black radishes for cough

Black radish – the black magic!

Thousands of years ago in Egypt, Greece, Rome and China, they knew about black radish! There are illustrations with black radishes in Egyption tumbs, 2000 BC, and Herodutus (648-625 B.C.), the Greek historian, wrote about large crops and offers to Apollo. (Can this be the reason for Apollo’s beauty?)

Why black magic? Well, black because it’s black, and magic because when we eat a black radish salad, we have no idea what it does to our body, only see the good results. Without knowing we were treating ourselves.

It is also known by Spanish Black Radish. It contains: a high vitamin C content, B-vitamins, vitamins A and E, raphanin, protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid and sulfur.
Here are 11 benefits of consuming black radish:

1. Helps the liver

It serves as a liver tonic, helping detoxifying it. How? It encourages the liver to produce fat- and protein-digesting bile and lowers the tension of the bile ducts.  It also improves peristaltic movement activating and regenerating liver cells.  This action also helps to cleanse and purify the blood and reduce gravel in the gallbladder. This is why it is not recommended to take it in large amounts if you know you have gallbladder stones. The process of eliminating them will be activated, and this should be done only under medical care, so that a stone cannot remain stuck on a smaller duct.

By inhibiting damage to red blood cells and boosting oxygen supply to the blood, black radish can be highly useful in the treatment of jaundice.

2. Detoxifies the body

By helping to increase the bile production, the black radish will facilitate the elimination of stagnating food and toxins. It contains a variety of minerals that increases the flow of digestive juices, thus reducing indigestion, abdominal bloating, flatulence and acid regurgitation.
It is also a diuretic, the black radish will encourage the production of urine; and thus the elimination of toxins and stones in the increased urine flow.

3. Fights constipation

Black radish are high in fiber and digestive stimulants, which means that a regular consumption will regulate the bowels movements. Also, since dehydration is a major cause of constipation, radishes help hydrate and lubricate the intestines and encourage relaxed bowel movements.

4. Assists the immune system

The black radish has antimicrobial effect, stimulates mucous membranes and clear congestion. All these makes it perfect for improving the resistance against common microbial infections, such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, and flu.black radish for colds, cough, bronchitis

In 1987, Prahoveanu described a study in which liquid radish extract was administered to mice before they were inoculated with an influenza virus. There was a significant decrease in the mortality rate and a significant increase in the rate of survival as compared to the untreated controls.

Another study was done in 1947 (!) by Ivanovics, who found it to be protective against E. coli–more so than penicillin G.

It is also effective in treating colds and cough, by reducing pain and swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat and also the inflammation of the airways, such as bronchitis. The black radish syrup has a good taste, can be taken very easily by children and has no side-effects. Maybe except of peeing. Which is going to be a lot. 🙂

5. Balances thyroid hormones

It does that by means of a substance called raphanin, which is believed to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Some believe this substance is beneficial in the treatment of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. (I found a guy on Amazon, reviewing black radish capsules, who said the radish treated this condition.)

6. Aids in weigh loss

Black Radish Liquid Extract, Dried Root Tincture found on Amazon

Black radish is low in fat, calories and cholesterol. It’s also rich in fiber and water, which suppresses the appetite and curbs cravings. And the fact that it supplies the body with different nutrients means more energy for weight loss physical activities. 🙂

7. Helps prevent cancer

The good radish is a good source of anthocyanins and sulforaphane. According to recent research, these can help combat cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, ovary, mouth, stomach and kidney.

8. Maintains proper levels of blood pressure

The high amount of potassium of black radish helps keep levels of blood pressure in their normal limits.

9. Benefits the hair

The black radish stimulates the hair roots and boosts blood circulation in the scalp. It also strengthens the hair shaft. A glass of black radish juice a day can significantly reduce hair fall.  That’s good to know for all men over 40. (If they can drink that much radish juice!)

It also solves another hair issue, like dryness or oiliness, and dandruff. To combat these problems, apply black radish juice to the hair, or make use of a black radish hair mask.

10. Treats skin disorders

It solves a common problem like angular cheilitis. This condition is characterized by red inflamed lesions on the mouth corners, caused by bacterial or fungal infection, nutritional deficiency, or by skin dryness. Eating more of black radish provides you with vitamin B complex and other important nutrients for fighting angular cheilitis. Its antibacterial properties, meanwhile, can help combat the infection-causing bacteria on the corners of your mouth. it will also strengthens the immune defense, which will be able to prevent the infection from coming back.

