Ose Oji, also known as Alligator pepper (Afromomum melegueta)is one of the common ingredients in pepper soup as well as a spicy delight in most of Asian and African recipes. It has been used in traditional medicine for treating various body issues and diseases. With extraordinary medical and nutritional values, the seed extracts of ose oji have been used as an antidote against many diseases. It is stimulant and diuretic in nature. In the case of treating diabetes, drink the juice of crushed seeds mixed with crushed bitter kola and bitter leaf. In this article, I will tell you about Ose Oji and the health benefits of Of Ose Oji, so read this article carefully to get the complete information.
The whole Alligator pepper is added to three seeds of ripe papaw and dried locus bean to make soup for female infertility. The plant belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is well known with names like paradise, Chitta (Hausa), Atare (in Yoruba)and Guinea Pepper. With endless healing powers, alligator pepper is definitely a wonderful gift of nature.
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Health benefits of ose oji –
- Anti-oxidizing properties – Alligator pepper seeds contain a high amount of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponin and phenolic compounds. When consumed in any form, the plant extracts protect usfrom free radicals and offer protections against allergens,viruses, microbes, tumors, ulcers and hepatotoxins in the body. Studies reveal that ose oji is one of the best medicinal things to prevent intestinal problems.
- Antimicrobial properties–Due to antimicrobial properties, the seed extracts are used as disinfectants and have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhiand Klebsiella pneumonia.
- Anti-inflammatory properties –The alligator pepper hasa constituent of gingerol that inhibits the leukotriene and prostaglandins synthesis. Also, the seed extracts offer protection against inflammation of the body.
- Analgesic properties – The plant extract is analgesic in nature and can be used for relieving and suppressing pains such as toothache, joint pain, stomach pain, rheumatoid pain and arthritic pain.
- Aphrodisiac properties –The alligator pepper is aphrodisiac in nature and it is well-known for stimulating sexual desires.
- Dermatological properties – Alligator pepper is used to prepare herbal remedies for treating infectious skin diseases such as smallpox, measles and chickenpox.
- Stimulating properties –Ose oji has a peppery pungent taste and it is normally chewed as a stimulant to keep the body alert and warm.
- Gastrointestinal disorders treatment –Ose oji(Alligator pepper) can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders like ulcer, diarrhea, stomach pain and intestinal worms.
- Wound healing –For treating and healing wounds, the seeds of Alligator pepper are crushed and used for preparing concoctions. The plant extracts contain tannin which is very effective for treating burns, healing wounds and soothing inflamed mucous membrane.
- Consumption purposes – Alligator pepper is a popular spice that is usually served for garnishing salads and preparing assorted dishes. With hot peppers and pungent flavors,it makes dishes spicy. The seeds are usually crushed before adding to dishes.
- Digestive properties – The seed extracts are helpful in easy digestion and prevent constipation and stomach bloating.
- Malaria treatment – The leaves of Alligator pepper are used to prepare herbal medicines for preventing and treating malaria effectively.
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Other secondary health benefits of ose oji –
- Asthma
- Body ache
- Dysentery
- Indigestion
- Stimulant
- Weight loss
- Energy booster
- Sperm booster
- Worm expellant
- Heals postpartum bleeding
- Heals muscle pain
- Heals Flu or common cold
- Blood flow
- Cellular increment
- Cardiovascular health
- Remove harmful bacteria
- Body detox
- Treat depression
- Heals menstruation cramp
- Skin care
Spiritual uses of Alligator Pepper –
Along with numeroushealth values of the seed extract, Alligator Pepperis important in traditional medicine. It is an energy plant and known as a famous spice with magical and mystical properties for good luck, praying, cleansing and others.
How to use Alligator Pepper (Ose Oji)?
Peel and remove from its shell and eat raw or grind to mix with honey or add it to the soups and veggies.
Side effects and safety with Alligator Pepper –
Alligator pepper extracts are possibly safe for adults when taken directly from the mouth. It sometimes causes stomach problems for people who consume its peel directly.
Special Precautions & Warnings –
There is no enough reliable information to confirm if alligator pepper is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding but those women in their first trimester are highly recommended to avoid eating alligator pepper to avoid miscarriages. Also, lactating mothers should avoid taking the plant extracts in high quantities as it can reduce the prolactin secretion, a hormone that stimulates milk production after childbirth.
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Final words –
Alligator pepper or ose oji is a well-known spice for West African cuisine. With a wide range of beneficial components and health benefits, Alligator pepper adds a spicy aroma to soups and stews.
