Fig Leaf Sap Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Fig leaf sap is the liquid or milky substance that comes from the leaves of the fig plant. The fig plant belongs to Ficus genus and is part of the mulberry family. It’s native to Turkey, India and the Mediterranean.¹

The common fig plant (Ficus carica) is considered a bush or a small tree. It ranges in size from 3 feet to 39 feet tall. The fig plant is most well-known for producing the fig fruit. It also produces fig leaves, which are deciduous. They are bright green with a lobed, finger-like shape and a rough texture.¹

The ancient Greeks and Romans used several parts of the fig plant including the leaves for religious and medicinal purposes. By crushing up the fig leaves, you can extract the sap substance. This substance is what is often used in fig natural remedies.¹

Fig Leaf Sap Health Uses and Health Benefits

Fig leaf sap benefits are known for their anti-diabetic properties. Fig leaves can help people with diabetes by lowering the amount of insulin the body needs. Because people with diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, taking fig leaf sap can save on insulin injections needed by diabetic people.²

Fig leaf sap uses include being a topical treatment for several types of skin conditions. Fig leaf sap for warts is a known remedy that can help eliminate this recurring condition.

Other fig leaf sap benefits include:

• Improving respiratory infections
• Treating ulcers
• Lowering blood pressure
• Possible anti-cancer benefits
• Boosting cardiovascular health

Other fig leaf sap uses include being a topical treatment for the following conditions:

• Ringworm - Fig leaf sap benefits can help heal a ringworm infection. By cutting open a fig leaf and applying the sap directly to the skin, you can heal a ringworm infection quickly.
• Genital Warts - Fig leaf sap has anti-fungal properties that can be used to treat genital warts. 
• Warts - Applying fig leaf sap to warts can help kill a fungal infection and stop warts from recurring.

Fig Leaf Sap Side Effects and Precautions

Fig leaf sap side effects have been reported by some people. Fig leaf sap is a natural milky substance (latex), which can cause severe skin irritation to certain people. If you have a milk or latex allergy do not use fig leaf sap topically.³

References

1. https://www.britannica.com/plant/fig 
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/267172-can-you-eat-fig-leaves/ 
3. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-445-fig.aspx?activeingredientid=445&activeingredientname=fig