Hummingbird Tree Extracts Review: Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits

Introduction to Hummingbird Tree Extracts

The hummingbird tree, also known as Sesbania grandiflora, is an amazing multipurpose plant with edible and medicinal properties. As interest in natural remedies and ethical foraging grows, hummingbird tree extracts have seen a rise in popularity. This article will explore everything you need to know about using extracts from this nitrogen fixing tree.

Overview of Hummingbird Tree

Native to South and Southeast Asia, the hummingbird tree is a small, fast growing tree in the pea family. It thrives in warm climates and can grow up to 10-15 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate and the flowers are bright orange-red with yellow streaks, resembling the colors of a hummingbird. This is where it gets its common name.

The tree is called 'agati' in Hindi and has many traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine. Almost every part of the hummingbird tree is edible or has medicinal properties. The leaves, flowers, seeds and roots are used as food or folk medicine.

Benefits and Uses of Hummingbird Tree

Here are some of the top benefits and traditional uses of the different hummingbird tree parts:

• Leaves - Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Young leaves are cooked as greens or used raw in salads.
• Flowers - Contain antioxidants like quercetin. Eaten raw, made into tea or fried into fritters.
• Pods - Green pods are cooked like green beans. Ripe seeds are roasted for snacks.
• Bark - Used to treat skin diseases, ear aches, eye infections and rheumatism pain.
• Roots - Have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used for jaundice and gonorrhea.

The flowers and leaves are most frequently used for their nutritional and medicinal value. Extracts are made by steeping the fresh or dried plant parts in solvents like water, alcohol or glycerine.

Hummingbird Leaf Extract Benefits

Hummingbird leaf extracts are bursting with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Some top benefits include:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Supporting heart health
• Reducing inflammation
• Detoxifying the kidneys and liver
• Boosting skin health
• Enhancing immune function
• Increasing breast milk production

The high protein content also makes the leaves beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. The extract can be consumed as a nutritional supplement or applied topically for healthy skin.

Hummingbird Flower Extract Uses

Hummingbird tree flowers contain the potent antioxidant quercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and anti-tumor properties. Some uses of the flower extract include:

• Soothing sore throats
• Treating respiratory conditions like asthma
• Reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Promoting bladder health
• Fighting free radical damage
• Supporting immune function
• Detoxifying the liver

The vibrant orange-red flowers produce a beautifully colored extract. Use it internally or topically on the skin to harness the medicinal benefits.

Preparing Hummingbird Tree Extracts at Home

It's easy to make DIY hummingbird tree extracts using ingredients you can find in your backyard or local natural grocer. Here is a simple process:

1. Harvest fresh leaves, flowers, pods or bark. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Chop or grind into small pieces to expose surface area.
3. Choose a solvent like water, vegetable glycerine or alcohol.
4. Combine plant material and solvent in a glass jar. A 1:2 ratio works well.
5. Allow to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
6. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth.
7. Store in dark bottles away from heat or sunlight.

For stronger extracts, allow more time for infusion. Water extracts have a short shelf life and need refrigeration. Alcohol and glycerine extracts will keep for 1-2 years.

Conclusion

With its stellar nutritional profile and medicinal properties, it's easy to see why hummingbird tree extracts are creating a buzz. The leaves, flowers, bark and roots offer unique health and wellness benefits. Extracts harness these gifts of nature, allowing you to enjoy the hummingbird tree's healing powers conveniently and palatably. Consider incorporating hummingbird tree extracts into your apothecary of natural remedies.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of hummingbird tree extracts?

The main benefits include lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, detoxification, increasing breast milk production, treating respiratory conditions, and fighting free radical damage.

What parts of the hummingbird tree can be used for extracts?

The leaves, flowers, pods, bark and roots can all be used to make beneficial extracts.

What is the best solvent to use for making hummingbird tree extracts?

Water, vegetable glycerine and alcohol like vodka or brandy are great solvents. It depends on your preferences and intended use.

How long does it take to make DIY hummingbird tree extracts?

It takes 4-6 weeks for most simple DIY extracts. Allow more time for stronger extraction.

How should I store hummingbird tree extracts?

Store in dark bottles away from heat and sunlight. Water extracts require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life than glycerine or alcohol extracts.