ROOTS AND BULBS - The miracle healers you should know about A while back, newspapers were full of headlines that went something like this: "Cancer and Nutrition, No Connection"; 'Cancer as Nutritional Deficiency Uproven" Nowadays headlines more like this one which recently appeared in a Vancouver daily newspaper are beginning to crop up: "Eat your Vegatables, Cancer Researcher says" Research data from studies on diet and cancer collected by the U.S. National Research Council and published in their report, Diet, Nutrition and Cancer, is now beginning to show some evidence of official sanction to what our grandmothers have known all along: vegetables are good for us. Here are a few excerpts from some of the reports: "Graham et al (1972) observed that a low risk of gastric cancer was associated with the consumption of raw lettuce, tomatoes, carrots coleslaw,and red cabbage, and that there was a dose-response relationship for these food items." "In a large cohort study conducted in Japan, Hirayama (1977) reported that non-smokers who ate green or yellow vegetables also had a lower risk of stomach cancer." "Graham at al (1978) reported that a decreased risk of colon cancer was associated with frequent ingestion fo vegetables especially cabbage, brussel sprouts and broccoli. Decreased risk of rectal cancer was associated only with frequent ingestion of raw vegetables and cabbage." In part, the conclusions of the National Research Council date reads: "There is some evidence that foods rich in Vitamin A or its precursors and vegetarian diets are assocoated with lower risk (of cancer)."Today, the knowledge of the true goodness of root and bulb vegetables is rapidly spreading. These vegetables have patiently carried their secrets of health and healing, waiting for us to be ready to rediscover and learn from them. There are over a hundred edible vegetables, of which some are more of a medicine than a food. Vegetables literally allow our food to be our medicine and our medicine to be our food. Let's have a closer look at some of the ones that fall under the category of "Roots and Bulbs". CARROTS - THE EYES HAVE IT! Carrots are the most popular root vegetable of all. They are easily digested and for this reason they often are the first vegetable meal for many babies. Corrots are high in vital nutrients. Most of us have grown up withe the admonition to eat our carrots because thay are good for the eyes. This bit of folk wisdom isn't all that far off the mark, as carrots have a high beta-carotene content. Beta-caroteneis the precursor to Vitamin A which is essential not only for good eyesight, but also ensures the growth of bones and teeth and maintains the normal function fo our glands. It also aids in the resistance to infections. An added bonus to beta-carotene is that there is no worry of toxicity as there may be with very high therapeutic doses of fish oil sources of Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is stored in the liver and converted into Vitamin A as it is needed. As we have seen, current research is indicating that beta-carotene is a factor in the prevention of cancer. It is also excellent for those who cannot tolerate the oil-based sources of Vitamin A, but require supplementation. Beta-carotene is also good for smokers, who need extra protection from inhaled cigarette smoke, as well as non-smokers, who are exposed to secondary smoke (the smoke that comes from the burning end of the cigarette). If all this doesn't convince you that you ought to eat your carrots, then the fact that beta-carotene is available in tablet form will come as good news! If you are already taking beta-carotene tablets, check them for colour. Are they white? If so, then your beta-carotene is synthetic. It should state on the label that it is derived from carrots, and it should have a carrot-y taste. You will find several good quality brands available in the vitamin section at your health food store. Ask the staff for assistance in helping you determine which is best for you. Carrot juice, in a word, is fantastic. An eight ounce glass of fresh juice will provide an average of 50,000 or more international units of pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene) It is high in calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus,potassium and sodium. Not only do the carrot and its juice have a high degree of nutritional value, they have therapeutic properties as well. The juice from raw, organically grown carrots will work wonders for the liver, if taken for a few days to the exclusion of everything else: in other words, a two ar three day juice fast. The juice blends well with milk or cream, as the fats in the liquid help the fat-soluble pro-vitamin A and Vitamin E to be better absorbed. If you like to make your own juice, then select, firm deeply coloured carrots: they are preferable to the lighter coloured ones, as the deep colour indicates a rich presence of beta-carotene. A recent newcomer to the Canadian market (and only available at your health food store) is a line of lactic acid fermented juices and vegetables. Included in this line is carrot juice made from organically grown carrots. This juice not only gives you the benefits of the carrot itself, but also of the lactic acid bacteria (the good guys in our intestines). It is easily digested, stimulates the metabolic process and helps the body to detoxify itself. DANDELION - Love your Liver Dandelion?? Yes! That persistent weed that is the bane of many a gardener actually does have some redeeming qualities. A tea can be prepared from the leaves and roots of the dandelion plant. The roots are tenacious and not easily dug (as tenders of green lawns will agree), but the