While focusing on nature’s wonder we came to Central and South America where Kalawalla herb is very popular among the native people. They have been extracting the health benefits from this herb for centuries. As information technology, knowledge sharing, and communication became fast and effective world has started to adopt all these natural wonders that were hidden in many cultures and societies. In this blog, we will be talking about the Kalawalla herb benefits, its nutritional value, and its potential side effects.
Kalawalla Benefits and Scientific Facts
Scientifically it is known as Polypodium leucotomos which is referred to as a type of fern. When we try to associate some of its major benefits, we can say that it helps to keep skin healthy, it works on our immune system and regulates its working, and one of the most effective benefits is its photoprotection (protection against harmful UV radiation). Like any other traditional natural remedies, the Kalawalla herb benefits are also anecdotal and lack scientific proof. We will try to explore its nutrient level and then justify the Kalawalla benefits.
The Physical Appearance of Polypodium leucotomos or Kalawalla
It is easy to identify this fern as its distinctive shape, size, and appearance. To make it easy for you to find it locally, here are some key appearance features,
The Fronds Color
The actual frond color may vary between medium to dark green. This may be because of various external environmental conditions. The color of the frond also depends on the sunlight exposure and intensity of rainfall it has experienced.
Frond structures
The fronds have a large leaf-like appearance. They are pinnately compound and are divided into multiple leaflets or the whole segment attached to the central stalk.
Size and texture
Sometimes a frond can be larger but generally, the size varies between 30 to 60 cm. The surface and leaflets have a soft texture.
Habitat
Polypodium leucotomos generally grows in clumps or clusters. It will mostly spread horizontally and can be easily found growing on a tree or rock.
Nutritional Composition of Kalawalla
Kalawalla is majorly consumed as a health supplement mainly as tea. It provides many health benefits due to rich bioactive compounds which are,
Kalawalla Herb is Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are responsible for reducing the oxidative stress in the body. Due to this, our body becomes prone to many chronic diseases and it can negatively impact our hair and skin health. Kalawalla is rich in antioxidants which flush out the free radicals from our bodies.
Kalawalla Herb is Rich in Immune-Modulating Compounds
Sometimes, it can happen that our immune system may turn on against healthy cells of the body which is also termed as an autoimmune disorder. It is believed that regular consumption of Kalawalla tea could benefit us as it has immune-modulating properties. This also means that it might help to regulate the immune system’s response.
The extract of Polypodium Leucotomos
This extract includes various phytochemicals like phenolic compounds and flavonoids which are generally found in plants. These compounds have antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. They are believed to keep our brain and heart healthy, and also improve our skin.
Kalawalla Herb Benefits
The potential health benefits of the Kalawalla herb are not just limited to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotection properties. It can be way more as there were no major scientific studies about the benefits of the Kalawalla herb. The listed benefits are based on the nutrients or bioactive compounds available in it.
Kalawalla can keep our Skin Healthy
One of the most prominent benefits of Kalawalla is on the skin, by improving its texture and curing inflammation. It is believed that it helps to treat various skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, itching, and other inflammatory conditions. It is rich in antioxidant properties which can have anti-aging effects.
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Kalawalla can Improve our Libido
It is anecdotal and there is no scientific research available on the fact. Some proponents of natural traditional medicines believe that Kalawalla can have a positive impact on boosting sexual desires.
Kalawalla can provide Photoprotection
Skin can get damaged due to overexposure to UV rays. Studies suggest that Kalawalla has active compounds that can fight those damages. It can produce certain substances that will decrease the inflammation that occurs due to UV exposure.
How to make Kalawalla Tea?
The tea made from dried Kalawalla leaves has many health benefits. We should definitely try this in moderation as it may benefit various skin conditions and can act as an antioxidant.
Ingredients required
- Dried kalawalla leaves (which can be available in an herbal store, or you can purchase it online).
- Water (as per the quantity of tea you want to make).
- Honey as a natural sweetener.
Preparing Tea
- For making the tea usually two teaspoons of dried Kalawalla leaves are enough with a cup of water. You may adjust it if you like it strong.
- Place the Kalawalla dried leaves in a heatproof container. Boil water in another pot.
- Pour the boiling water into the heatproof container over dried Kalawalla leaves. Cover the container with the lid.
- Leave it for another 10 minutes, in the meantime the aroma and goodness of Kalawalla trap in the hot water.
- Strain the tea to remove Kalawalla leaves. Add honey (purely optional).
- Slowly sip the goodness of Kalawala tea.
Kalawalla Herb in Autoimmune Disorders
- The Kalawalla herb is known for its immunomodulatory properties, which can regulate immune disorders.