Having so many antioxidants like vitamin C, black radish can slow down skin aging by neutralizing harmful free radicals inside the body. The result is a younger-looking skin free of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of premature skin aging.

Black radish juice helps get rid of blemishes on your face including blackheads, dark spots, acne or acne marks. It’s also a great idea to use a face pack made with black radish pulp.

available at Amazon

11. Treats scurvyreading about the benefits of black radish

Though this is not a problem of these days, we must remember that in the past scurvy was treated with black radish, because of its high content of Vitamin C.

Do you know any other uses for black radish? In your black magic book, have you read of some other benefits of it?
Leave a comment here, because everybody wants to know.




References:

http://www.lef.org/protocols/gastrointestinal/digestive_disorders_06.htm;
http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/black-spanish-radish.php;
http://www.wisegeekhealth.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-black-radish.htm;
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-502-radish.aspx?activeingredientid=502&activeingredientname=radish;
http://www.iashpaz.com/index.php/places-to-eat/item/11672-black-radish-with-honey-cough-remedy#.VCKmjZSSwhM;
http://www.livenedup.com/14-amazing-skin-health-benefits-black-radish/;
“Reading the book” picture credit inarik via bigstockphoto.com

Laura Bujor

Laura Bujor is the author and founder of HealthyWithHoney.com. She built this website as a personal journey to discover the power of honey and share it with the world. She learned directly from beekeepers and took a course in apitherapy. From a hobby, honey and apitherapy turned into a professional career. You can find her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and X.

View all posts by Laura Bujor →

29 thoughts on “Black radish – the black magic!

  1. Hi,
    My son (11 years old) is a case of Biliary Atresia. His Kasai procedure done at the age of 3 months. At the time of Kasai procedure, Drs informed me that this is a temporary fix. There will be Liver transplant required in the future. Recent he developed jaundice level (bilirubin 30). He was admitted to Hospital for 14 days and Drs started antibiotics and it comes down to level 15. Now he seems to recover as yellowness in skin and eyes has reduced. We will discuss his latest reports (LFT, KFT, CBC, PT INR) with Dr in next week. We are also preparing for Liver transplant as well.
    My question is, is Black Radish will help to improve his liver condition ?
    Is there any possibilities to revert/stop Liver Cirrhosis?
    Please help me.
    I am from India, I searched a lot and did not found fresh black radish though seeds are available.
    Regards

    1. Hi Saher,
      I truly am sorry for your son. Fresh black radish is hard to get in India, I know, but even more efficient than this is propolis. Please read this Propolis protects liver, has anti-radiation effect, boosts immunity and has anti-inflamatory activity. There are other articles on propolis on this site, you’ll get an idea of how amazing it is. You can give you son capsules, or water propolis extract. But give him more. (this is how naturopaths recommend it). For example 3 drops of water propolis extract per kilogram body weight, given 3 times per day, 30 minutes before his meals.
      Please read the other articles, because in them you will find studies and the quantities they used for this.

      Also, very good is the Milk Thistle Supplement, I know people who took it every single day of their life and it did wonders. I saw you have it on your Amazon.in

      Dandelions are also truly amazing. Fresh leaves consumed in salads help liver detoxify. You can give him as tea. But the best part is the dandelion root extract. In this study, they used 1 g/kg bw/day. This is in case you manage to find it there.
      Or perhaps you manage to find dandelion pure essential oil, which will be great, to rub his tummy, in the liver area, with few drops, every hour or so.

      I don’t know what else to tell you, except for “do not stop” searching for a cure. Read more about our natural medicine, it can do a lot. And you can do it too. Beyond asking for a god’s help, as sometimes it seems he is busy with something else, try to help him yourself.
      Focus on your love and feel your heart felt with love for him. But not with pain and sorrow, pity or despair. Feel your heart with all the good memories you have with him, feel it with gratitude that you have been given such a beautiful angel, search for everything that can give you a feeling of joy, love or gratitude because these three can generate the healing energy of our universe. If god is love, find all the love and joy you can find in yourself and then send it to his liver. Imagine it leaving from your chest and entering his body, surrendering his liver, lighting it and healing it.

      If sometimes god is too busy for us, we must fight with what he already gave us. The power to love – the most powerful force in the world.
      Have faith in your love and stay focused for as long as you can on sending him positive energy. 10-15 minutes or more, just like in a meditation. But be careful with that energy, it must give you a state of joy, love or gratitude. Because of your pain, that energy can be transformed into sorrow and that is a destructive force. Send good vibes to him only.

