What is Prekese?
Prekese, scientific name Tetrapleura tetraptera is found mostly in West Africa, and used as a spice in West African cuisine, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria.
Prekese comes from the pod of the Aidan fruit tree, and it’s known for its distinct flavor and aroma, often described as earthy and slightly bitter.
Prekese is commonly used as part of the ingredients in African herbal tea.
Therefore, you can boil prekese, and add other spices like ginger, garlic, and honey to create a flavorful broth or infusion.
Boiled prekese can also be used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces, or consumed on its own as a refreshing and nutritious beverage.
What are the Health Benefits of Drinking Prekese Tea?
Boiling prekese helps to release its flavors and nutrients, making it a popular ingredient in traditional herbal medicine as well as in cooking.
Drinking boiled prekese has been associated with several health benefits, many of which have been supported by traditional use and some scientific studies.
Some of the health benefits of drinking boiled prekese are the following.
It is used in treating fever
Prekese can be taken as a tea or infused with other ingredients in hot bath water to treat fever.
In Nigeria, you would sit on a stool put the prekese infused water in a pail between your knees, and cover yourself with a blanket.
After a few minutes, you will now take your bath with locally made soap and prekese water.
Prekese improves gut health
Prekese contains antibacterial agents and phytochemicals that can help to treat stomach pain and other gastrointestinal issues.
Prekese has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
Drinking boiled prekese can help to soothe the digestive system and improve digestion.
Prekese is good for your heart
Prekese can help in blood circulation and reduce your chance of heart stroke or hypertension as you age.
It contains phytochemicals that can help to lower cholesterol levels, protect against heart disease, and improve your cardiovascular health.
It helps in blood sugar control and diabetes
You can drink Prekese water to reduce your blood sugar levels, help to control Type 2 diabetes, and lower blood pressure.
According to studies on Asian Tropical Biomedicine, Prekese leaves can cure diabetes in rats.
Also, it was suggested that prekese may help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Prekese can boost your immune system
It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus which can help to boost your immune system and protect against infections.
It can be used in treating convulsion and leprosy
Aidan leaves, stems and bark can be used to manage leprosy and convulsion.
They can be boiled as tea or used in concoctions to manage brain-related ailments.
Prekese is good for your liver
You can add ginger and lemon to your boiled prekese and drink it as a natural body detox drink to clean your liver and digestive system.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Some studies have shown that prekese has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid, and cancer.
It can also be used to ward off bacteria, and fight skin infections, irritation, and bacterial infections in the body.
Prekese also has wound-healing effects and can be used to speed up healing from injuries.
Prekese is used in Postnatal care
Traditional midwives in Nigeria use prekese in making concoctions for women that have just delivered a baby to help increase milk production, womb contraction and improve blood.
Conclusion
Prekese or Aidan fruit has numerous health benefits, but there’s a need for more research to fully understand its healing effects, and to determine safe and effective dosages.
