Kakawate is an easy-to-grow ornamental plant. This nitrogen-fixing tree is referred by many people as a quick-stick due to the characteristic of growing almost right away just by cutting it and directly planting it in the ground. Its leaves are used in treating various health conditions as they are rich in tannins, 2′-O-Methylsepiol, medicarpin, hexadecanoic acid, coumarin, protein, fiber, manganese, and magnesium which are all beneficial for human health. Aside from the leaves, other parts of the kakawate tree, such as its bark and roots are also utilized for medicinal purposes.
Helps Relieve The Symptoms Of Rheumatism
Rheumatism is a condition causing chronic, often intermittent pain affecting the joints or connective tissue. The pain and swelling of the joints can last for several days or just a few hours. Kakawate leaves contain several active compounds that provide a positive effect on patients with rheumatism. A puree made out of the leaves can help ease rheumatism. Apply it as a poultice on the affected area and on the body parts with a sprain and broken bones.
Helps Treat Dermatitis And Itchy Skin
Dermatitis is a common condition that usually involves itchy, dry skin, or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. Or it may cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust, or flake off. Kakawate leaves can provide some help in treating this condition as well as other skin related itching caused by insect bites or allergies. Simply crush the leaves and apply it on the affected area. Also, a decoction of its leaves, bark, or roots on the skin also works wonders.
Helps Accelerate The Healing Of Burns
In Panama, kakawate leaves are used in healing burns. An herbal concoction of the leaves is immediately made when people experience burns.
Effective Mosquito Repellant
A lotion made Kakawate leaves can help shy away mosquitoes that may cause dengue. Moreover, applying some fresh leaves on the skin will also drive insects away.
In addition to all of these, kakawate has also been reported to be an expectorant, sedative, and suppurative. It has been used as a folk remedy for alopecia, boils, bruises, colds, cough, debility, eruptions, erysipelas, fever, gangrene, headache, prickly heat, rheumatism, skin tumours, and ulcers.
