Before our fig tree lost all its fruit in late autumn and its beautiful, giant leaves turned yellow and fell, I wanted to figure out a way to make use of them, feeling that there must be something magical about them given the most magical fruit powers of figs. 

Orange Cardamom Fig Leaf Tea

Ingredients

Fig leaves

Cardamom pods

Clementine peels (pesticide-free)

Recipe

• Take a few stacks of fresh fig leaves. Let the leaves dry in the sun, on a radiator, or in an oven for 30 minutes on the lowest temperature to fully dry and dehydrate them.

• Crumble leaves between fingers until finely shredded.

• Finely chop clementine peels, let dry on a small plate.

• Once peels and leaves are crumbled and dry, mix with a handful or tea (depending on how many leaves you have) and seal inside a glass jar for the flavours to infuse.

• Boil water and make tea!

Fig Leaf Nutrition Facts

The leaves are a great source for a natural treatment for diabetes.

Figs leaves are rich in potassium and fiber, and help to balance blood pressure.

Fig leaves contain anti-tumor properties.

They have calcium, potassium, and soluble fiber, which aids in the reduction of cholesterol.

Fig leaves promote good sleeping patterns and fight insomnia.

They increase your energy, promote stronger bones,

Fig leaves have a laxative effect.

If the leaves are mashed, they can be used as a skin cleanser for acne and pimples.