      And think of this: if his salvation is solely in your hands, can you focus enough to do it?
      Be blessed!
      Laura

      1. Thanks you so much Laura for valuable details and very positive guidance. I agree that positive energy will help in healing and recovering. I will try my best for my son.

        Thanks & Regards
        Saher Rizvi

      2. Hi Laura,
        I am planning to use Porpolis @https://in.iherb.com/pr/Y-S-Eco-Bee-Farms-Propolis-High-Strength-Alcohol-Free-1-fl-oz-30-ml/23690
        and dandelion @https://www.amazon.in/Natures-Answer-Dandelion-Alcohol-Free/dp/B000M48WQS
        Please review it and tell me dosage. My son’s current weight is 37 Kg and height is 154 cm.
        I am cautious about side effects of Milk Thistle. Please suggest that should I go for it now?
        Regards

        1. Hi Saher,
          No, that propolis is not good either. It is alcohol free, but propylene glycol is not healthy. For a child the best option is water extract, just in this example: https://www.iherb.com/pr/NaturaNectar-Liquid-Red-Bee-Propolis-2-fl-oz-60-ml/87116. I know it is more expensive, but the quality is much higher as well. Start with less than the recommended dose (3 drops per kg body/3 times per day) and increase gradually until you get to it. Maybe with 20 drops 2 times per day, then 3 times per day, then 30 drops 3 times per day, and then increase with 10 drops each day. Until you get to 100. This is like 3 ml or such, you can find something to measure it, for an easier use.

          No again for the dandelion extract, I presume it is made with the same glycol. I wood choose https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Dandelion-Root-500-mg-100-Veg-Capsules/545. Empty the capsule and give the powder with water.

          As for silymarin, take https://www.amazon.in/Milk-Thistle-Silymarin-Strength-Supplement/dp/B01G239EOG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Milk+Thistle&qid=1559826061&s=hpc&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1, in capsules form, open the capsule and give him the powder from the inside with water or other liquid. I’ve never heard of side-effects at it. Give him more than it is written on the bottle.

          Please remember that I am not a doctor nor a naturopath. I research for my website a lot and all these advice are from my readings and my experience with these products.
          All the best!
          Laura

      3. Hi Laura,

        Thanks for quick response and resolve my doubts. As you suggested for Propolis https://in.iherb.com/pr/NaturaNectar-Liquid-Red-Bee-Propolis-2-fl-oz-60-ml/87116.
        is out of the stock. It is available in Amazon, https://www.amazon.in/NaturaNectar-Red-Bee-Propolis/dp/B07CTRVT6H but its too costly.
        Can I use this in capsule form https://in.iherb.com/pr/NaturaNectar-Red-Bee-Propolis-60-Vegetable-Capsules/55815. If yes, then how do I calculate drops/capsule, please suggest.
        For Dandoline https://in.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Dandelion-Root-500-mg-100-Veg-Capsules/545, and Milk thistle https://www.amazon.in/Milk-Thistle-Silymarin-Strength-Supplement/dp/B01G239EOG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Milk+Thistle&qid=1559826061&s=hpc&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1
        please suggest for quantity and timings.

        Thanks & Regards

        1. Hi Saher,

          I am going to be completely honest with you. As I told you before, I am not a doctor. Everything I told you was from my experience as a mother and as a blogger, passionate with honey and the other products of the hive, who research a lot in order to share the good benefits of them to the world. I look into traditional medicine, but also into scientific studies, as they speak louder.
          Anyway, when it comes to children, I have experience only with propolis water extract and I have already told you everything I know about the dose.

          You can google more about the dandelion root, to see what was the dose used in the studies. Search only for studies. I personally have no experience with it, but I’ve read about it while researching for my honey.
          Silymarin is widely used in my country, people take it every day for their whole life, it is like gold for the liver.

          It is not that I don’t want to help you, but this is really not my expertise. I have given you a starting point, you can search for more, maybe find a naturopath, or go by your intuition. I wish I have been able to help you with more.
          Laura

      4. Thanks a lot Laura for your guidance and direction. I will do my best for my son.

  2. Hello,
    Thank you for sharing your helpful article. I am doing research for a particular digestive issue my friend’s child has. I am not asking for medical guidance and I won’t hold the comment you respond with as such.

