Blue gold: the plant that combats the symptoms of osteoarthritis, regulates sugar levels, and prevents kidney stones.
Phytotherapy is the science of treating certain ailments through the healing power of plants. The use of herbs or plant products for therapeutic purposes is a growing trend that has existed for centuries worldwide. Knowing the health-promoting properties of plants, how to consume them (mostly in infusions), and whether or not they have any contraindications is essential for those who want easy-to-use allies that minimize their health problems.
Within the wide range of medicinal plants available, there is one in particular from southwestern North America and Mexico that is not particularly well-known in Spain, yet it combines a series of natural properties with potential benefits for inflammatory joint pain, diabetes, and a very common kidney problem such as painful kidney stones. We are talking about palo azul, or blue gold ('eysenhardtia polystachya').
Health benefits of blue gold
Supported by numerous studies (although they still require more scientific evidence), the benefits of palo azul (blue gold) suggest considerable potential, encompassing various areas of health. First, its anti-inflammatory properties are significant when it comes to joint ailments, especially arthritis , which is particularly prevalent in Spain. Due to its content of flavonoids and other bioactive substances, palo azul acts as an analgesic, reducing the inflammation that causes the disease and, therefore, the pain.
Regarding blood glucose levels , the fact that this medicinal plant includes antioxidant polyphenols could be key to regulating blood sugar levels by controlling the necessary insulin levels. Furthermore, some preliminary studies suggest that palo azul may have anti-glycation action, preventing the adhesions of glaciation that cause collateral damage in diabetes, such as nephropathy.
The third major property of this plant has to do with kidney health. Containing isoflavones (biochemical substances), they act as inhibitors of the formation of oxalate and calcium phosphate crystals (the famous "stones"). Urinary tract infections could also be curbed by this plant, due to its diuretic properties: by increasing urine production, it facilitates the expulsion of toxins from the urinary tract, significantly reducing the infectious load.
Palo Azul, a powerful weapon against cellular aging
In addition to being a potential ally in the fight against arthritis, kidney stones, and blood sugar , palo azul infusion is a supplement to consider if we want to combat premature cellular aging. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it could reduce the oxidative stress to which free radicals subject the body, which damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.
To prepare a palo azul infusion, available at herbalists and specialty phytotherapy stores, experts recommend adding three tablespoons of the mixture to a glass of boiling water and letting it steep for 10 minutes. Then, add a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon to make the infusion more palatable. One option is to store the leftovers in the refrigerator and drink them several times a day, although overindulging is advisable due to the lack of conclusive studies on its long-term safety.
L. Gutiérrez, H. Sumano, F. Rivero, Y. Alcalá-Canto . 'Ixodicide activity of Eysenhardtia polystachya against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus'. 2015;93(4):1980-6. Published in National Institutes of Health. Accessed online at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26020221/ on March 19, 2025.
L. Álvarez, M.Y. Ríos, C. Esquivel, M.I. Chávez, G. Delgado, M.I. Aguilar, M.L. Villarreal, V. Navarro. 'Cytotoxic isoflavans from Eysenhardtia polystachya'. National Library of Medicine. Accessed online at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9644061/ on March 19, 2025.
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