benefits that can be derived are worth the effort. A dandelion tea made from roots that have been roasted has a flavour similar to coffee, without either the acidic bite or properties of coffee, or the caffeine. Rather, it actually helps the digestive system to better do its work. A juice or tea made from fresh roots, stalks and leaves of the dandelion is an excellent cleanser and therefore of great help to those afflicted with severe liver and gall bladder disorders. Dandelion juice can be extracted from the roots, leaves and stems of the plant, but should not include the flower. As with all vegetableü^ð¦ ions, the juice should be sipped rather than drunk. This juice, along with many other plant juices, can also be obtained at many health food stores as part of a traditional line of plant juices from West Germany. The juices are guaranteed pure and natural. DEVIL'S CLAW - For aching joints Devil's Claw root is recommended predominantly for arthritic ailments and acts as a prophlactic for arthritis and rheumatism. It does this in part by virtue of its blood cleansing action, helping to flush out uric acid and toxins which would otherwise crystallize into painful deposits in various joints. At the same time, Devil's Claw stimulates the entire digestive system, thereby producing an all round cleansing effect on the body. The therapeutic effectiveness of this herb has received further validation from Dr. B. Zorn of the Friederich Shiller University of Jena in West Germany. As a result of his lab tests, he found that "Devil's Claw has a powerful, anti-inflammatory or anti-arthritic substance...and concluded that healing continued even after treatment was ended." Dr. Walter Shier and Dr. Hans Bauersfeld tested the entire Devil's Claw plant to determine which portion could be a more effective source of healing. They reported their findings to the "Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung" No. 21 (1973) and No. 45 (1974), stating that "the secondary tubers are the active source of the powerful healing ingredients." They go on to suggest that in using Devil's Claw, one should only use tablets made from the secondary tubers with no added ingredients or fillers of any sort, not even from other parts of this herb! Nearly all scientists who have studied Devil's Claw concur that only the secondary root or tubers contain the effective compound, harpagosid. Therefore, when you you go to the health food store, or herbal pharmacy, seek out Devil's Claw made from these secondard roots. The labels should say so. The best choice is an extract tablet. One that meets all of these qualifications is "Devil's Claw Root 410", an extract tablet with a controlled content of harpagosid, not to be confused with raw herb tablets or capsules. All clinical tests done on Devil's Claw have been made with the 410 extract tablet. GARLIC - Heart vs. Nose Did you know that garlic is high in protein, phosphorus and potassium, and that it further contains iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C? It is a good supplier of important nutrients. However, garlic does so much more in addition to providing nutrients, that this vegetble has come under scientific scrutiny. But the smell! Actually the smell is caused by the allicin component of the ethereal oils, letting you know that they are live and present and a vital component of the garlic's powers. Scientists consider these oils to be responsible for making garlic such a great germ killer. Although this smelly aspect is only two percent of the garlic, it is its life force. So it is essential that the natural oils be present not only in the fresh garlic clove, but also in any capsules or supplements in order for you to derive any benefit from it. Consumers should know that the medicinal efficacy of garlic is measured by the amount of allicin present. An accepted standard is 800 ppm (parts per million). Allicin is the cause of the odour and if it is removed, the effectiveness of garlic becomes questionable. So what exactly is it that garlic does? Garlic helps to normalize blood pressure, especially hypertension (high blood pressure). Its dilating effect on the blood vessels right down to the capillaries makes it invaluable to those affliced with arteriosclerosis. Its germ- killing properties make it a clear choice for prevention in times of influenza or other infectious illness outbreaks. Garlic has a most beneficial effect on the intestinal flora. This is good news for those afflicted with Candidiasis (an overgrowth of the candida albicans yeast), as garlic will help to kill off the unwanted bacteria, while helping the lactic acid bacteria to eliminate the toxic wastes given off by the candida yeast. At your local health food store you can find several garlic herbal combination capsules to fit the bill for you particular needs. But shop around first before settling for a brand. Break open a capsule and see if it has any garlicky odour. It it has been de-odourized, then the medicinal compound has also been removed. Find out whether the capsule will survive the passage to the intestines without its breaking open in the stomach first (your breath will tell you before long). It is in the small intestines where garlic is the most effective. If the capsule has survived the passage, you have found yourself a good, quality brand garlic capsule, which can and should be taken on an empty stomach just before a meal. This way the capsule has the easiest access to the small intestine. One of the oldest natural remedies for circulatory problems is the marvellous combination of garlic, hawthorn and mistletoe. It is an excellent combination used to regulate high blood pressure. It is relatively new to