Qiu Kui - 秋葵 - Abelmoschus Esculentus

Pharmaceutical Latin:	Abelmoschus Esculentus Hibiscus Esculentis
Common English:	Gombo Gumbo Lady Finger Okra (Ochra)

Category

Herbs that Regulate the Blood

Properties

Taste	Temperature	Entering Meridians	Dosage
Sweet	Cold	Liver	5-10g

Actions And Indications

Actions	Indications/Syndromes
Helps to stimulate sexual vigor	Infertility
Reduces excessive menstrual bleeding	Menorrhagia
Treats diabetes	Xiao Ke, diabetes
Moistens the Large Intestine	Constipation

Contraindications, Incompatibilities And Herb/Drug Interactions

Major Combinations

Notes

1. Okra has aphrodisiac qualities that promote strength.
2. Women approaching menopause find it exceptionally useful.
3. It helps prevent diabetes.
4. It is reputed to be effective for asthma, arteriosclerosis, cancer, capillary fragility, cataracts, cholesterol, depression, fatigue and multiple sclerosis.
5. As a rule, most anti-diabetic herbs enhance fertility, since diabetes is a disease that works against fertility.
6. It has also proven useful for leukorrhea and dysuria.
7. Its high-quality fiber helps steady blood sugar by slowing how fast sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
8. The mucilage in okra binds cholesterol and the bile acids that carry toxins deposited there by the filtering liver.
9. With its bulk laxative qualities, okra helps lubricate the Large Intestine. Its fiber absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool, which helps prevent and relieve constipation. Whereas harsh wheat bran may irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage is soothing, and its slippery character makes elimination more comfortable.
10. Okra binds surplus cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids), which would cause many health problems if not eliminated. It also ensures that waste passes easily out of the body. It is entirely non-toxic and non-habit forming, causes no adverse side effects, is rich in nutrients, and unlike over-the-counter drugs is affordable for most people.
11. Its fiber is an excellent food for beneficial bacteria (probiotics), supporting the health of the intestinal tract.
12. For people who feel weak, exhausted or depressed, okra is an outstanding vegetable.
13. It is used to heal ulcers and keep the joints limber. Being highly alkaline, it helps neutralize acids and gives the digestive tract a temporary protective coating.
14. It treats Lung inflammation, sore throat and irritable bowel syndrome.
15. It has been used with success in experimental blood plasma replacements.
16. It is beneficial in treating Summerheat.
17. It is helpful for asthma; its vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, limiting the development of asthma symptoms.
18. It is beneficial for atherosclerosis.
19. It is thought to protect against the spread of some forms of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.
20. Eating it helps support capillary structure.
21. Some evidence indicates that eating okra reduces the risk of cataracts.
22. It guards against pimples and keeps the skin smooth and beautiful; Cleopatra and Yang Guifei were both fond of eating it.
23. A decoction of the roots and leaves is taken as a tea or used as a wash.
24. For catarrh and urinary problems, a decoction of the young fruit is useful.
25. Syrup made from the mucilaginous fruit is used for sore throat.
26. A root infusion is used for syphilis.
27. Wounds are healed with a poultice of the roots and leaves.
28. The young pods are used for fevers, difficult urination and diarrhea.
29. Headaches, varicose veins, arthritis and fevers are treated with a decoction of the roots.
30. Abdominal pain is treated with decoctions of the leaves.
31. For gonorrhea, a mucilage made from the roots and leaves is used.
32. The fruit serves as a demulcent in gonorrhea and dysuria.
33. For pruritic skin lesions, the seeds are made into a paste with milk.
34. In Turkey, the leaves go into medicine prepared to reduce inflammation.
35. In India, a decoction of the young fruit is used for catarrh and urinary troubles. It is also given for fevers and for genitourinary irritations such as dysuria, gonorrhea and leucorrhoea, and in cases involving scalding, pain and difficult urination.
36. For dysentery the bland mucilage is used, usually in the form of a soup.
37. Tender pods are eaten to treat spermatorrhea.
38. A decoction of the fruit serves as a soothing demulcent for throat irritation that accompanies coughing.
39. Toasted seeds are infused and taken for their sudorific effect.
40. Hindus regard the aromatic seeds as cooling, tonic and carminative.
41. In Annam, the seeds are regarded as antispasmodic.
42. In the Antilles and Guiana, the seeds are regarded as stimulant, cordial and antispasmodic.