BEETS

Description:

Beta Vulgaris. There are two sorts, the white and red Beets. The common white Beet has many leaves next the ground, somewhat large, and of a whitish green colour.

beat

The stalk is great, strong, and ribbed, bearing many leaves, almost to the very top of it. The flowers grow in very long tufts, small at the end, and turning down their heads, which are small greenish yellow buds, giving cornered prickly seeds. The root is great, long and hard.

The common red Beet differs not from the white, only it is less. The leaves are differently red, some only with red stalks or veins; some of a fresh red, and others of a dark red. The root is a deep red, spongy, and eaten when boiled either alone or mixed with salad.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Beats:

The juice of the root is a remedy for the headache, and toothache, when the jaw is affected, snuffed up the nose to promote sneezing. The white Beet opens and cleanses the bowels, and promotes digestion, and it is a good diuretic.

The juice removes obstructions of the liver and spleen, and is good for affections of the brain. Being applied to the temples, it stops inflammations in the eyes. Mixed with oil and a little alum, it is good for burns, and St. Anthony's fire.

The juice from beats is good for all weals, blisters, and blains in the skin; and made into a poultice, it is good for chilblains. The decoction with some vinegar, heals the itch, if bathed therewith, and cleanseth the head from dandruff, scurf, and dry scabs, and is excellent for running sores, ulcers, and cankers in the head, legs, or other parts, and for baldness.

The red Beet root stays the bloody flux, women's courses, and the whites, and is a remedy for the yellow jaundice.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. Any information presented is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not take the place of any prescribed medication. Please do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consultation with your physician.

This page and the rest of the encyclopedia of medicinal herbs was reproduced from old herbals written in the 1700 and 1800s. They are of historical interest to show the traditional uses of various herbs based on folk medicine and ancient wisdom. However the traditional uses for these herbs have not been confirmed by medical science and in some cases may actually be dangerous. Do not use the these herbs for any use, medicinal or otherwise, without first consulting a qualified doctor.

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