Bignay

From Wikiwel
Share/Save/Bookmark
Jump to: navigation, search
Bignay Fruit
©  E. Suryadi / Dreamstime

Other Names : Antidesma bunius, Bugnay, Bignai, Chinese-laurel, Herbert River-cherry, Queensland-cherry, Salamander-tree, Wild cherry, Currant tree, Wu Yue Cha, 五月茶, Buni, Berunai
Bignay is native and common in the wild from the lower Himalayas in India, Ceylon, and southeast Asia (but not Malaya) to the Philippines and northern Australia. It is an abundant and invasive species in the Philippines; occasionally cultivated in Malaya; grown in every village in Indonesia where the fruits are marketed in clusters. You can use the fruit to make brandy, vine, and vinegar. A natural flavoring agent, it is used popularly for making juices and jams. The berries can also be consumed raw, while the leaves can be used in salads.

Special Precautions of Bignay

  • Fruits and leaves of this plant are edible, but stay away from the roots as they are poisonous.
  • The bark is poisonous, containing an toxic alkaloid.
  • Pregnant women should stay away from these berries as Bignay is known to cause abortion.

Health Benefits and uses of Bignay are

  • Antioxidants : The natural anti-oxidative properties of this fruit, due to the presence of catechins, enable it to fight against the free radicals present in the human body. The excessive presence of these radicals can result in premature onset of wrinkles, fine lines, and even cause cancer. The absence of antioxidants can result in the above-mentioned conditions. You can now keep all these at bay by consumption of Bignay, as a whole fruit or as tea.
  • Syphilis : Syphilis is an infection transmitted sexually. Studies conducted on this plant have revealed that the leaves of this tree, when boiled, have the potential to treat Syphilis.
  • Urinary Tract Infections : Bignay is known to offer relief from infections that affect the urinary tract.
  • Keeps Your Blood Pressure Levels Under Control : Bignay, in the form of fruit and leaves, has the potential to keep the levels of blood pressure under control. Thus, it could be consumed by people suffering from hypertension to thwart off various hypertension-induced cardiovascular issues.
  • Antidote for Snake Bites : The leaves have been used in alternative medicines by Asian physicians to treat snake bites.
  • Weight Loss : Bignay tea is known to possess appetite suppressing properties. Thus, drinking a cup of this tea half an hour before each meal can help you lose weight in a better way.
  • Constipation : Bignay fruit when consumed in large quantities is known to render a laxative effect. Hence, it can be used, in a restricted way, to offer relief to those who are suffering from constipation.
  • Colon-Health : Bignay tea is a well-known natural colon cleanser. Therefore, you can make use of this tea to eliminate the unwanted toxins from your body. The natural detoxifying properties of the tea can help you lose weight while helping you look younger. It is also known to improve digestion and thus, beneficial for you colon.
  • Liver- Health : The tea is known to lower the levels of SGOP and SGPT. Thus, it helps to keep your liver healthier.
  • Immune System : Bignay tea is known to pep up your metabolisms levels. The better the metabolism levels, the lower the infections will be. Thus, Bignay benefits to boost the power of your immune