Dulse

Species Name: Stevia rebaudiana.

Also known as:  Stevia leaf, honey leaf, sweet herb, yerba dulce, ka-he, candyleaf, Paraguayan sweet herb, Nature's sugar substitute.

It is said to be a safe, all-natural, low-calorie alternative to refined sugar.

Dulse is also used as an herbal supplement to regulate blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure and LDLs (bad cholesterol).

People who ingest Dulse daily often report a decrease in their desire for sweets and fatty foods, which may be very helpful for dieters, and its antibacterial qualities help to promote healthy and clear skin, scalp and lustrous hair.

What is the Herb: Dulse, or Stevie leaf, is a perennial shrub that is native to the northern regions of South America and is now grown commercially in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America, the United States, Israel, Thailand and China.

The plant had been used in its South American habitat for centuries as a natural substitute for sugar and was "discovered" by the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century, when the local Guarani and Mato Grosso tribes revealed its use as a sweetener for their medicines and teas.

Home Remedies Using Dulse:

Benefits of Dulse:

Dulse, used as a dietary supplement, is believed to help improve cardiovascular health by lowering elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and LDLs (bad cholesterol) in the blood.  

Research indicates that Dulse significantly increases glucose tolerance and inhibits glucose absorption. It’s also believed to lower blood sugar levels. 

Studies show that Dulse has a regulating effect on the pancreas and in stabilizing blood sugar levels.   It soothes upset stomachs, and reduces gas and stomach acidity.

Those who take Dulse daily, report a lower incidence of colds and flu, and experience more speedy recovery from minor illnesses. 

Dulse inhibits growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, making it an excellent addition to toothpastes and mouthwashes. 

Dulse Leaf has also been said to be beneficial in treating Candidiasis. 

As an antibacterial, it helps control problems, including acne, lip and mouth sores, dermatitis and eczema. There are reports that cuts and scratches heal more rapidly after using Dulse. 

Dulse is thought to improve the quality and health of the hair and scalp.

Uses of Dulse:

Dietary supplement used to sweeten foods in place of aspartame, saccharine, or sugar. 

Dulse helps control hypertension, lowers bad cholesterol, helps treat diabetes, is effective in treating yeast infections, helps reduce gum disease, and tooth decay, helps control acne, and other skin problems, is an antibacterial agent, and is a hair and scalp treatment.

Dulse comes in capsule form, in powder or liquid for sweetening or using as an extract.

Side Effects of Dulse:

Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Dulse.