. This can treat problems such as diarrhea and can speed up the recovery process.

5. Can be used as a skin cleanser

Apart from being consumed, bougainvillea flowers can also be used for external use. Bougainvillea flower soaking water can be used as a cleanser that can maintain the health of your skin.

Reported by DrHealthBenefit, its antiseptic properties are believed to be able to deep clean the skin and prevent acne.

Bougainvillea flowers have various health benefits, such as being an antioxidant, overcoming coughs and sore throats, to being a skin cleanser. You can get the benefits of bougainvillea by consuming it or using a water bath.