What is "pata-de-vaca"?
It is a Brazilian tree, Bauhinia forficata widely used in landscaping because of its beautiful flowers and foliage, whose shape resembles the leaves paw of cattle. It is well known in folk medicine as beneficial treatments for diabetes d0.
What are the benefits of cow's paw tea?
Conventional wisdom has been confirmed in scientific research and found that the plant does have the ability to lower glucose levels ( "sugar") in the blood. The kaempferitrin flavonoid present in the plant leaves is one of substances involved in hypoglycemic effect (or antidiabetic), and is a potent antioxidant. The mechanism of action involved in the action of kaempferitrin, although it has not been fully elucidated yet, is related to its ability to stimulate glucose uptake by cells. The extract from the leaves still showed ability to reduce blood levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, that contribute to the complications of diabetes. Therefore, it was confirmed that Bauhinia forficata shows potential for the development of antidiabetic drugs to aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In addition, other medicinal properties of pata-de-vaca based on popular knowledge are known:
diuretic;
tisane;
analgesic;
helps in weight loss;
prevent and treat anemia;
treat kidney diseases, liver, gall bladder, stomach and spleen;
diarrhea;
diuresis;
drop;
hemophilia;
heart disease;
urinary diseases;
arterial hypertension;
stimulates appetite;
bladder stones.
We need moderation in the use of pata-de-vaca tea!
Similarly what is recommended for other medicinal plants, it is necessary to sparingly use the tea-of-paw cow leaves. The leaves contain various chemicals, some of them responsible for the antidiabetic effect, which are extracted by hot water in the preparation of tea. However, other substances present in the plant may have other effects on the body, which when in excess may even be toxic or interact with other medications. So if you are following medical treatment using other drugs, has chronic diseases or are pregnant, do not use tea without the knowledge of your doctor.
Research continues and new evidence regarding the benefits of pata-de-vaca will likely be disclosed.
For now, those who want to make use of pata-de-vaca tea should: make a decoction with 1 or 2 clean sheets tree in two cups of water. It is important to shred or chop the leaves before placing in water to facilitate the extraction of substances from the leaves. As soon as it boils, remove from heat and allow to warm, drinking two cups throughout the day.