Imagine a seed so versatile and powerful that it can save lives, soothe pain, and even help treat venomous bites. Meet the Lao Bean, a lesser-known gem from Southeast Asia that has been a trusted remedy for generations. Every household should consider keeping this remarkable seed handy, and here’s why.
What Is the Lao Bean?
The Lao Bean, scientifically known as Mucuna gigantea (Willd.) DG, is a climbing plant native to the lush regions of Southeast Asia and West Asia. This unique member of the legume family has been used by the H’Mong people for centuries in traditional medicine. Its extraordinary properties make it an invaluable addition to any home.
Description of the Lao Bean
The Lao Bean is a vine that can grow up to an astonishing 80 meters long. Its leaves are oval-shaped with a hairy underside, and its flowers are a striking purple, growing in clusters at the leaf axils. The plant’s fruit is long and S-shaped, measuring between 5-8 centimeters, and covered in velvety hairs. It’s not just its appearance that’s fascinating—its medicinal qualities are where it truly shines.
Where Does the Lao Bean Thrive?
This miraculous plant is predominantly found in Southeast Asia and West Asia. In Vietnam, it grows abundantly in the mountainous areas of Quang Binh and the Northwest regions. Its natural habitat in these rugged terrains has helped the Lao Bean develop its robust and life-saving properties.
The Life-Saving Uses of Lao Bean
While the uses of Lao Bean are rooted in folk traditions, its effectiveness is undeniable. Here’s why you should consider keeping it at home:
- Neutralizes Venom from Snake and Insect Bites
One of Lao Bean’s most astonishing benefits is its ability to suck out venom. Whether it’s a poisonous snake bite, a centipede sting, or another venomous insect attack, this seed has been traditionally used as a first aid remedy. It’s like nature’s antidote, offering immediate relief when time is of the essence. - Reduces Boils and Abscesses
Boils and abscesses can be painful and frustrating. The Lao Bean has been used to suppress and shrink these skin conditions effectively. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing the affected area and promoting healing. - Treats Bites from Wild Animals
In cases of bites from wild dogs or cats, the Lao Bean has been relied upon to help prevent infections and reduce inflammation. It’s a powerful, natural remedy that has stood the test of time in rural communities. - Eases Pain and Improves Sleep
The roots of the Lao Bean plant are often decocted or soaked in wine to create a remedy for pain relief and insomnia. This traditional preparation helps calm the mind and alleviate physical discomfort, making it a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications.
How to Use the Lao Bean
While there are no official medical guidelines for using the Lao Bean, here are some common traditional practices to consider:
- For Venom Extraction: Crush the seeds into a paste and apply them directly to the bite or sting. This method is believed to draw out venom and provide relief.
- For Skin Conditions: The crushed seeds or roots can be used as a poultice to reduce boils and abscesses.
- For Internal Use: Decoctions or infusions made from the roots are traditionally consumed to address pain and insomnia.
- In Alcohol Infusions: Lao Bean roots are often soaked in wine for several days and consumed in small doses as a remedy for various ailments.
Why Every Family Should Keep Lao Bean at Home
In emergencies, having a natural, effective remedy like the Lao Bean can be a game-changer. Its ability to neutralize venom, treat bites, and soothe skin conditions makes it invaluable, especially in areas where access to immediate medical care is limited. Moreover, its natural pain-relieving and sleep-enhancing properties are an added bonus for maintaining overall well-being.
Precautions When Using Lao Bean
As with any traditional remedy, it’s important to use the Lao Bean responsibly. Here are a few tips:
- Ensure the seeds and roots are properly prepared before use.
- Consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the application.
- Avoid excessive use, as the potency of natural remedies can sometimes cause adverse effects if not used correctly.
Preserving Folk Medicine Wisdom
The Lao Bean is a testament to the incredible knowledge of traditional medicine passed down through generations. While modern medicine offers advanced solutions, remedies like the Lao Bean remind us of the power of nature and the importance of preserving these practices.
Conclusion: The Seed Every Household Needs
The Lao Bean isn’t just a plant—it’s a lifesaver and a symbol of nature’s ability to heal. From sucking out venom to easing pain and promoting better sleep, its benefits are too remarkable to ignore. Keeping this seed in your home could be the difference between a minor mishap and a serious medical emergency. So why not embrace the wisdom of the H’Mong people and make the Lao Bean a part of your household? You might just find yourself turning to it when you need it most.
12 Curious Finds That Turned People’s Worlds Upside-Down
Have you ever found something that made you very confused? We all know that feeling. Our curiosity keeps pushing us until we understand it. But now, we don’t need to visit a library or ask a professional for answers anymore. The internet has a lot of people who investigate things online, and they’ve uncovered some incredible hidden facts about curious and unique discoveries.
1. ’’Found this thrown at the bottom of a lake in Stockholm. It was overgrown with algae on the outside. Nothing grows on the inside, so the liquid is not water. No markings.’’
Answer: Oh, it’s a storm glass.
2. ’’I found 25 of these things individually wrapped in men’s briefs and socks.’’
Answer: They are fire hose caps.
3. ’’My mother says this cast iron thing is for pouring oil, but my grandmother says she’s wrong and can’t remember what it’s for. Help?’’
Answer: It looks sort of similar to the type of thing used to melt down lead to cast new bullets.
4. ’’What is this pair of scissors I bought years ago on flee market?’’
Answer: It’s a vintage umbilical clamp. That’s why it’s shaped like a stork! Eventually this style did evolve into several types of embroidery scissors that the midwives would use while awaiting labor.
5. ’’What’s this brass or copper like thing in bathroom door handle?’’
Answer: The copper kills bacteria and germs.
6. ’’I found this wooden device. It’s maybe for stretching something or measuring?’’
Answer: It’s a hat stretcher.
7. ’’I found this in a random box of kitchen supplies. Is this just for carving meat or some other food?’’
8. ’’It is made of clay/terra cotta, can fit inside a palm. It came with something I bought but can’t remember what. What is it used for?’’
Answer: You put it on with your brown sugar to keep it from clumping or drying out in storage.
9. ’’Metal, plastic, and canvas-looking fabric clips. They are a few inches long, what are they?’’
Answer: They look a bit like the things attached to a garter belt to hold up stockings.
10. ’’My kids got these for Halloween. They are thin plastic, what are they?’’
Answer 1: They are stencils, popular in the 90s. Got a bunch as a kid!
Answer 2: Yep, this is it, the raised lines are so that when you put a piece of paper over it and rub a crayon over it the raised lines show up darker for detail.
11. ’’What are these blue reflecting markers for? They are mounted on a pole, facing the field.’’
Answer: They are reflecting the headlights of cars to the fields, so that deer avoids crossing the road. So, it’s for safety of cars and animals.
12. ’’What’s this odd-looking glass I found while walking on the beach in Hawaii?’’
Comment: Oh, no! Tell me you didn’t throw it back, please. If it is an older float, it is worth a pretty penny.
If you’d like to uncover more mystery objects that will blow your mind, then check out this article.
Preview photo credit Tio76 / Reddit
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