KONTOMIRE
Elephant's Ear
Xanthosoma sagittifolium
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Leaves
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Rich in copper
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It is good at managing blood pressure
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Aids in thyroid health
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Has vitamin B6 which is essential for production of hemoglobin in blood pressure
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Aids in function of the thyroid and prevents health conditions such as hyperthyroidism
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Vitamin B6 also aids in anemia
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Aids during pregnancy
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Larger leaves used to provide relief from fever
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Calcium oxalate crystals are found in Yautia that can help with throat and mouth irritation
Sap
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Inflorescence sap used for stings and insect bites
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Sap of the plant can aid in skin irritation
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
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The plant is used as a nurse-crop for cacao
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Does well in understory species in traditional agroforestry systems, is often planted under coconut, young cacao, coffee, banana, and rubber
OTHER USES
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Root can be boiled, baked
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Dried and peeled can be made into a flour
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Young leaves can be cooked like spinach
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Root can be cooked, boiled, baked
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Dried and peeled can be ground into a flour
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Young leaves can also be cooked