Canada, but has been used effectively in Europe for years. Whether taken in a combination of juices or in capsule form, it helps those who experience sluggishness of the circulatory system. Thanks mainly to the garlic, it also aids in maintaining the digestive system in conjunction with the heart and circulation, thus making it of particular benefit to the elderly. GINSENG - Ancient aphrodisiac, modern adaptogen Ginseng is one of those unique medicinal herbs that is rather difficult to classify under existing, specialized categories. By broad definition, the root of this plant is both a food and a drug. Rightfully, it should be categorized as a preventative medicine in that is a natural, raw agricultural product, which has, by clinical analysis, therapeutic value. Ginseng's therapeutic properties are important in various diseases. However, ginseng's action is more of a stabilizing or balancing nature, rather than that of a cure-all. This attribute makes ginseng an adatogen (adaptogens are medicines which increase all round resistance and strengthen the entire body). Unlike synthetic drugs which are designed to act against specific disease conditions, ginseng works in a non-specific, or broad, encompassing manner. In this way, ginseng is valuable for a braod spectrum of chemical disorders. It sets up a body-wide defense system that can increase resistance to physical factors (overeating, radiation), to chemical factors (poisons, carcinogens), and biological factors (bacteria and viruses). Adaptogens have a remarkable, homeostatic ability. This means that ginseng will bring blood functions back to normal, levelling our arterial pressure and balancing both hypo (low) and hyper (high) glycemia (blood sugar levels). The modern claims to ginseng's therapeutic powers are borne out by recent clinical studies on animals and humans as reported by scientists from Sweden, Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. These studies were published by Walter Ziglar, Ph.D., in his book, "The Ginseng Report". These studies tell us that ginseng is: - geneficial to the spleen in maintianing the circulation of blood volume and production of certain kinds of blood cells. - beneficial to the lymphatic glands. - lessens the absorption and retention of cholesterol. - rejuvenates the gladular secretions (hormones) of the endocrine system, thus improving the metabolic functions of the liver, kidneys and other organs. Ginseng is not only a remedy for the ill, it is good for the healthy as well. It is one of the most important preventative agents that Mother Nature has supplied. Many health food stores, as well as some Chinese produce stores, carry fresh ginseng roots. These are easily identified by the resemblance of their growth to the human figure. With these roots you can prepare your own tinctures of herbal tea preparation at home. A more convenint way might be to purchase the ready made preparation offered in health food stores. It is advisable to select only those products made by reliable manufacturers with well known brand names. HORSERADISH - Dear to digestion Horseradish is one of the most popular condiments for beef dishes. Although it is chosed for its contrasting, biting flavour, it also helps to break down those animal fats during the digestive process. The strong smell of the horseradish is due to its ethereal oils. These oils gently irritate the mucous membranes and thereby loosen and expel any clogging, stagnant mucous. Good news for those with bronchial congestion! Freshly grated horseradish will stimulate the secretions of the stomach and thereby improve the digestion of particularly rich and fatty foods. Your liver will thank you, as otherwise it has to labour in trying to neutralize those fats. If you have a juicer at home, you can easily make your own horseradish juice. The juice acts as an effective diuretic and helps to eliminate uric acid, the base of arthritis sufferers. As horseradish roots are not always available for making your own juice, it is good to know that it does come bottled and is readily available at your health food store. POTATOES - More than just spuds Potatoes are by far the most consumed vegetable in North America today. Unfortunately, the forms in which they are predominantly eated - potato chips and french fried - don't allow us to derive the nutrients and healing powers of this friendly tuber. Like so many other foods, the potato offers its healing powers best in its raw state. You can grate raw potato and mix it with a little milk and you have an ideal remedy for the healing of wounds and abnormalities in the healing process, such as proud flesh. This remedy also helps swelling, bruises and inflamed muscles. Juice from the raw potato can be used in many ways. Taken for several months (if necessary) with cabbage juice, it is good for gastric ulcer. Excessive gastric secretions, which cause a burning sensation, can be quickly relieved by drinking raw potato juice which has been diluted with water. If you find it difficult to drink potato juice, add it to warm cereal or soup after they have been cooked. Its taste disappears completely. One last note (but an important one!): when buying potatoes, avoid those that have a greenish tinge to them. They contain a poisonous substance called solanin, which can develop in potatoes if they are exposed to bright light for long periods of time. The sprouts on older potatoes should always be carefully removed, because they, too, contain solanin. These sprouts should neither be fed to animals not be used as a food or remedy. ONIONS - Tears for health In recent months, onions have taken on a new significance for me. Of course certain dishes just can't be made