Adding radish to meals for healthy living

Radishes can be white, red, purple or black, long, cylindrical or round in shape. They are eaten raw, cooked or pickled. The oil obtained from the seeds of radish is also used. The other parts of radish which are consumed are the leaves, the flowers, the pods and the seeds. The scientific name of radish is Raphanus Sativus, which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Radish is also known as Daiken in some parts of the world.

The benefits of radish against certain ailments and on certain body parts

Jaundice: Radish is very good for the liver and stomach and it is a very good detoxifier, that is, it purifies the blood. It is miraculously useful in jaundice as it helps to remove bilirubin and checks its production.

It also checks the destruction of the red blood cells during jaundice by increasing the supply of fresh oxygen in the blood. The black radish is more preferred in jaundice. The leaves of radish are also very useful in the treatment of jaundice.

Piles: Radish is very rich in roughage, i.e. indigestible carbohydrates. This facilitates digestion, retains water, cures constipation (one of the main causes of piles) and thus gives relief in piles. Being a very good detoxifier, it helps to heal up piles fast. Its juice also soothes the digestive and excretory systems and this also relieves piles.

Urinary disorders: Radishes are diuretic in nature, i.e. they increase the production of urine. The juice of radish also cures inflammation and burning feeling during urination. It also cleans the kidneys and inhibits infections in kidneys and the urinary system. Thus it helps a great deal in curing urinary disorders.

Weight loss: Radishes are very filling, i.e. they fill your stomach and satisfy your hunger easily without giving you many calories, as they are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage and contain a lot of water. It is a very good dietary option for those determined to lose weight.

Cancer: Being a very good detoxifier and rich in Vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanins, radish helps to cure many types of cancer, particularly those of colon, kidney, intestines, stomach and oral cancer.

Leucoderma: The detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic properties of radish make it useful in the treatment of leucoderma. The radish seeds are used in this case. They should be powdered and soaked in vinegar or ginger juice or cow’s urine and then applied on the white patches. Eating radish also aids the treatment of leucoderma.

Skin disorders: Vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc and some members of Vitamin B complex, which are present in radish, are good for the skin. The water in it helps to maintain the moisture of the skin. Smashed raw radish is a very good cleanser and serves as a very efficient face pack. Due to its disinfectant properties, radish also helps to cure skin disorders such as drying up, rashes, cracks, etc. and also refreshes it.

Kidney disorders: Being diurectic, cleanser and disinfectant, it helps to cure many kidney disorders. Its diurectic properties help to wash away the toxins accumulated in the kidneys. Cleansing properties clean kidneys up and lessen the accumulation of toxins in the blood, thereby decreasing their concentration in the kidneys. Its disinfectant properties protect kidneys from any infections too. Thus, it is good for the overall health of the kidneys.

Insect bites: It has anti-pruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites, stings of bees, hornets, wasps, etc. Its juice also reduces pain and swelling and soothes the affected area.

Fever: It brings down body temperature and relieves inflammation due to fever. Drink radish juice mixed with salt. Being a good disinfectant, it also fights infections which cause fever, thereby helping to cure it.

Respiratory disorders, bronchitis and asthma: Radish is anti-congestive, i.e. it relieves congestion of the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs due to cold, infection, allergies and other causes. It is a good disinfectant and is also rich in vitamins, which protect the respiratory system from infections.

Liver & gallbladder: Radish is especially beneficial for liver and gallbladder functions. It regulates the production and flow of bile and bilirubin, acids, enzymes and removes excess bilirubin from the blood, being a good detoxifier. It also contains enzymes like myrosinase, diastase, amylase and esterase. It protects the liver and gallbladder from infections and ulcers and soothes them.

Apart from the above benefits, radish is an antibiotic that cures many ailments because it is a good appetizer, mouth and breath freshener, laxative, regulates metabolism, improves blood circulation and is a good treatment for headache, acidity, constipation, nausea, obesity, sore throat, whooping cough, gastric problems, gallbladder stones, dyspepsia and other diseases if added to meals on a daily basis.