Monday, May 13, 2013

Stevia

Picture from: http://ezgrogarden.com/all-about-plants/stevia-the-sweet-herb/

Stevia is a very interesting herb. Native to South America, this herb is known as the "sweet herb". It's been used as a natural sweetener for years. However, it has medicinal properties as well that can prove beneficial  These properties include:
  • may aid in weight loss
  • an alternative sweetener for diabetics
  • may treat high blood pressure and heartburn
  • may increase muscle contractions within heart to help pump and circulate blood
  • may aid in preventing pregnancy 
Stevia may be able to reduce blood sugar levels after meals which would be ideal for people with type 2 diabetes. More research is currently being done in order to solidify the following medicinal properties above. However, it has been shown that stevia does interact with the body to produce these effects however minor it may be. Stevia may cause nausea, bloating, dizziness, and muscle pain in some people. People may also have allergic reactions to it. Stevia may also interact with diabetic drugs, high blood pressure drugs, and lithium.

As for magickal uses of Stevia, it is unknown. However, it makes a wonderful natural sweetener for herbal teas!

Reference:

No comments:

Post a Comment