Raphanus sativus caudatus

Raphanus sativus caudatus
Family:Raphanus sativus caudatus; Anthelmintic; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antiscorbutic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Cancer; Carminative; Cholagogue; Digestive; Diuretic; Expectorant; Laxative; Poultice; Stomachic.
Common name:Rat-tail radish
Radishes have long been grown as a food crop but they also have various medicinal actions. The roots stimulate the appetite and digestion having a tonic and laxative effect upon the intestines and indirectly stimulating the flow of bile. Consuming radish generally results in improved digestion but some people are sensitive to its acridity and robust action. The plant is used in the treatment of intestinal parasites though the part of the plant used is not specified. The leaves seeds and old roots are used in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints. The juice of the fresh leaves is diuretic and laxative. The seed is carminative diuretic expectorant laxative and stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of indigestion abdominal bloating wind acid regurgitation diarrhoea and bronchitis. The root is antiscorbutic antispasmodic astringent cholagogue digestive and diuretic. It is crushed and used as a poultice for burns bruises and smelly feet. Radishes are also an excellent food remedy for stone gravel and scorbutic conditions. The root is best harvested before the plant flowers. Its use is not recommended if the stomach or intestines are inflamed. The plant contains raphanin which is antibacterial and antifungal. It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus E. coli streptococci Pneumococci etc. The plant also shows anti-tumour activity.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:31 []