    However there is an article I wanted your feedback on. I don’t think I can post it here (don’t know your site rules), but a naturopath posted an article, I believe it is called ‘Sarah got healed with a radish’. It’s about a child with biliary atresia who was terminal. Apparently her condition was inoperable and she was not given a good prognosis. However now she is
    35 with her own liver and lived way past her life expectancy because of her parents use with black radish in her diet.

    Is there any chance you would care to guess or know which black radish they may have used?—whether spanish or Japanese? And how one would go about juicing a radish? Would it need to be peeled first and so forth? Can it be stored in the fridge if a lot done at one time or is it luke garlic and better when done fresh.

    The article yielded great information, just not a lot of specifics. Thanks for any feedback.

    1. Hi SJ,
      For liver problems it must have been Spanish black radish. I searched for that Sarah article and indeed I found one which was quite explicit. Here.
      My personal opinion is that one can make juice enough for a day then keep it and drink it at room temperature.
      Anyway you can also ask the author, I googled her and found enough info available.
      All the best.
      Laura

  3. SORRY, one more question please. Do you recommend any other black radish supplements? The tincture you recommend has questionable reviews and also isn’t prime. What do you think of the capsules or tablets? I usually open my capsules and drink them in the a.m. with little water and apple pectin.

    1. I usually take the syrup formed by mixing honey and black radish (and also give it to my child when he has a sore throat). I take it as general tonic, not to treat something. For a therapeutic purpose you can take capsules or tablets. It’s easier and in a more concentrated form. Opened capsules are just fine.
      Laura

  4. What a darling reply 🙂
    Many-many thanks for taking the time to explain.

    Blessing to you and yours!

  5. Hi Laura,
    So are you saying if someone has parasites to not take black radish? I need something to help support the bile flow of my gallbladder and liver while treating for parasites in which I know I have from several factors (too scary to post)…
    Thanks!

    1. Susan, I searched through my article and comments and I didn’t find where I could have said this. On the contrary. If you have parasites, especially if you take some conventional drugs against them, black radish (and honey) will protect your liver and help with detoxifying the body (from all the toxins left there by the parasites!)
      I have also read the black radish extract encourages the liver to produce fat- and protein-digesting bile and lowers the tension of the bile ducts. It also improves peristaltic movement. So I think black radish may be a good friend of yours.
      Laura

  6. I also have IBS. My NTP has me taking 3 in morning and 3 at dinner. I have horrible allergies and cannot seem to gain wait. When I take the 3 black spanish radish it makes my stomach burn and I constantly feel like I have to go the bathroom only not urine. Is this normal. Thank

    1. Hi Shannon,

      Your problem seems to be more than just IBS. I have recently read an article about problems like yours and the author (a medical doctor) solved the problem by discovering a pretty rare parasite in the man’s gut. It is difficult to make tests for all possible parasites and so he was recommending anyone to take, in advance, a remedy for parasites along with a liver-protecting drug.
      It may be this or it may be a virus or a bacteria. This IBS is caused by something and all these doctors recommend to try and eliminate the cause first, while in the same time keep a strict diet and take supplements to repair the gut.
      I hope this helps you,
      Laura

  7. I have IBS will it help to manage this very debilitating syndrome?

  8. My naturopathic dr just started me on the Standard Process Spanish black radish tablets. I am feeling good about this. I have lyme, strep and other parasites. Great article!

    1. Hi Tobin,
      Liquid like ampoules? I don’t know where to find them in Orange County. I suppose you couldn’t find some raw black radishes in a vegetable market… Try online shops, maybe from Canada. MICHELLE here says they sell them as ampoules there. Here is an example found at Gonaturalcanada.ca.
      Or from Amazon.com, a dried root tincture: Black Radish Liquid Extract
      I hope this info helps.
      Laura

  9. YOU ARE RIGHT !!!THIS WORKS SO GREAT ! VERY POPULAR IN CANADA AS AMPOULES !!!

    1. I would have never expected this: ampoules. They must be taking things really seriously there. Good for them.
      But this means our allopathic medicine is recognizing the power of our plants. And this is amazing.
      Laura

  10. A long time ago I used to do research on black radish because my mother took it. So I happen to know a thing or two about it and this article is as accurate as it’s going to get. GREAT INFO HERE!

  11. No way!! Seriously?! First of all, I didn’t even know there is such a thing as a black radish… and that is so powerfully empowered to help us in our health!! Thanks for sharing such a magical item!! 😀

    1. You are funny as usual, McKing. Yes, I’m not kidding, black radish does exist, and yes, it does magic. And I will repeat myself: Try it if you don’t believe me! 🙂
      Laura

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