- An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the body’s defence system cannot differentiate between its tissues and a foreign object. They attack it, which can give rise to many diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, or multiple sclerosis.
Below are some mechanisms by which Kalawalla modulates the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Kalawalla herb is known to have certain anti-inflammatory compounds. When the body experiences chronic inflammation, it may fall prey to many disorders, including autoimmune disorders.
- It can inhibit specific pathways involved in inflammation, reducing the immune system‘s overactive response seen in autoimmune disorders.
Antioxidant Effect
- It is rich in antioxidants, which can combat oxidative stress generated by free radicals.
- It can manage cellular damage. This action supports the immune system.
Immunomodulation
- It is believed that Kalawalla herb can regulate a few immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells that are essential in autoimmune reactions.
- The herb modulates the functioning of these cells by restoring the balance within the immune system.
Kalawalla Herb Side Effects
The use of Kalawalla is generally considered safe for every body type if taken in moderation. However, the key benefits of Kalawalla are being scrutinized for scientific proof. We recommend you consult a healthcare expert before using it. The herb may show moderate side effects which are,
Kalawalla Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Like any other natural remedy people who are sensitive to plant products, especially to ferns should stay away from Kalawalla. One of the most common and formidable side effects of any natural compound is allergic reactions. After use, in case you feel itching, redness, swelling, or shortness of breath immediately discontinue using it and consult a doctor.
Kalawalla Can Hamper Our Liver Health
If you already have a bad, and sensitive liver conditions avoid using Kalawalla in any form. Due to the lack of scientific studies, it is difficult to predict the extent of damage it can cause to the liver. We recommend not to use it in such conditions.
Kalawalla can upset the digestion
This is the case with many natural remedies if we overdose on Kalawalla tea it can impact our digestion. Symptoms like nausea, bloating, or diarrhea can happen. We recommend consulting a healthcare expert to determine its correct dosages and appropriate time to use.
Precautions During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and early stage after delivery are generally considered critical. Women’s bodies are going through a lot of changes physically and hormonally. There is limited literature available that can justify the benefits of Kalawalla. We recommend not to use it under critical conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Rare side effects of Kalawalla
Some rare side effects may include liver and kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, and more chances of cancer. It is difficult to predict these serious side effects as it is very rare to see them and the subject needed more studies.
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Conclusion
In this blog, we have tried to explain Kalawalla herb benefits which are abundantly available in parts of Central and South America. The scientific studies on the benefits of Kalawalla are limited and thus we cannot establish it as a fact. We have tried to disintegrate the nutritional composition of Kalawalla and then establish its health benefits. However, we strongly recommend seeing a healthcare expert before using it extensively over a period of time. As it is a natural health remedy that can affect you differently according to your body type.
FAQs
Scientifically it is known as Polypodium leucotomos native people of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, call this a ‘calaguala’ fern. It is used as a dietary supplement to gain various health benefits mainly for the skin.
Kalawalla herb is abundantly found in parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, mainly in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico.
Calaguala which is also known as Kalawalla is an herb traditionally used to gain many health benefits like improving skin health from skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It supports our immune system and has antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties.
The appropriate time and dosage to take Polypodium should be determined by a healthcare expert. They will assess your current health condition understand your health goals and then determine the right time and dosages to take Polypodium.
These are alternate names Calaguala is also known as Kalawalla. It is a common name given to fern species found in parts of Central and South America which comes under Polypodium genus. It is a traditional natural remedy that is used for various health benefits like treating different skin conditions, respiratory issues, and autoimmune disorders.
We can mix Calaguala powder with water, juices, or other beverages. Another way is to encapsulate it for easier consumption. The timing to use it depends on specific health goals, some people use it daily some on alternative days. The best way is to consult a healthcare expert who can assess your current health condition and guide you with the dosage and timings to take it.
Polypodium is an umbrella term which includes various species of ferns that are helpful in providing various health benefits. It can help to improve skin health, and modulate the immune system. It also has some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Polypodium leucotomos is a type of fern whose extract has been used for mediational purposes for centuries. It has an excellent Photoprotection property, protecting the skin from UV exposure. It has antioxidant properties that minimize the damage from free radicals. Some believe it can repair damaged DNA cells and nullify the growth of cancer-causing cells.
The leaf extract of Polypodium leucotomos has tremendous healing power and has been used as a traditional medicine native to parts of Central and South America. Recent research shows that it has many health benefits, which include antioxidant properties that help to flush out the toxins from our body and Photoprotection properties that help to protect the skin from UV exposure. It also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
