Characteristics of the Vối tree
The article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, states that the Vối tree, also known as the Trâm Nắp tree, belongs to the Myrtaceae family, its scientific name is Cleistocalyx Operculatus, and it originates from tropical Asia.
In Vietnam, it is widely distributed in some lowland and midland areas of the Northern region, the Central Highlands, and Dong Nai province. The Voi tree usually grows wild along the banks of lakes and streams; in some areas, it is cultivated for its leaves and buds, which are used to make tea or brewed into a drink.
The Vối tree has the following identifying characteristics:
There are two types of Vối trees: Vối nếp (small leaves, yellowish-green) and Vối tẻ (larger leaves, rhomboid shape, dark green).
This woody tree averages 5-6 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of about 50 cm. The trunk is dark brown, with smooth, round branches often showing longitudinal cracks.
The leaves of the Vối plant are oval-shaped, pointed at the tip, and have thick, stiff blades. When mature, the underside of the leaves has many black spots, a pleasant aroma, and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.
The flowers of the Vối plant grow in clusters in the leaf axils, each cluster containing about 3-5 off-white flowers. The flowering period is from May to July.
What are the benefits of drinking tea made from boiled vối leaves?
According to the Health & Life newspaper, Dr. Vu Duy Thanh stated that, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the leaves of the Vối plant have a slightly bitter and astringent taste, a cooling nature, and affect the lung, liver, and bladder meridians; their effects include clearing heat, fighting bacteria, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and regulating the functions of the lungs, liver, and bladder.
Not only is it a refreshing drink that cools the body and detoxifies the liver, but vối tea also provides a daily dose of water and minerals, has diuretic effects, eliminates toxins from the body; improves digestion, protects the intestinal lining, fights harmful bacteria in the gut; and supports the treatment of diabetes because vối leaves contain polyphenols, active compounds that can control blood sugar levels.
Many people wonder what the benefits of drinking tea made from boiled vối leaves are.
Regularly consuming an appropriate amount of tea made from the leaves of the *Vối* plant can help lower blood lipid levels, protect pancreatic B cells, and support cardiovascular health.
Notes on using Voi leaf tea
- Do not drink vối tea on an empty stomach, because vối leaves stimulate digestion and increase bowel movements; therefore, drinking it on an empty stomach will cause stomach discomfort.
- Using dried vối leaves is better because fresh vối leaves usually contain a higher amount of antibacterial substances. Furthermore, prolonged use of fresh vối leaves may affect the amount of beneficial bacteria in the body and cause blood loss.
- It's best to divide the tea into several servings throughout the day, rather than drinking a large amount at once.
- Do not drink after meals as it may affect the digestion and absorption of food.
- Not suitable for people who are thin, weak, or debilitated.
- It should not be used for children under 12 years old due to their immature digestive system. Pregnant women should not consume too much or too concentrated vối tea as it can affect their digestive and excretory systems.
- Choose high-quality, clean leaves that have not been sprayed with pesticides or contain preservatives harmful to the body.
- People undergoing medical treatment or using Western or traditional medicine should not drink vối leaf tea, as it may reduce the effectiveness of their medication. If you wish to use vối leaves as a beverage, you should consult your doctor.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/la-voi-dun-nuoc-uong-co-tac-dung-gi-ar902417.html
