Pata de vaca is a medicinal plant that may help control blood sugar levels, prevent urinary tract infections, reduce fluid retention, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The most commonly used parts of this medicinal plant (scientifically known as Bauhinia forficata) are the leaves, flowers, and roots, which can be prepared as tea, capsules, or tincture.
Pata de vaca can be found at herbal shops, natural food stores, or compounding pharmacies, but it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider or licensed herbal medicine specialist.
Health benefits
Pata de vaca offers several potential health benefits, including:
1. Helping control blood sugar levels
Some studies in lab rats suggest that pata de vaca may help regulate blood sugar levels due to the flavonoids in the plant, especially kaempferitrin. This compound appears to reduce blood sugar by encouraging muscle cells to use glucose from the bloodstream, and could be beneficial for managing diabetes.
Additionally, pata de vaca has diuretic properties, which stimulate urine production and help eliminate excess sugar through the urine.
However, more research is needed to confirm these effects. Pata de vaca should not replace any prescribed treatments for diabetes.
2. Helping treat urinary problems
Kaempferitrin, a compound found in pata de vaca, has diuretic properties and may help repair kidney cells. This makes it potentially useful for addressing urinary problems such as urinary tract infections, as well as kidney and bladder stones.
3. Reducing fluid retention
Pata de vaca can help alleviate swelling by reducing fluid retention in the body. This is due to its diuretic action, which increases urine output.
By promoting the elimination of water from the body, pata de vaca may also help manage high blood pressure. Read about other natural remedies for high blood pressure.
4. Preventing cardiovascular disease
Pata de vaca contains antioxidants that help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is responsible for plaque formation in the arteries. This can help reduce fat buildup in the blood vessels and lower the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
However, regular use of pata de vaca should not replace medical treatments for high cholesterol or the need for a heart-healthy diet.
5. Helping fight cancer
Studies using cancer cells from the cervix, breast, and liver suggest that the lectin in pata de vaca may help slow the growth of cancer cells or promote their death.
However, further studies involving human subjects are needed to confirm this potential benefit.
Does pata de vaca help with weight loss?
Pata de vaca may contribute to weight loss due to its diuretic effects, which help remove excess fluids that can cause bloating and weight gain. See natural diuretics.
However, pata de vaca does not directly promote fat loss and should not be used as a primary method for reducing body fat. It may help reduce fluid retention at first, which can support the body during early stages of a weight loss program. For effective weight loss, regular exercise and a balanced diet, ideally under the guidance of a registered dietitian, are essential.
How to use
The leaves, roots, and flowers of pata de vaca are commonly used for medicinal purposes, and can be made into tea, capsules, or tincture.
1. Pata de vaca tea
Pata de vaca tea can be used to help control blood sugar, reduce fluid retention, or treat urinary problems.
Ingredients:
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1 Tbsp dried or fresh chopped pata de vaca leaves;
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1 cup of boiling water.
Directions:
Add the pata de vaca leaves to the boiling water. Cover and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, allow to cool slightly, and drink 1 to 2 cups per day, preferably after meals.
2. Pata de vaca capsules
Pata de vaca in capsule form should be taken orally (by mouth), with the typical recommended dose being one 250 mg capsule per day, as directed by a healthcare provider.
3. Pata de vaca tincture
Pata de vaca tincture can be used, with a recommended dosage of 30 to 40 drops, three times per day, or as advised by a healthcare provider.
Also recommended: How to Make a Tincture: Step-by-Step Guide (& Health Benefits) tuasaude.com/en/how-to-make-a-tinctureSide effects
The side effects of pata de vaca are typically linked to excessive consumption or long-term use. They may include diarrhea, changes in kidney function, or even the development of hypothyroidism and endemic goiter.
Additionally, pata de vaca may cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include trembling, weakness, cold sweats, pale skin, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, anxiety, confusion, difficulty speaking, and drowsiness.
As a result, pata de vaca should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider or licensed herbal medicine specialist.
Contraindications for use
Pata de vaca should not be used by children under 12 years old or by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals who are prone to hypoglycemia should also avoid pata de vaca, as the plant may further reduce blood glucose levels.