without onions, but I never knew that onions had so much more to offer than good flavour to soups and stews (and tears to the eyes of unwary choppers!) Onions of all kinds are members of the lily family. All onions contain a good amount of Vitamin C and ethereal oils, which lend each kind of onion its particular taste and smell. These bulbous vegetables also contain a wealth of mineral salts: sodium, potassium, iron, sulphur, iodine, silica and phosporic acid. Did you know that the onion has even undergone extensive testing? Professor N. Karchenko, head of the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical Institute of Kharkos, published the results of ten years of study of the onion. His findings include some very interesting points: - onions contain a high amount of Vitamins B and C, and are rich in beta- carotene (pro-vitamin A). - onions are a tonic for the cardiovascular system. - onions have anti-atherosclerotic and anti-cholestric abilties both from the curative and the preventative aspect. - onions are indicated for tonsilitis, influenza and pulmonary infections. "Onions", the author writes, "are esential to the diet, especially that of elderly people. The onion is also a very inexpensive medicine which retains its therapeutic properties over a long period of time." A bit of nutritional trivia: cooked onions are a digestive stimulant and they are excellent in helping to digest farinaceous (flour) foods. Raw onions, by comparision, stimulate the urinary system and help rid the body of excess water - remember the tears when slicing onions? That is a good indicator that the body is retaining excess fluids. RED BEETS - Enrich your blood This round root with the beatiful, rich red colouring is being seen more and more often on our lunch and dinner tables. Red beets are one of the most healthful root vegetables you could wish to find. In Europe, red beets have long been used for strengthening convalescents and for pale children. Red beets are rich in potassium, essential amino acids, asparagine, betaine and glutamine, as well as the vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and beta-carotene. This root vegetable is one of the best for women, as it contains not only all that important calcium, but also one of the elements needed for calcium absorption, phosphorus, plus bivalent (ferrous) iron. In their book, "Cancer: Leukemia and other seemingly incurable ailments - curable with natural foods", Dr. Cornelius Moerman and Rudolf Breuss strongly advocate the use of fresh vegetables. Breuss in particular speaks of his success with his combination fo red beet, carrot, celery root, horseradish and potato juices and the intrinsic part of his strict program to counter cancer. He further indicates that his juice cure is also a marvellous preventative and cleansing measure. Red beet juice on its own is a good cleanser and will help to rid the blood stream of metabolic wastes. Red beet juice taken on a regular basis activates and regenerates the red blood corpuscles, making it an excellent fortifier for the circulation. If making your own red beet juice is not feasible, then look to your health food store for fermented red beet juice. It is very easily digested and assimilated because of the lactic acid bacteria present ( which are so vital to the optimal functioning of our intentinal tract!). Also available at health food stores are red beet crystals derived from red beet juice which has had the water removed. These crystals readily mix up with water and can be taken with you to work or along on your travels, while still providing you with the same benefits as the freshly pressed juice. ODDS AND ENDS VALERIAN ROOT Valerian is the main ingredient of any herbal calming formula. From this root, a special tincture is derived that has a wonderfully calming effect on the nerves. This excellent news for insomniacs and those caught up in the web of the sleeping pill habit. Valerian tincture is also an excellent calming agent for nerves worn by excessive mental stress and nervous exhaustion. It's beneficial in cases of general irritability and other nervous indispositions. Valerian tincture works even better when taken with St. John's Wort Juice. Valerian is a safe, non-habit forming sedative. Again, if making your own tincture isn't possible, you can find it on the shelves of your health food store. CHICORY This plant is related to Endive lettuce. It promotes digestion and, like so many other root vegetables, it stimulates the function of the liver, gall bladder and kidneys. This makes it valuable to the metabolic process. The roots can be roasted and are a popular coffee substitute. PARSNIP This humble root vegetable is rich in calcium that is easily assimilated. Until the carrot took over in popularity, parsnitps were the root vegetable for our ancestors. Today, parsnitsp have been found to contain lots of Vitamin C. Like most roots, it has a diuretic effect. TURNIP These roots are very high in calcium that is easily absorbed. Turnip is also excellent for making pickles. Most of us associate pickles only with cucumbers, but practically any vegetable can be pickled and fermented with sea salt (or vinegar). Annelies Schoeneck has written an excellent little book of "Lacto-Acid Fermentation of Vegetables at Home", which describes the easy-to-learn process of how to make your own vegetables. LICORICE ROOT Licorice has been a favourite candy for youngsters of all ages, giving its bittersweet flavour to the wellknown, red and black coloured condiment. This root will be valued for those who are trying to overcome their addiction to chocolate: a tea made from licorice root has a mild, sweet taste and helps to still the cravings.