For example, one study found that extracts from fig leaves were powerful enough to kill off certain strains of bacteria. Researchers suggested that fig leaf extract could be used as a natural antibacterial remedy against oral bacteria. (1)
Another benefit of figs is found in therapeutic compounds found in fig milk (fig latex) which is the milky sap from the fig tree. Scientific research has revealed that fig milk (fig latex) has antimicrobial activity against fungal strains like Candida albicans. (16)
Learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of a candida infection and how to treat yeast infections naturally.
Figs Can Help Get Rid of Parasites
One of the benefits of fig extracts is to create antiparasitic remedies from fig latex.
Research published into natural ways of treating parasite infections has found that fig latex (fig milk) can help kill off intestinal parasites. Scientists discovered that compounds in fig milk have an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) effect. Fresh latex from fig plants helped to kill off intestinal whipworms (Trichuris), roundworms (nematodes), and cestodes. (17)
There are other natural ways to get rid of worms, and help to treat tapeworms in humans.
Fig Extracts Can Help Boost Your Liver Health
Figs contain medicinal compounds that can help keep your liver in good health.
The reason that figs are good for your liver is that they contain antioxidants like phenolic compounds. Research has shown that these chemicals have a protective effect on the liver and can protect against oxidative stress. (19)
Other studies have revealed that preparations containing fig leaf extracts help to reduce inflammation and protect cells in the liver from damage. (20)
Did you know that there are many habits that can damage your liver? Find out how to protect your liver health naturally.
Figs May Help Strengthen Bones
Consuming fresh figs regularly is a great way to help promote bone health and help prevent osteoporosis.
Figs of the dried and fresh varieties contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for bone health. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and vitamin A are in figs and are all necessary for healthy bones. (21)
Research published in 2014 reported that dried figs contain many of the necessary micronutrients that can help prevent osteoporosis. For example, figs also contain a compound called Strontium which promotes good bone health and increases bone formation. (22)
In fact, Strontium supplements are sometimes used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. (22)
Extracts from figs also inhibit certain types of bone cells that can break down bone tissue. Researchers suggest that these types of fig extracts can help prevent conditions affecting bone health like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. (23)
Why not try some of these non-dairy foods that contain calcium to help strengthen your bones? You can read more about these 4 steps to prevent osteoporosis.
Fig Milk Can Help Get Rid of Warts
The milky sap (latex) of figs contain anti-viral properties, so applying it on warts helps to cure them.
People in the Middle East and Asia have traditionally used the sap from fig trees to remove warts. But can fig milk actually get rid of warts? The journal Case Reports in Internal Medicine reports that fig sap (fig milk) can help eradicate flat warts. Fresh fig tree sap was applied to multiple flat warts. After about 6 weeks, the warts were successfully treated. (24)
Other studies into using fig milk for getting rid of warts say that it is an effective cure with no reports of any side effects. One trial involved 25 patients. Fig tree sap helped to resolve warts in 11 of the patients and 14 patients had their warts frozen (cryotherapy). The study concluded that cryotherapy is only slightly better than fig milk to treat warts. (25)
Extracts from fig leaves have also shown to be effective in treating fever blisters (cold sores) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). (26)
Some people apply the milky sap of figs directly to the skin to treat cuts and irritated skin.
You can also remove warts using apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Dried Figs Can Help Prevent Anemia
Dried figs can help to increase hemoglobin levels.
A study concluded that dried figs are useful for improving hemoglobin level in blood and thus preventing a person from having anemia. (31)
It is recommended for people who suffer from iron deficiency anemia to add figs to their diet, as figs are good source of iron. Get familiar with these iron deficiency symptoms and how to increase iron levels in your blood.
Fig Extracts May Have Anticancer Properties
Research has shown that certain extracts from the fig plant have anticancer properties.
The Journal of Natural Products reports that extracts from fig resin have inhibitory effects on cancer cells to prevent them from spreading. (27)
Other studies have revealed that fig tree latex (fig milk) can help to inhibit the spread of cancer cells in humans without affecting healthy cells. (28)
Of course, more research has to be carried out on using fig extracts on the treatment of cancer. Doctors recommend enjoying a well-balanced, healthy diet to help reduce your risk of cancer. This includes eating whole grains and plenty of “fruit and vegetables that have cancer-fighting potential.” (29)
Figs For Improving Heart Health
In animal studies, fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides. (1)
When your triglyceride levels are too high, you have a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Figs Can Help Relieve Respiratory Infections
Drinking figs brew helps to relieve dry cough, sore throat, and helps to get rid of excess mucus. (1)
Cook two figs (preferably organic) with half a cup of water for a few minutes, and drink the liquid several times a day.
Side Effects of Figs
Figs are a delicious juicy fruit that can be part of a healthy diet. There are generally no side effects when eating figs in normal food amounts. Doctors say that some people may have a skin allergy to latex from the fig tree sap. (30)
How to Make Fig Leaf Tea
Apart from getting the benefits of figs by eating them fresh or dried, you can create your own fig leaf tea.
If you have access to fresh fig leaves, you can make your own delicious tea from fig leaves this way:
Wash and chop up one large fig leaf.
Place a heaped teaspoon of fresh leaves in a cup.
Pour boiling water over the leaves, cover, and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Strain the fig tea into another cup and add a teaspoon of raw honey to taste.
Relax and enjoy the benefits of fig leaf tea.
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