Benefits of banana leaves

Banana leaves are traditionally used to treat various skin conditions. Lab studies show that banana leaves have both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which makes them the perfect ingredient for skin creams and lotions. These leaves are known to slow down ageing and prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Banana leaves are even found to be effective against certain drug-resistant pathogens.

These leaves are traditionally used to treat urticaria (hives), skin itching, and rashes. A two-gram preparation of banana leaf ash (obtained by burning banana leaves) is traditionally used to treat fungal infections of the skin.

A study done at Harvard Medical School indicated that banana leaves can be used to heal wounds and burns. An older study done in India found that dressings made from banana leaves can not only heal burns but also reduce pain and prevent infections in burn wounds.

Banana leaf paste is believed to be beneficial for hair growth and in providing shine to hair. It is also used traditionally to treat dandruff. 

Banana leaves have the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the same compound present in green tea. Studies show that EGCG helps in promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall. (Read more: How to make hair grow faster and longer)

According to a study published in the Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, acetone extracts of banana leaves may be helpful in reducing the growth of Malassezia, the causative agent of dandruff. 

However, there aren’t many studies that prove the benefits of banana leaves for hair. 

Animal studies suggest that consumption of banana leaves can reduce blood glucose levels.

Lab studies show that the leaves of certain varieties of banana contain a compound called rutin which has a hypoglycemic (reduces blood sugar) effect on the body. Rutin increases insulin secretion and reduces the breakdown of maltose (a sugar commonly found in various foods) to glucose. This leads to an overall reduction in blood glucose levels.

Studies show that diabetes leads to an increase in maltase activity inside the gut, which is one of the reasons for the high blood glucose levels in diabetic people. If not controlled, diabetes can lead to various complications. Maltase is an enzyme that helps the body break down maltose - a type of sugar found in wheat, barley, peaches, pears, sweet potatoes and many other sweet and starchy foods - to simple glucose.

If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor to know more about the benefits and safety concerns of consuming banana leaves.

Read more: Diabetes symptoms

Traditionally, banana leaf extracts are used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery. Studies show that banana leaf extracts can aid in treating peptic ulcers.  

The anti-ulcer activity of banana leaves has been attributed to the presence of active compounds such as anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids in these leaves.

However, more studies are needed to confirm all these benefits of banana leaves for stomach ailments. 

Peptic ulcers can cause complications if not treated on time. So if you suffer from peptic ulcers, it is always best to talk to a doctor to know the exact cause of the ulcers first. 

Here are some other benefits of banana leaves:

• During spa treatments, banana leaves may be wrapped around a person’s body to promote hydration and remove toxins.
• Lab studies show that banana leaf extracts have antihelminthic (deworming) activity. It stops nematode (roundworm) eggs from hatching. Hence, banana leaves may be effective against ascariasis, intestinal worms and hookworm infections.
• Banana leaf extracts are believed to be useful in treating conditions such as fever, cough and sore throat.