It’s time to let food be your only medicine

Several new researches, suggest that specific foods have specific healing properties. The line between foods and drugs in treating certain conditions is fading. Similar to antidepressants, tranquillizers, and stimulant, in alternative medicine, there are foods and herbs that can alter our mood and ability to think. For example, the herb St John’s wort is extensively used in Germany as the choice treatment for depression. Chamomile tea, which is known to induce relaxation, can also be used as a tranquillizer because of its ability to promote sound sleep. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant. It helps to keep the body alert and focused. Another effective way to stimulate concentration is to eat fewer calories.

Beetroot: Its juice is a potent liver cleanser. It helps to purify blood and removes toxins. When taken along with carrot juice, it helps to regularise periods. It corrects an irregular cycle. Raw beetroot juice helps promote normal bowel movements and prevents constipation.

Radish: It is an excellent remedy for thinning down mucous, clearing sinuses, blocked nose, mucous related migraine, etc. Raw radish can be grated or chopped and chewed. Its juice helps to thin down mucous. It also helps to reduce gas formation and indigestion. Some people have a low level of stomach acids that causes flatulence (gas) when they consume non-vegetarian foods. Radish helps to prevent such indigestion. It also helps to reduce phlegm and corrects sore throat due to phlegm. Radish has a cooling thermal nature and its juice helps in detoxification and cleanses the body.

Watermelon: It has a cooling effect on the body and is a natural diuretic. It helps reduce oedema (water retention), treat urinary tract infections. It also helps correct constipation. Watermelon is high in potassium and low in sodium. Therefore, it is highly beneficial in reducing blood pressure. The seeds of watermelon can also be chewed as they help eliminate constipation. They are rich in iron and benefit those who are anaemic. Watermelon is also beneficial in treating depression and excessive thirst.