By Obiabin Onukwugha
The rainy season is usually the peak period when people, especially those who dwell in local communities and in rain forests suffer both malaria and typhoid fevers. Though these sicknesses have been linked to mosquito bites, it has also been observed that being consistently dtenshed by rain can cause these two sicknesses.
Jatropha tanjorensis (J.T) popularly called “Hospital Too Far” in Nigeria is a flowery plant that can be found in gardens and back yards. This plant which has been consumed as leafy vegetable and as medicinal plant has shown hematological, antimalarial, antimicrobial, hypoglyceamic, hypolipidemic and antihypertensive activities.
It can be used in various ways depending the purpose for which it is used at a particular time.
Hospital too far is a delicious leaf that can be added to soup, especially okra soup. It is said to add more taste to the soup, especially if cooked with fresh fish.
But beyond adding taste to your soups and porridge, ‘hospital too far’ plays a significant role for lovers of traditional medicine, which is the reason for the nickname..
“Hospital too far” is effective for ttreating diabetes mellitus due to its anti-hyperglycemic property. According to scientific researchers, the antioxidant and hypoglyceamic properties of the leaf extracts makes it a popular remedy for the treatment of diabetics, malaria and hypertension in these regions.
Also, Jatropha tanjorensis is said to be a quick action treatment for malaria and typhoid. To treat malaria with Jatropha tanjorensis, boil leaves for about five minutes and drink it while still hot. Adding lemon grass to it is an added advantage.
Besides, it is mostly used by pregnant and women of reproductive age for its supposed reproductive benefits. It is said that by boiling and consuming the leaves as tea, women with reproductive issues can become mothers.
Further more, Jatropha tanjorensis, is said to increase blood volume. To increase your blood volume, squiz and add water, filter and drink a glass twice daily, You can also add milk for quicker result.
Traditionally this plant is used for treating dysentery and diarrhea. It is said that this plant has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Also the latex of Jatropha contains an alkaloid known as “Jatrophine” which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.
