Scientific name: Solanum tuberosum
Description:
Potato plants are herbaceous perennials with rough, pinnate leaves. They bear star-shaped flowers, 3-4 cm in diameter ranging from white, pink, red, blue, or violet flowers with yellow stamens. The roots produces several rounded tubers underground. For those with white flowers, the tubers generally have white skins, while pinkish skins from those varieties with colored flowers.
Nutritional and Medicinal Value:
The potato contains vitamins and minerals as well as phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols.
It is high in carbohydrate content, predominantly starch which acts like a fiber in our body and prevents colon cancer. The resistant starch content in potatoes improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Potatoes are also high on the glycemic index (GI) and it can lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentration.
The amount of resistant starch in potatoes significantly increases when potatoes are cooked and then cooled.
The protein content of a potato is mostly contained in a thin layer just under its skin.
Potatoes have Vitamin C and are high in Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Calcium.
Indications and Directions of use:
1. Scalds
Cut a thin slice of potato and place it on the affected area.
2. Mumps
Cut a thin slice of potato. Soak it in vinegar and place on the affected area. Do this several times a day.
THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.