Explore

Why are there so many pimples on the lotus leaf, can you eat them?

Pimples on fig leaves often frighten and make many wonder if those leaves are edible.

9 March, 2024

Why does the fig leaf have so many pimples?

The fig leaf develops small bumps called fig pimples or fig warts.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thuy Trang – Vinmec Sao Phuong Dong Traditional Medicine Center, the bumps are caused by a parasitic species of insect called P.syllidae; however, the insects have long since left before these bumps swell, and there are no eggs or remaining parasites inside.

In traditional Oriental medicine, fig leaves with bumps are considered better than normal leaves and can be used to treat liver problems, headaches, and as a tonic for the sick…

The bumps only form on new leaves. Knowing why the fig leaf has so many pimples, feel free to choose to eat the leaves with bumps.

Is it safe to eat fig leaves with bumps?

As of now, there is no scientific research on this issue. However, in Oriental medicine, fig leaves with bumps are considered better than normal leaves and can help cure many uncomfortable diseases such as liver problems, headaches, and as a tonic for the sick…

Who should not eat fig leaves?

Although fig leaves bring many great benefits, there are some groups of people who should avoid them:
Those with rectal or vaginal bleeding should refrain from using them until the bleeding stops.
Fig leaves have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels, which is good for diabetic patients. However, people with low blood sugar levels should avoid using them.
People with kidney disease who consume a lot of fig leaves or water may worsen their condition.

What are the health benefits of fig leaves?

According to Oriental medicine, fig leaves have a cooling nature, slightly sweet and bitter taste, with the effects of promoting blood circulation, reducing pain, diuresis, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, disinfection, and blood tonic. Folk medicine also uses fig leaves to treat low numbness and promote milk production.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests using fig leaves to support the treatment of diabetes because it has the effect of reducing glucose levels. A small study conducted in 1998 showed that an extract from fig leaves helped reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in participants, and they also required lower insulin doses.

Several in vitro studies have shown that fig leaves and fig latex have anticancer activity, inhibiting colon cancer cells, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer. Fig leaves can also improve blood pressure and blood lipid levels.

Frequently asked questions

Oriental medicine considers fig leaves with bumps to be beneficial and safe for consumption. These leaves are believed to help treat liver problems, headaches, and provide a tonic effect for the unwell. However, there is currently no scientific research specifically addressing the safety of consuming bumpy fig leaves.

While fig leaves offer numerous health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. People experiencing rectal or vaginal bleeding should refrain from consuming fig leaves until the bleeding stops. Individuals with low blood sugar levels and those with kidney disease should also avoid them. Fig leaves can lower blood sugar, which may be beneficial for diabetics but could be dangerous for those with already low blood sugar.

According to Oriental medicine, fig leaves have a cooling nature and a slightly sweet and bitter taste. They are believed to promote blood circulation, reduce pain, act as a diuretic, and possess anti-inflammatory, expectorant, disinfectant, and blood tonic properties. Folk medicine also uses fig leaves to treat low numbness and increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that fig leaves can support diabetes treatment by reducing glucose levels. Various studies have also indicated potential anticancer activity and improvements in blood pressure and blood lipid levels.