Recently, jute leaf (ewedu) has been raved about for a lot of things – as a stellar component in healthy eating, as Cleopatra’s beauty secret, as a potent anti-wrinkle and as a super food which is being incorporated into health products.
In Japan, dried jute leaves are even made into pills which women take as beauty supplements.
In African and Middle Eastern countries where healthy eating is the norm, jute leaves are the main ingredients in mucilaginous and very slimy potherb called molokhiya.
Jute leaves, also known as Saluyot leaves in the western part of Nigeria, are used in the preparation of ewedu soup. Once grinded, it’s got a slimy consistency just like okra.
It’s a good source of fibre, low in calories but high in vitamins. In herbal medicine, it is used to control or prevent dysentery, worm infestation and constipation.
In Ayurveda (an ancient Hindu system of healing), jute leaves are used for pain, piles, and tumours.
Elsewhere, the leaves are used for cystitis, dysuria, fever, and gonorrhoea. The cold infusion is said to restore the appetite and strength.
Jute leaves pack the antioxidant trio of Vitamins A, C and E which fend off free radicals, thereby protecting from cancer and other degenerative diseases. The ACE vitamins also happen to be the most beautifying vitamins, increasing collagen production to keep the skin firm and young-looking