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What Are the Benefits of Black Radish?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

The black radish has been used in Asia for many years to treat various afflictions, and was introduced in Europe during the latter half of the 20th century. Its juice or extract is commonly ingested as a tonic that is good for the liver and beneficial for the entire gastrointestinal tract. The vegetable contains antioxidant properties that eliminate the free radicals often responsible for lowering a person’s resistance to disease. Its diuretic effects stimulate urination, which helps eliminate toxins from the body. Black radish also contains high amounts of some vitamins and minerals, and is sometimes used to treat nutritional deficiencies.

This medicinal radish helps the body remove bladder and kidney stones. It promotes the production of bile to aid in digestion, and detoxifies the liver. The detoxification benefits of this root vegetable extend to the circulatory system, since it also helps purify the blood.

During the latter half of the 20th century, black radish was introduced in Europe.
During the latter half of the 20th century, black radish was introduced in Europe.

Drinking black radish juice is considered beneficial during the winter months when some people are prone to suffer from respiratory infections. It is used in Asia to treat bronchitis and coughs. The extract or juice contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties. These help protect the immune system from afflictions like sore throats, bacterial infections, and viruses such as colds and flu. One study showed this juice provided more protection than penicillin against E. coli bacteria.

Black radish has been useful in removing kidney stones from the body.
Black radish has been useful in removing kidney stones from the body.

This medicinal vegetable is a good source of fiber and also lubricates the digestive tract. Radish juice contains a component that improves peristalsis and helps move digested food through the gastrointestinal system. This lubrication and increased peristalsis help those suffering from constipation since these actions improve, and can even eliminate, this disorder.

Black radish is used in Asia to treat coughs and bronchitis.
Black radish is used in Asia to treat coughs and bronchitis.

Black radish has a very strong flavor. Although it can be eaten after disguising the strong taste with a dressing or sauce, it is generally grown more for its medicinal properties rather than to eat. It contains a high vitamin C content that has been used to treat scurvy, and most of the vitamin B complex. This radish has a high potassium content in addition to other minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also contains zinc and trace amounts of copper, manganese, and selenium.

Black radish has been used to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Black radish has been used to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Raphanin is a component in black radish known to balance thyroid hormones. Some believe this substance is beneficial in the treatment of Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. Raphanin is also believed to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid.

Discussion Comments

anon327376

Hypothyroidism is cured in weeks with Salamba Sarvangasana.

literally45
I have hypothyroidism. Does black radish have any benefits for thyroid function?
stoneMason

@turquoise-- That's interesting. I had heard about the use of black radish for gallstones, but never for hair before.

But radishes are rich in so many vitamins that I'm not surprised. It has vitamin C, calcium and potassium. I'm sure eating black radish or drinking the juice would be beneficial for hair too. It would feed hair from the inside out. I might try it sometime.

turquoise

Black radish juice is used in some countries as a hair tonic to grow hair.

I actually bought a bottle when I was in Egypt. The seller said that my hair will grow faster and it will be very shiny. I used it while I was there for several weeks. It certainly made my hair look very healthy and shiny but I don't think I used it long enough to see hair growth benefits.

Recently, I've been thinking about using it again. But I read on a forum that a few people experienced the opposite with black radish juice. They said they experienced dandruff and hair fall so I don't know.

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    • During the latter half of the 20th century, black radish was introduced in Europe.
      By: Leonid Nyshko
      During the latter half of the 20th century, black radish was introduced in Europe.
    • Black radish has been useful in removing kidney stones from the body.
      By: p6m5
      Black radish has been useful in removing kidney stones from the body.
    • Black radish is used in Asia to treat coughs and bronchitis.
      By: Ekler
      Black radish is used in Asia to treat coughs and bronchitis.
    • Black radish has been used to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
      By: reineg
      Black radish has been used to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
    • Those prone to respiratory tract infections may benefit from black radish.
      By: joshya
      Those prone to respiratory tract infections may benefit from black radish.
    • Black radish can help to remove bladder stones.
      By: ivan kmit
      Black radish can help to remove bladder stones.