The Secret of Gelinggang Leaves: How to Boil Them for Natural Remedies for Various Diseases and Antibacterial Properties

Kapanlagi.com - Gelinggang leaves (Cassia alata) have long been a star in the world of traditional medicine in various countries, including Indonesia. Initially, this plant was considered a wild shrub that thrived in tropical areas, but with the growing interest in natural remedies, these leaves have now become a favorite in various medical applications.

In East Asian countries like Japan and China, gelinggang leaves have become a main ingredient in herbal drinks and natural medicine products. Quoting ANTARA, which aired on Monday (15/4/2019), the demand for these leaves continues to soar, with export values reaching billions of rupiah each year. The active compounds found in these leaves, such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, make it one of the plants with very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, to maximize its benefits, it is important to process and consume it correctly. One of the most popular methods is boiling gelinggang leaves to make herbal tea. So, what is the correct way to boil gelinggang leaves and what are the health benefits?

Summarized from various sources by Kapanlagi.com on Thursday (30/1/2025), here is a guide on how to properly boil gelinggang leaves so that the benefits can be felt optimally.

1. Benefits of Boiled Gelinggang Leaves

The boiled gelinggang leaves contain various active compounds that provide significant health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of gelinggang leaves:

• Antibacterial and Antifungal: The extract of these leaves is effective against skin infections such as ringworm, eczema, and scabies.
• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Lowering blood sugar levels: Suitable for diabetics as it can inhibit carbohydrate absorption.
• Facilitating digestion: Has a natural laxative effect to help alleviate constipation.
• Reducing fever: Used in traditional medicine as a natural antipyretic.
• Helping to heal wounds: Has antiseptic properties that accelerate the healing of minor wounds.
• Treating worms: Contains anthelmintic compounds that can expel worms from the body.
• Preventing oxidative stress: Its antioxidant content can protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Preventing oral and dental disorders: The boiled leaf water can be used as a mouthwash to address gum infections and toothaches.
• Fighting tumors and cancer: Isolates extracted from gelinggang leaves have been shown to have antitumor effects, particularly against colorectal and bladder cancer.

Due to these various benefits, consuming boiled gelinggang leaf water can be a natural alternative in maintaining body health.

2. How to Boil Gelinggang Leaves for Maximum Benefits

To maintain the benefits of gelinggang leaves, the boiling process must be done correctly. Mistakes in boiling these leaves can reduce their active compound content, making their benefits not optimal when consumed.

Ingredients Needed:

• 5–7 sheets of fresh gelinggang leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried gelinggang leaves.
• 500 ml of water.
• Honey or lemon (optional, to enhance flavor).

How to Boil:

1. Wash the gelinggang leaves thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticide residues.
2. Heat 500 ml of water until it boils.
3. Add the gelinggang leaves and reduce the heat, then let it boil for 10–15 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and let it sit until the water temperature drops slightly.
5. Strain the boiled water and serve it in a glass.

This boiled water can be consumed warm or cold, depending on your preference. To reduce its bitterness, you can add honey or lemon juice.

3. Is Boiled Gelinggang Leaf Water Safe to Consume?

Although boiled gelinggang leaf water offers a plethora of health benefits, it is important to remain cautious in its consumption. Moreover, consuming it excessively over the long term can lead to undesirable side effects, such as digestive disturbances that may result in diarrhea and stomach cramps.

For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable to stay away from this leaf, as its active compounds may pose risks to fetal development. If you have certain medical conditions or are undergoing treatment, do not hesitate to consult a doctor before making boiled gelinggang leaf water a part of your daily routine.

4. Can gelinggang leaves be consumed every day?

5. How to use gelinggang leaves for skin diseases?

6. Can gelinggang leaves help in weight loss?

7. Is the gelinggang leaf safe for children?

(kpl/rmt)