White Mulberry Benefits
Using white mulberry is a popular herbal practice around the world, with many benefits that people are unaware of. Here are some white mulberry benefits.
What Is White Mulberry?
White mulberry is a small variety of the mulberry tree, scientifically known as Morus alba and native to Northern China. The white mulberry tree is famous for its leaves, which are a primary source of nutrients for silkworms that serve as a major industry in that area of the world. However, in traditional medicine, the leaves, fruit, and bark are used in various forms, due to their high flavonoid content, along with other essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, protein, and iron. A few more key active ingredients in this plant include luteolin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, resveratrol, and moracin, among others.
The dried leaves of this tree are typically brewed into a tea, while the fruit tends to be dried and eaten directly. The essential oil from these leaves is also potent and is recommended for people with certain health conditions, specifically diabetes. This tree is now naturalized in many other parts of the world, including being widespread in the United States.
White Mulberry Benefits
The top benefits of white mulberry include its ability to treat diabetes, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and alleviate anxiety, among others.
Cancer Risk
The antioxidants in the leaves and berries have been shown to induce cell death and prevent the growth and replication of cancerous cells. While most of this research has centered on the effects of colorectal cancer, additional research is ongoing for other types of cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
The diverse range of active compounds and volatile acids in these berries give them anti-inflammatory properties, leading the byproducts of this plant to be ideal for arthritis patients, as well as those suffering from chronic inflammation, gout, migraines or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diabetes
This plant is perhaps best known for its effects on diabetes; the active ingredient in white mulberry, commonly referred to as DNJ, is able to shut down or slow down sugar processing in the body, resulting in more manageable blood sugar levels. This can greatly improve quality of life for diabetic patients.
Aids Cognition
The extract from the leaves of this plant has been studied extensively for their impact on memory and brain function. Research shows that using the extract can stimulate neural activity, which could help with Alzheimer’s treatment.
Heart Health
Research has found that eating white mulberries can help to lower total overall cholesterol levels while elevating HDL levels, which are the “good” fats, thus lowering your risk ofatherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease, among others.
Fatigue
If you suffer from chronic fatigue, or simply want a bit more energy, a cup of white mulberry tea can stimulate both physical and mental energy levels.
Depression
One of the active components of the bark of the white mulberry has known anti-depressant qualities when brewed into a tea. Before using this herbal tea regularly, check with your doctor first, particularly if you are already on any anti-depressant medications.
Stress Response
The stress response in the body is responsible for everything from our anxiety levels to our metabolic processes, so using this tea to balance your nervous system and stress response can help with chronic inflammation, mood swings and everything in between!
