Taro is not only delicious but also medicinal.
Taro is a benign food that helps with bowel movements and prevents constipation. In addition, taro also has a special effect of dissolving lumps (reducing swelling and pain), activating blood circulation, and reducing inflammation.
1. Features and uses ofTaro
In Oriental medicine books, taro is often calledlure milk, lure head, lure 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 tubers grown in our country include many varieties such as:Iris varieties:Small plant, often grown in plains, light pink or yellow tubers, delicious.Galangal variety: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 often itchy. Therefore, for people who are allergic to taro, before peeling, do not wash the taro with water, you can use food gloves to clean.
- Taro root (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 stem (spike):The properties are similar to the leaves, with diuretic, spleen-harmonizing (regulating digestive function), and anti-inflammatory effects; used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and toxic swelling...
- Taro flower (flower head):Spicy, neutral, 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 fight aging. Taro contains a lot of potassium, which helps 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 are crushed and applied to the painful area.
- Treatment of hives:60g taro leaf sheath, 30g mouse ear root, 30g red dates, 30g brown sugar. 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
- Taro medicine uses the small tubers better 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 more time, so patients need to be patient throughout the treatment process.
