Taro is not only delicious but also medicinal.

1. Features and uses oftaro

In Oriental medicine books, taro is often calledmilk, head, root... Scientific name is Colocasia antiquorum Schott., (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott., belongs to the Araceae family.

Wild taro tubers are usually purple, eating them causes gas and is not nutritious. Cultivated taro tubers have a sticky white powder, a slightly sweet and spicy taste, and are slippery. Taro grown in our country includes many varieties such as:Iris varieties:Small plant, often grown in plains, light pink or yellow tubers, delicious.Galangal varieties:This variety is high yielding but itchy.Spotted potato variety:Tall tree, can be grown on land or underwater, the root is very itchy to eat.

Generally, taro grown in undrained fields is itchy. Therefore, for people who are allergic to taro, do not wash the taro with water before peeling, you can use food gloves to clean it.

- Taro (first example):Spicy and sweet taste, neutral properties, beneficial to the three meridians of the spleen, stomach, and large intestine; has the effect of dispersing lumps, reducing lymph nodes in the neck, laxative, and facilitating bowel movements; is used to treat painful swelling, arthritis, tumors, lymph nodes, nephritis, burns, lymph...

- Taro leaves (taro leaves):Spicy taste, cool properties; effective in treating diarrhea, stopping sweating, reducing toxic swelling; used to treat diarrhea, spontaneous sweating (sweating while awake), night sweats (sweating while sleeping), boils, toxic swelling...

- Leaf stalk - taro (spike):The taste is similar to the leaves, has diuretic effect, regulates digestive function, reduces swelling; treats diarrhea, dysentery, and swelling...

- Taro flower (flower head):Bitter taste, neutral properties, toxic, can be used to treat stomach pain, hemoptysis, uterine prolapse, ulcerated hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse...

According to modern medical research, taro contains more than 17 types of amino acids that are essential for the body. The abundant vitamin C and B6 content in taro helps the body increase resistance and prevent aging. Taro contains a lot of potassium to help control blood pressure. The abundant fiber in taro meets 27% of the body's daily fiber needs, helping to laxative, detoxify and reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Taro also contains omega-3 and 6, which are very good for the heart, preventing disease...

2. Medicines from taro

- Treating acne and boils:Fresh taro and vinegar, equal doses. Boil and mash into a fine powder, apply to the affected area.

- Curesoft tissue injuries,swelling, bruising:120g taro, 3 raw onions. Crush taro, add a little wine, mix well, apply with a thin gauze on the bruised area due to injury.

- Treatment of rheumatism and pain:Taro and ginger, equal doses. Crush and apply to the painful area, secure with a bandage; change the medicine 1-2 times a day.

Dosage can be changed depending on the weather and individual constitution: In the summer, people with heat constitution and pain due to heat can use 3-4 parts taro and 1 part ginger; or 2 parts taro and 1 part ginger. In the winter, people with cold constitution and pain due to cold can use 1 part taro and 2 parts ginger or 2 parts taro and 3 parts ginger.

- Treat snake bites,bee sting:Fresh taro leaves crushed, applied to the painful area.

- Treatment of hives:Taro leaf sheath 60g, mouse ear root 30g, red date 30g, brown sugar 30g. Boil to drink.

- Treatment of sore throat:20g taro, 50g wolfberry root. Boil and drink once a day. Drink continuously for 2-3 months for patients with tumors in the throat area.

- Treatment of diarrhea and dysentery:Taro leaves 30g, carrots 30g, garlic 5g. Boil and drink.

3. Notes when using taro

- Using the small tubers of taro as medicine is more effective than the main tubers.

- Medicine made from taro must be used on the same day to be effective.

- The natural medicinal properties of taro take longer, so patients need to be patient throughout the treatment process.