Corn

Scientific name: Zea mays

Parts Used: Fresh or sun-dried corn cob and corn silk 

Health Benefits of Corn:

Corn is a good source thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. It is also rich in complex carbohydrate, fiber, and healthful essential fatty acids.

The different varieties features an array of different colors mainly due to the various flavonoids and carotenes contained in corn.  Yellow corn is high in the carotenoid and lutein.  The lutein in yellow corn helps to protect against heart disease and macular degeneration (condition of the eye typically seen in old age).

The significant amounts of folate can prevent birth defects and reduce the risk of heart attacks.  Since corn is rich in fiber as well as folate it is known to reduce risk of colon cancer.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and it supports the function of the adrenal glands. Thus, corn is seen to be beneficial to those with kidney problems including renal dysfunction.

Indications and Directions for use:

1. Renal Calculi (Initial stages), nephritis, edema
Boil corn hair in water to produce a concentrated decoction.  Drink it as a regular tea. For Edema, do the same and take it during meal time (also limit salt intake).

2. Gout
Boil 2 fresh corn cobs in water for at least 45 minutes.  Allow to cool. Drink one cup 3x a day.

3. Primary hypertension
In equal amounts, boil together dried corn hair, watermelon rind and sliced banana in water. Drink it 2x to 3x a day depending on the severity of the condition.

4. To lower cholesterol
Boil and eat corn everyday. The soluble fiber in corn binds with cholesterol in bile from the liver and passes through the body taking the cholesterol with it.


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.

Potato

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.