Introduction: China has many varieties of radish, and it is a major vegetable in the vast northern regions. Eating radish is indeed beneficial to people, and the proverb reflects people's long-term experience of eating radish.
Li Shizhen praised radish as "the most beneficial among vegetables," saying that "eating it raw can relieve coughs and reduce bloating, while cooking it can resolve blood stasis and aid digestion." The "Shiliao Bencao" (Materia Medica for Dietetic Therapy) states that it can "benefit the five organs, make the body light, and make the skin fair and fine." The "Xinxiu Bencao" (Newly Revised Materia Medica) also says it can "greatly promote the circulation of qi, aid digestion, harmonize the stomach, eliminate phlegm, and nourish and strengthen the body."
Sour Radish and Old Duck Soup
The main way to use radish as medicine is through various forms of consumption, and it is also used in compound formulas. For example, for a sore throat, excessive phlegm and coughing, acid reflux after eating, or discomfort after eating greasy food, a simple method of chewing a few slices of raw radish can relieve the symptoms. For pulmonary atrophy with hemoptysis, one can eat radish and mutton soup; for dysentery and bloody dysentery, one can drink radish and honey juice; for diabetes with thirst and excessive drinking, one can eat radish and japonica rice porridge; for intestinal obstruction, use radish and mirabilite soup; for chronic bronchitis, drink radish and malt sugar water; for persistent nosebleeds, take radish juice mixed with wine orally; for chapped or swollen feet, steam and wash with a soup of boiled radish slices.
White Radish and Chicken Thigh Stew
In summary, the methods of consuming radish are simple and diverse. It can be delicious whether stir-fried, stewed, braised, boiled, used in soups, or eaten raw. It should be noted that carotene is a fat-soluble substance and can only be converted into vitamin A when dissolved in oils. It is best to cook it with oil or stew it with meat, ribs, pork liver, or fish. Generally, avoid excessive raw consumption, as raw radish is not easily digested, and the carotene cannot be well absorbed.
Millet Chili Radish Strips