Due to the presence in the composition of beets of many elements and compounds useful for the human body, it is often referred to with respect as a capsule of useful substances. It is distinguished by a high content of sugars, proteins, pectin, organic acids; contains vitamins of group B and rutin, folic acid and vitamin P. Its mineral composition is rich and unique: sodium - 120 mg%, potassium - 160 mg%, calcium - 40 mg% and all trace elements necessary for a person - iron, iodine, manganese, cobalt , copper, zinc, which are part of the enzymes that regulate the processes of hematopoiesis. This composition makes beets the best builder of blood cells, especially red blood cells. And in terms of iodine content, beets take one of the first places among vegetables.
The medicinal properties of beets are mainly due to the presence of saponins in its pulp, which are concentrated mainly in the lower part of the root vegetable and in the peel.
The presence of a significant amount of magnesium salts in beets helps to lower blood pressure. Therefore, for the treatment and prevention of hypertension, traditional medicine recommends taking beet juice, 0.25 cups 4 times a day. For the same purposes, and for vascular spasms, beet juice is used in a mixture with cranberry juice in a two to one ratio or in a mixture with honey in equal proportions.
Alcohol tinctures are also used to treat hypertension. To prepare it, 1 glass of fresh beetroot juice, 1 glass of honey and 1.5 tablespoons of marsh herb need to pour 0.25 cups of vodka, leave for 10-12 days in a cool dark place, drain. Take 1-2 tablespoons 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
The same effect is obtained by a mixture of 2 glasses of beet juice, 1.5 glasses of cranberry juice, 1 glass of honey, 1 glass of vodka and juice of 1 medium lemon. It is taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 1 hour before meals.
For hypertension in folk medicine, a mixture of beet, carrot, radish and horseradish juices, taken in equal proportions, is also used. For 4 cups of this mixture add 0.25 cups of vodka and insist for two days. Then the juice of 1 lemon is added to the mixture. Take a mixture of 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. With peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatitis, this mixture should not be taken.
And boiled beets in half with prunes are useful for cardiosclerosis. Beetroot soothes the nervous system, improves sleep and overall health.
Whoever eats beets suffers less from intestinal disorders. Even ancient doctors advised to eat 100-150 g of boiled beets on an empty stomach for constipation. But an excellent remedy for prolonged constipation is also a decoction of beets. To prepare such a medicinal broth, 1 medium-sized beet must be peeled, cut very finely, pour 2 liters of cold water and leave for 8-10 hours (from evening to morning). In the morning, bring to a boil, cook for 10-12 minutes, leave for 8-10 hours and drain. Apply for prolonged constipation in the form of an enema in a course of 12-15 procedures.
Beet specific substances - betanin and betaine - promote the breakdown and assimilation of fats and vegetable proteins, increase the vital activity and efficiency of liver cells.
According to reports appearing in the press, betanin inhibits the development of malignant tumors. The vitamin U contained in beets promotes the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers, has anti-sclerotic properties, and pectin substances suppress the activity of putrefactive intestinal bacteria, protect the body from the effects of radioactive and heavy metals, and promote the elimination of cholesterol.
Beet juice is used to wash the nose with a cold, treat pneumonia and pleurisy. With chronic rhinitis, good results are obtained by instilling boiled beet juice into the nose 3-4 times a day: for children - 5 drops, for adults - with a pipette. Fresh beet juice with the addition of honey is also used against the common cold.And if you mix beet juice in half with honey, then it helps well with colds.
Beets also help with sore throat. If your throat hurts, you need to take a pound of raw grated beets, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, stir everything well, insist for 3 days in a tightly sealed container, squeeze and gargle with the resulting juice 3-4 times a day. You can take this juice a teaspoon several times a day with milk.
With sore throat, gargle with fresh beet broth or chew slices of fresh root for a long time.
Warmed beet juice soothes ear pain. To do this, it is enough to inject 2-3 drops 3 times a day in both ears.
And for a headache, large thin slices of beet or its crumpled leaves are applied to the temples. For some types of headaches, putting pieces of cotton wool soaked in beet juice into the ears helps.
Chunks of beets are kept in the mouth to ease toothache.
It has beetroot and wound-healing properties. Gruel from a root vegetable grated on a fine grater is applied to wounds, burns and ulcers. Simple but effective.
