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Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: African never die, air plant, green love, life leaf, live forever, miracle leaf, never die or resurrection plant, revival plant, abamoda (Yoruba); odaa opue (Igbo).
Bryophyllum pinnatum is a succulent perennial plant that grows 3-5 feet tall. It has bell-like pendulous flowers.The stems are hollow; leaves are simple, fleshy, dark green in color and produce new plants upon falling on the ground via vegetative propagation. Cultivated as an ornamental plant, it thrives well in flowerbeds and any humus rich soil.
Grows widely and is popularly used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world including Nigeria.
Parts used: Leaves, leaf juice, preferably used fresh.
I am particularly intrigued by the various names of this “goodness”, as listed above- especially the “resurrection” and “revival” meaning – “akwukwo ntute” in the Eastern part of Nigeria. Early in my practice, I employed the doctrine of plant’s signature a lot. The signature of plant is the incidence in which various names, shapes, colors, taste, smell, texture and even habitats of certain plants are indicative of the ailments they will heal. So Bryophyllum for me was a local plant for the “resurrection” of organs, cells, and tissues; as the name implies, restoring every organ wherein it was applied – from the largest skin- to the heart. And on that mundane level, it worked and yielded positive results based on its signatures. I once administered it on a 67-year-old man, who was hypertensive, constipated, breathless, and weak and could barely walk. You are already guessing what happened to the man, after he drank the first cup of tonic I made with this “revival “plant, ain’t you? A miracle happened. He lost his breathlessness and weakness! He practically got his life back. No wonder the plant is called “life leaf and miracle leaf“ throughout South Africa – from upper respiratory infections and coughs to stomach ulcers and infections of the skin, eyes and ears.
Bryophyllum has had a long history of use and also tops my herbal medicine chest. The efficacy and overall results I always got with each application spurred me to search for scientific basis of its revival potencies.
Documentation or research carried out on Bryophyllum indicates a wide range of photochemical compounds, including alkaloids, triterpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, lipids, minerals and organic acids. The plant is well known for its hemostatic and wound healing properties; and has also been shown to alleviate, skin diseases, itching and pains of various intensities because of its potentials as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-tumorous, anti-ulcerous, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antihistamine, antiviral, insecticidal and muscle relaxant. The leaves are also considered antiseptic, disinfectant, emollient, astringent and tonic. No wonder the man in our story, who could barely walk, went away, unsupported.
If you know anyone in your cycle of friends suffering from hypertension, give that person hope and point to our “signature of revival“! A sandwich of two leaves and a half bulb of onion, taken 2X daily for 7days will help in lowering elevated blood pressure.
The leaves are also useful for the treatment of stroke. If the stroke victim is unconscious, instill some drops from the juice into the nostrils. He will sneeze and come to life.
The sedative properties will also help victims of insomnia.
For skin disorders, it is applied externally as well as internally for various bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The leaves can be pulverized, pounded, or infused in water and applied on affected parts as poultices, compresses, lotions or soap, as the case might be.
Applications of Bryophyllum are said to also work for inflammations, swellings and pain. Heated or pounded leaves are used directly at the area of discomfort. It is also very beneficial when mixed with oil and used as a massage.
Again the incidence of plants’ signature as indicated by the “smooth-textured” and glossy leaves played out well when I applied it on a lady whose skin was blemished, rough, dry, itchy and written off. A daily bath with this plant and its applications worked wonders. There was a total regeneration and the once dry skin became supple and smooth again.
The leaf extracts are of great value in strengthening the respiratory organ.
Bryophyllum’s traditional uses for all sorts of upper respiratory conditions – from asthma and cough to bronchitis might be explained by research demonstrating that the leaf has potent anti-histamine and anti-allergic activity. Leaves are placed in hot water for 15 minutes, and then juice squeezed out and drunk. A little salt or honey may be added to the juice, if the victim has colds.
It is also employed for kidney stones, gastric ulcers and edema of the legs. Externally, a leaf infusion or juice is used for headaches.
The leaves are decocted and taken 1-2 cups daily to alleviate the symptoms of bladder infections.
Mexicans use the extracts from Bryophyllum to promote menstruation and assist in childbirth. It is a uterine stimulant, refrigerant (lowers body temperature), and tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions). Why don’t you try out this “life leaf” if you think your organs have packed up or that you can no longer menstruate?
Bryophyllum is indeed a miracle medicine plant that can bring quick relief from most horrible discomfort. It is available all year round and very easy to propagate. Just cultivate yours in flowerbeds, troughs and any humus rich soil. Leaves produce new plants upon falling on the ground (odaa – opue” in Igbo) via vegetative propagation.
Life leaf tonic can be made by blending a handful of the leaves/stem with some oranges/watermelon and lemons, sweetened with honey, if desired. Enjoy!
