The duck flower is a perennial plant that grows in damp meadows, fields, and riverbanks. Duck flower, also known as Aristolochia Grandiflora, is an evergreen plant that belongs to the birthwort and genus Aristolochia family.
For centuries, rural dwellers have used it in the Caribbean to help treat ailments such as indigestion and headaches, but it is now becoming more popular in North America. Read on to discover more about this ancient plant’s benefits, side effects, and medicinal uses.
Duck Flower Benefits
We should note that the duck flower provides an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy popular in Caribbean medicine. The flower is also known to have properties that can help alleviate pain in some cancer patients or be consumed by those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for their condition.
The various extracts from the duck flower plant appear to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. The duck flower plant can grow up to 15 inches tall with clusters of small bright yellow flowers.
It is not only a popular ornamental plant but also a medicinal herb used for centuries by herbalists to treat a wide range of conditions, from coughs and sore throats to high blood pressure and anxiety.
But before you start using duck flowers for your health, make sure you know about the potential side effects!
Duck Flower Side Effects
There has not been a lot of information on Duck Flower’s side effects, but more so on using it as a detoxing agent. The adverse effects occur 3-4 hours after consumption.
The earliest indicators are hot flashes, excessive sweating, and nausea. These side effects generally last 3 to 8 hours when they occur for the first time.
Stomach ache, hives, bowel movements, and vomiting are possible side effects. Most individuals suffer 5-6 episodes of vomiting after 3-4 hours of taking the duck flower detox. It can also induce diarrhea in some people, but only in extreme cases.
Why Is Aristolochia Grandiflora Called Duck Flower?
Aristolochia Grandiflora has a round, dense canopy with wide-reaching branches. Aristolochia Grandiflora flowers are white with purple and brown veins, but they have an interesting shape that some people describe as looking like a duck’s head with its bill facing down.
These flowers bloom around March and April, and they have an unpleasant odor that can be hard to get used to if you come across them unexpectedly.
Is Duck Flower Dangerous?
The duck flower detox includes an active ingredient called aristolochic acid which can be dangerous.
When abused or without a prescription, it can cause cancer, genetic mutations, and renal damage. As a result, the duck flower cleanse is a yearly cleanse. It is not a remedy that should be part of your daily routine.
Overall, Aristolochia Grandiflora is a safe plant to use for medical purposes. However, if you are concerned about any potential side effects, it is always best to speak with a doctor before using any medication.
How To Make Duck Flower Tea
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the delicate flavors of duck flower while getting some health benefits, then you should try making duck flower tea.
This simple recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and will leave you with a delicious cup of tea that will help improve your digestion and overall well-being.
To make duck flower tea, steep one teaspoon of dried duck flower in 8 ounces of hot water for about 20 minutes.
Where To Buy Duck Flower?
There are many options to buy duck flowers, whether in their truest form, as a powder or a capsule. Online herbal stores and even Amazon.com have options available for purchase.
Best Time To Use Duck Flower For A Detox?
Early in the morning, before a meal, or after a light breakfast is the best time to consume duck flowers. It’s better to complete this detox over a weekend or when you don’t have a lot on your plate.
However, it has some unusual side effects that can wreak havoc on your entire body, leading to a difficult day at work, hence it is better to try this over the weekend. As noted before, these side effects can include diarrhea.
Using Duck Flower For Weight Loss
You’ll find protoberberine in duck flowers. Protoberberine is a natural substance that assists weight reduction by blocking fat cell formation, resulting in a slimmer physique.
It also decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.
Duck flower also emits terpenoids that can help you relax while increasing your energy and allowing you to sleep better.
Flavonoids are also present in the duck flower. Flavonoids are antioxidants that assist regulate cellular function and combat free radicals that can cause oxidative stress.
These chemical components allow your body to operate at a high level while protecting it from poisons and stresses.
Duck Flower To Get Rid Of Colds
Hangovers, colds, and the flu are all issues that people have stated duck flower can help alleviate.
Linalool is a botanical terpene found in the Duck flower. Linalool relieves the pain associated with hangovers. It also has antifungal properties and can be used as a sedative to treat colds and flu.
Final Thoughts On Duck Flower
The duck flower has been around for centuries. It is a known remedy in various cultures as a source of food, medicine, and more.
However, despite the long history behind this plant, it’s essential to keep in mind that there is still not enough information about its potential health benefits or side effects.
So you should always consult your doctor before deciding whether or not to try the duck flower for yourself!
