Alligator Pepper also known as Aframomum Melegueta has alot of benefits to mankind in which many people do not know.
Aframomum melegueta is rich in high fibre, which ensures the fast regeneration of tissues and wound healing. In addition to fibre, Aframomum melegueta has a high amount of tannin that treats burns, heals wounds, and eases the pain of inflamed mucous membranes, therefore, reducing inflammation. The plant can also be used in treating gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, diarrhoea, stomach pains, and intestinal worms.
1. Maintaining blood sugar
Atare as the Yoruba commonly knows it, is also used to lower blood sugar and keeping the blood sugar level using the amino acids that are present in it.
2. Addresses erectile dysfunction
Alligator pepper and erectile dysfunction is another point of interest. A small portion of the spice can go a long way ensuring you have a delayed ejaculation and hence one can last longer during sex.
3. Helps in weight loss
This spice also increases thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in warm-blooded animals. The increased heat stimulates brown tissue adipose and increases energy expenditure in men. Therefore, the combination of those processes leads to weight loss.
4. Boosts libido
In addition to these medicinal properties, it is a strong natural aphrodisiac that stimulates sexual desires and maintains high stamina. Among women, it works on their libido and makes them more sensitive to touch during sexual intercourse as the nerve endings are stimulated more.
Other benefits of this spice also include:
In Senegal, seeds of Aframomium melegueta are mixed with salt and rubbed to the interior of the mouth as a treatment for sleeping sickness.
The extract from the alligator pepper plant is analgesic in nature and is, therefore, used to relieve pains in the joints, teeth, stomach, rheumatoid pain and arthritis.
The leaves from its plant can also be used in treating and preventing malaria. As such, it is a better alternative for quinine.
The juice from the fresh leaves staunches bleeding.
In addition to that, the spice can help in treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chicken pox, and smallpox.
Alligator pepper also has antimicrobial properties, which prevent serious illnesses such us staphylococcus.
It also helps in easing menstrual cramps that ladies go through while menstruating