Mulberry (Leaves) – Shahtoot (Patta) – Morus Alba (Leaves) by IndianJadiBooti

Mulberry leaves come from the Morus alba tree. They are rich in a compound called DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin), which prevents the absorption of excess sugar in the gut.

Its Energetic Profile:

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent).
• Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light) and Rooksha (Dry).
• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling).
• Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Katu (Pungent).
• Dosha Action: Balances Pitta and Kapha; may increase Vata if used in excess.

How to Use Mulberry Leaves

You can use the leaves fresh, dried as a tea, or in a fine powder form.

1. For Blood Sugar Management (Prameha)

This is the most celebrated use of Mulberry.

• Dosage: 2g to 3g of powder or 1 cup of tea.
• Vehicle: Warm Water.
• Timing: 15–20 minutes before a carbohydrate-rich meal.
• Why: It inhibits the enzymes that break down starch into glucose, preventing a "sugar spike."

2. For Skin Inflammation & Acne (Rakta-Pitta)

If you have "hot" skin (redness, burning, or cystic acne).

• Dosage: 1 cup of Mulberry Tea.
• Vehicle: Steep 1 tsp of dried leaves in hot water for 5 minutes.
• Timing: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
• Why: It cools the blood and liver, addressing the root cause of skin flare-ups.

3. For Eye Fatigue and Vision (Chakshushya)

• How: Use cooled Mulberry tea as a wash or simply drink it.
• Why: In Ayurveda, the eyes are the seat of Alochaka Pitta. Mulberry’s cooling nature soothes eye strain and redness.

4. For Sore Throat and "Heat" Cough

• How: Gargle with a warm decoction of the leaves.
• Why: Its astringent (Kashaya) property helps shrink swollen tissues in the throat.
   

The Benefits of Mulberry Leaves

1. The Natural Glucose Regulator (Prameha-Hara)

This is the most celebrated benefit of Mulberry. The leaves contain a compound called DNJ, which acts as a natural carb-blocker.

• Benefit: It prevents the rapid absorption of sugar in the small intestine. It is an excellent support for those managing Type 2 Diabetes or Insulin Resistance, helping to flatten sugar spikes after meals.

2. Blood & Skin Purifier (Raktaprasadana)

In Ayurveda, skin issues are often the result of "heated blood" (Rakta-Pitta).

• Benefit: Its cooling (Sheeta) and bitter (Tikta) nature helps clear the liver and cool the blood. It is highly effective for cystic acne, skin redness, and inflammatory rashes that feel hot to the touch.

3. Weight Management & Metabolic Support (Medohara)

• Benefit: By slowing down sugar absorption, Mulberry leaves help reduce the "insulin spikes" that lead to fat storage. It helps in managing cravings for sweets and supports a healthy metabolism without being over-stimulating.

4. Eye Health & Vision Support (Chakshushya)

• Benefit: According to Ayurveda, the eyes are the seat of Alochaka Pitta. Because Mulberry is exceptionally cooling and rich in antioxidants (like Quercetin), it helps reduce eye strain, redness, and blurred vision caused by internal heat or excessive screen time.

5. Cholesterol & Heart Health

• Benefit: It helps in "scraping" the blood vessels of excess Kapha (fats). It helps balance cholesterol levels and supports the elasticity of the arteries, protecting the heart from the "burning" effects of inflammation.

Other Names: Mulberry,  Shahtoot, Morus Alba, Mulberry Leaf, Shahtut, Malbari