Doctor Bon

Okra is an annual, erect, stout-stemmed, bristly herb, growing up to 2 meters. The leaves are angular, long-stalked, and coarsely toothed. The single flower located in the axiles of the leaves is pale yellow on color. The fruit is an elongated pod. It is slimy when cut for cooking. It is grown in tropical and subtropical countries.

Herbal use

1. It Soothes and protects the alimentary tract.
2. It acts as a softener of inflamed parts.
3. Relieves flatulence and griping pains from the stomach and bowels.
4. Prevents or cures spasms.
5. Used as a laxative.
6. Used in the case of pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary problems, heart diseases and tuberculosis of the lungs.

Instructions

1. The leaves are recommended as hot poultice, also in decoction, in cases of pneumonia and bronchitis. For the same disease, a tea of the flowers and the fruit is prepared by decoction which is taken with a little honey.
2. The root in decoction is recommended for inflamed mucous membrane of the urethra and vagina, infectious venereal disease and genital problems.
3. The seeds are used for heart diseases. They are roasted and prepared as a tea; four to five glasses are to be taken per day.
4. The unripe fruit is used for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Major parts used

The whole plant.