Читать книгу The Healing Remedies Sourcebook: Over 1,000 Natural Remedies to Prevent and Cure Common Ailments - C. Shealy Norman - Страница 130

SOLAN URN LUBEROSUM

POTATO

The potato plant is native to the Americas. It was supposedly endowed with powers such as the ability to cure impotence, and so long as the plant remained rare in Europe, its price often reached astronomical heights. Potatoes have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, and are extremely nutritious, supplying fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and vitamin C. The peels are high in potassium, and potato-peel tea has been traditionally used around the world for high blood pressure. The juice of raw potatoes is most useful, and can be added to soups, juices, or stews to disguise the taste.

USES

 The juice of the raw potato can be used for stomach ulcers and to relieve the inflammation of arthritis.

 Make a potato poultice for healing a bruise or sprain of any kind.

 Raw, grated potatoes can relieve the pain of a burn.

 Apply hot baked potato pulp for tennis elbow and other joint pain.

 Boiled potato peel is said to be useful for inflammation of the prostate. Apply as a poultice to the affected area.

 Eaten daily, potatoes can help to prevent premature aging and heart disease.

PROPERTIES

 Alkaline, which helps to detoxify the body

 Anti-ulcer

 Helps relieve inflammation and pain

 The skin contains chlorogenic acid, which can help to prevent cell mutation, causing cancer

CAUTION

Poisonous alkaloids are present in most nightshade plants, including the common potato, but it is perfectly safe to eat if cooked, and in small amounts when raw. Sprouting potatoes are poisonous and should not be eaten.