Cold Weather and Aching Joints: Don't Overlook This Inexpensive Vegetable

Cold Weather and Aching Joints: Don't Overlook This Inexpensive Vegetable

When using lolot leaves, most people only use the leaves and discard the stems, which is extremely wasteful. Illustrative photo.

Vegetables in Vietnam are remarkably diverse, with each season offering its own unique varieties. Notably, many are not only culinary greens but also medicinal remedies, some even considered "miracle herbs" by locals, yet many people use them very wastefully. A prime example is lolot pepper leaves (lá lốt) – a common, easy-to-grow green available year-round.

Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Head of the Traditional Medicine Department (Duc Giang General Hospital), stated that piper lolot (wild betel leaf) is a popular culinary herb as well as a valuable medicinal remedy where both the stem and roots can be used. However, in daily life, only the young leaves are typically used, while the mature leaves and especially the stems are discarded, unaware that they are a 'panacea' that greatly benefits health, particularly during the cold season.

Accordingly, when temperatures drop, many people experience joint and bone pain, especially the elderly. The cause is that tendons, muscles, and joint fluid thicken, causing joints to become stiff and achy. In addition, cold weather impairs blood circulation, which is another reason why joint aches worsen. As a result, many people turn to natural preventive remedies, one of which is using wild betel leaves (piper lolot).

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, wild betel leaf has a pungent taste, strong aroma, and warm nature, entering the large intestine and lung meridians. It helps warm the middle burner, dispel cold, aid digestion, lower adverse qi, relieve pain, and circulate qi. According to modern research findings, wild betel leaf has relatively good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. Therefore, many people use wild betel leaf to cope with rheumatism and joint aches.

According to Dr. Thu Thuy, piper lolot leaves also contain abundant essential oils and alkaloids, mainly beta-caryophyllene—a substance that effectively fights inflammation and reduces pain and swelling. Therefore, when using young leaves in cooking, take advantage of the mature leaves and stems by boiling them with water and letting it cool to a warm temperature suitable for a foot soak, which is very beneficial. The best time to soak feet is in the evening, and adding a little salt can help enhance preventive health benefits.

Studies show that using wild betel leaves (Piper lolot) to prepare a foot soak can improve blood and vital energy circulation, clear meridians, harmonize yin and yang in the body, and dispel cold. Additionally, soaking feet with wild betel leaves relaxes the mind, making it easier to fall asleep. Quality sleep leaves one feeling refreshed, healthy, and long-lived.

According to traditional medicine, here are several simple, easy-to-follow remedies using piper lolot leaves that anyone can apply:

- Boil the stems and leaves of Piper lolot, then let the warm water be used as a foot bath combined with a gentle foot massage to stimulate acupressure points on the soles. This method refreshes the mind and promotes deeper, more restful sleep.

- Remedy for rheumatism: Use 12g of Piper lolot roots or stems, 12g of Cissus modeccoides, 12g of Achyranthes aspera, 12g of Zanthoxylum nitidum, 12g of doc luc, 12g of Leea rubra, and 12g of Plumbago indica seeds. Decoct and drink one dose per day.

- Remedy for back pain and numb, cold feet: 50g fresh Piper lolot roots, 50g Acronychia pedunculata roots, 50g Heliotropium indicum roots, and 50g Achyranthes aspera roots. Roast all until slightly browned, decoct, and divide into 3 doses to drink throughout the day.

- Remedy for stomachache caused by cold: Wash 20g of fresh Piper lolot leaves, simmer in 300ml of water down to 100ml. Drink while still warm during the day, preferably before dinner. Use continuously for 2 days.

In addition to supporting bone and joint health, piper lolot leaves can be combined fresh with chopped mugwort, lightly roasted, and applied as a poultice over painful areas to help reduce inflammation.

Experts note that when using la lot leaves for medicinal purposes, only a moderate amount should be used, typically an average dose of 50 to 100g. Consuming too much may cause side effects, leaving patients feeling tired and sluggish...