The beneficial properties of radish have been known since the days of Ancient Greece and Rome. There are many varieties of vegetables, but black radish and daikon are the most popular in folk medicine.
Nutritional value of radish
Radish is a healthy vegetable with a low calorie content. It contains: – B vitamins (mainly vitamin B9); – vitamin C; – potassium; – calcium; – iron; – copper; – magnesium; – cellulose. Vitamin C strengthens bones and teeth, has antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune system and protects against infectious diseases. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is used in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases, heart problems, and is useful for pregnant women. Together with potassium, vitamin B9 reduces the risk of stroke. Potassium also lowers blood pressure.
Scientists have found glucosinolates in radish, chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and are believed to inhibit cancer
Radish in folk medicine
According to traditional medicine, radish is generally recommended for digestive disorders (eg, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea), coughs and other symptoms of colds, migraines, and diseases of the urinary tract and pancreas. Radish juice (or grated root) is used in the form of compresses and lotions for purulent wounds, ulcers, abscesses, in the treatment of eczema, it also has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Scientists have found enzymes in radish that are capable of dissolving the cell walls of many bacteria. Phenolic compounds in black radish root are an effective antimicrobial agent. They kill staphylococci, streptococci, diphtheria bacillus, mycobacteria, fungi. Radish neutralizes tetanus and diphtheria toxins, accelerates the healing of purulent wounds.
The black Spanish radish is especially prized as an alkalizing vegetable. Alkalizing foods (which also include turnips, mustard, some types of cabbage) help the body manage acidity, which tends to rise when people consume meat and dairy products. Radish contains a lot of dietary fiber, recommended for digestive problems and for lowering blood pressure. In addition, black radish promotes gallbladder health by stimulating the secretion of bile. She is being treated for gallstone disease. Radish juice can help lower cholesterol levels, scientific studies support it. In addition, radish juice can help treat jaundice.
Another popular type of radish is daikon. In alternative medicine, daikon is used to speed up digestion and to treat constipation and diarrhea. Chinese physicians considered daikon useful in strengthening the immune system. The healing juice obtained from daikon, in their opinion, stimulates digestion. Radish seeds also have medicinal properties. They can speed up the elimination of toxins, relieve symptoms of fatigue, and are used in the treatment of certain skin conditions. Also in China, daikon seeds are used to treat the common cold, cough, and sore throat. They are a good anti-hangover remedy. Daikon, like other types of radish, can also provide relief from headaches and reduce high blood pressure. In addition, daikon also has a diuretic effect, which means that it is especially useful in treating edema and for cleansing the kidneys.
How radishes are treated
The radish root is grated and the juice is squeezed out of the resulting mass. For drinking, the juice is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 3 and drunk 30 minutes before meals, gradually increasing the dose from 100 to 500 ml. In Russian folk medicine, this method of preparing a healing drink from radish is popular: hollow out a depression in a large root, fill it with liquid honey and leave for 2-3 days.
The resulting juice is useful for kidney and gallstones. To achieve a choleretic effect, take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 20 days, then you need to take a break for a week and repeat the course again. Honey infusion is useful for bronchitis, tracheitis and other diseases of the pulmonary tract. It reduces coughing and serves as an expectorant. For the treatment of lung diseases, drink one tablespoon of honey infusion 3-4 times daily before meals. Freshly squeezed radish juice is drunk as a laxative. Radish seeds are crushed with ginger and poured with honey, such a paste is effective for treating digestive problems.
Doctors do not recommend using radish for peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, enterocolitis and asthmatic diseases. Before using traditional medicine recipes, you should consult your doctor
Grated radish is used for rubbing with rheumatic and gouty joint pains, muscle inflammation, radiculitis and neuritis. Also, for grinding, a mixture is made of ½ glass of juice, 1 glass of honey, ½ cup of vodka and 1 tablespoon of salt. To treat anemia, the following infusion is prepared from radish: grate equal amounts of radish, carrots and beets, squeeze the juice and pour into a dark glass bottle with a tight cork. Put the vessel in an oven preheated to 200 degrees, turn off the heating and keep the bottle without opening the oven door for 3 hours.