Winters are a time when a number of root vegetables are available. Two of the most popular root vegetables include carrots and radishes, which are abundantly available in grocery stores across the country. Seasonal vegetables are replete with essential vitamins and minerals that are required by the body to cope with the impacts of the changing weather. But while we are aware of the popular varieties of these vegetables, a number of lesser known variants remain unused. For example, when it comes to carrots and radishes, consuming their black variants has a number of health benefits. Both these veggies are rich in anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties and help the body keep inflammation at bay. The black radish, in particular, has a number of uses during winters, including fighting cold and cough.
Yes, you read that right! Black radish is one root vegetable, which can be used to even remedy cold and sore throat. The vegetable has a white flesh and a blackish brown outer skin, which looks like the normal white radish. It has a sharp flavour that is typical of the radish vegetable and is either eaten raw, in salads or is cooked in stews and soups. The vegetable can be consumed along with its skin. However, to consume black radish with its peel, make sure it is fresh and washed thoroughly. Although the phytochemicals present in black radishes have a number of health benefits, including boosting cardiovascular health, their use in remedying cold and cough is very well known.
Also Read: 6 Best Home Remedies For Cough To Give You Instant Relief
Black Radish Home Remedy For Cold And Cough
All you need for this lesser known home remedy is fresh black radishes and a little bit honey or sugar. Take a medium-sized radish and cut the stem and root of the radish to get a disc-like shape. Now, using a sharp knife cut a depression in the radish flesh. Pour some honey or sprinkle some sugar granules into this depression and cover it with the chopped stem top. Set the radish aside overnight or for a period of upto 12 hours. Do not fill the hollowed out part till the brim. Leave out some space at the top. Place the hollow radish with the honey in a glass or a dish. After the 12 hours have passed, you will observe some juice of the radish getting collected in the depression and in the glass/dish.
Also Read: Is It Safe To Give Honey To Infants To Relieve Cough? Here's The Answer
Collect all this juice and consume it to remedy persistent cough or cold. Another way to prepare this black radish juice in larger quantity is to chop the flesh into pieces and place them in a jar. Cover the cubes with honey and let the mixture sit for a day or two. Grab a spoon and consume some of this honey-black radish mixture to treat your cold and sore throat. Black radish is an amazing winter vegetable, as it is very rich in vitamin C, which is an immunity booster. It is also rich in potassium, iron, magnesium, sulphur, etc.
So, the next time you feel like you are not able to shake off that persistent cough, get your hands on black radishes and a jar of honey and you will have a remedy soon!
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