Asteraceae
Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Paraguay, Brazil
Also known as: Sweetleaf, Sugar Leaf, Candy Leaf
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Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Blood sugar management (mild), hypertension (modest reduction), dental caries prevention (non-fermentable), sugar replacement for diabetics, metabolic syndrome, candida management (unlike sugar).
Herbal Actions
Non-caloric sweetener, antidiabetic (modest), antihypertensive (modest), prebiotic, antimicrobial
Active Constituents
Steviol glycosides (stevioside 6–18%, rebaudioside A — sweetest, steviolbioside), flavonoids, chlorophyll, diterpene glycosides
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2–4 fresh or dried leaves per 250ml, steep 5 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | Liquid extract as sweetener: 2–5 drops per serving |
| Notes | 250x sweeter than sugar by weight. For blood sugar: whole leaf (not isolated steviosides) has better metabolic effects. Rebaudioside A (refined) approved food additive. Whole leaf best for therapeutic use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with antidiabetic drugs (additive hypoglycemia). Caution with antihypertensives. Avoid with Asteraceae allergy. Insufficient safety data in early pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset at very high doses. Bitter aftertaste (especially stevioside). Extremely safe at normal dietary levels.