The edible leaves are usually cut into small strips that are used by different countries for different cuisines and recipes ranging from stew and soups for example; the Nigerians use the leaf for preparing vegetable or edikang ikong soup, egusi soup etc. The afang plant is not usually planted but normally grows as a forest vine and the leaves are gathered as forest vegetables for culinary and medicinal purposes. Okazi leaf is an excellent source of aspartic acid, dietary fiber, cysleine, protein, vitamins, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, glutamic acid, leucine and essential amino acids that are required by the body. The relatively high protein content of okazi suggests why this plant contains a high amount of essential acids that can act as an alternative energy source especially when the carbohydrate metabolism is damaged due to glucogenesis.
- Ø The okazi leaves can be used for treating sore throats, boils, warts or nausea.
- Ø Okazi stem can be eaten raw for reducing childbirth pain as well as menstrual pain.
- Ø A cut stem of okazi can be used for reducing pain during childbirth.
- Ø Apart from the leaves, the okazi tuber and seeds can be cooked and eaten as food.
- Ø Both the seeds and the leaves of okazi have been proven medically efficient for treating enlarged spleen.
- Ø The pedicles can be cut, crushed and mixed with soap, which is used for washing the hair in other to stimulate hair growth.
- Ø Researchers claim that the okazi vine contains a high level of iodine.
- Ø The seeds can be chewed raw for controlling excessive urination.
- Ø It serves as an antidote for poisons.
- Ø Traditionalists use the okazi leaf for preparing medicines used in treating children suffering from measles.
- Ø The seeds of okazi can be used as fungicide for dressing wounds.
- Ø It also helps in the treatment of alcoholism.
The next time you visit the market, do well to
purchase the okazi leaf and enjoy its wonderful delight.
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