What are the benefits of Fatimah grass for health? : uses, side effects, interactions

Fatimah grass is predicted to be able to accelerate the delivery process of pregnant women. But in fact, the benefits of Fatimah grass are not only that. What else?

What is fatimah grass?

Grass or fatimah root has the Latin name as Labisa pumila . This plant is found in Southeast Asia, especially in plains with an altitude of 300 to 700 meters.

Fatimah grass has small leaves with vine stems. The height of this plant is about 30 to 40 cm. The leaves are tapered ellipses with dark green upper sides and light green to reddish purple undersides.

Is it true that it can smooth the birth process?

In Malaysia, this plant is dried and the extract is drunk a few days close to the due date. Apart from the concoction itself, fatimah root is sold freely in Malaysia in various forms. Starting from herbal supplements to ready-to-drink canned drinks.

However, until now there has been no valid research or medical advice that states the benefits of grass or fatimah roots to facilitate labor. On the other hand, doctors and health practitioners do not recommend that prospective mothers drink the herbal medicine fatimah grass.

Certain contents in the root of fatimah are thought to trigger premature uterine contractions, which are feared to cause complications during childbirth.

It is better for pregnant women not to use any kind of herb or herbal medicine before consulting and getting approval from a doctor.

Then, what are the benefits of Fatimah grass for health?

1. Counteract free radicals

Summarizing the content of research from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, fatimah grass contains antioxidants that have good benefits for the body.

The antioxidants found in it include flavonoids, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds. The beta-carotene in Fatimah grass has been shown to inhibit the effects of free radicals in the body. Meanwhile, flavonoids function to prevent chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatism, and other diseases related to oxidative stress.

The phenolic content in fatimah grass has the potential to strengthen the immune system to prevent inflammation and exposure to disease infections.

2. Reducing the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women

In this study, fatimah grass extract also showed potential benefits as a remedy for osteoporosis, rheumatism, and female sexual function problems.

Fatimah grass contains natural phytoestrogens. In medicine, phytoestrogens can be used as an alternative to estrogen therapy to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause. Fatimah grass extract is reported to be safer than estrogen therapy because there is no significant risk of side effects.

However, this extract can only be used in low doses. A pilot study reported that a safe dose of the herbal fatimah grass was limited to 560 mg / day for postmenopausal women.

How much can you consume fatimah root?

To get the benefits of fatimah grass, you can consume its extract in herbal product preparations such as capsules, tea, and canned drinks.

Most herbal products or fatimah grass drinks on the market contain a dosage of 154 mg, which can be taken a maximum of two times a day. Even so, it's still better to consult a doctor before you decide to use any herbal products.