Medical Uses of Asparagus

For the first 5000 years of civilization, humans relied on foods & herbs for medicine. Only in the past 50 years have we forgotten our medicinal roots in favor of patent medicines. Asparagus has been famous for its taste and flavor for many years. This perennial Eurasian vegetable was regard as a panacea in early times. Native Americans used to dry the asparagus for medicinal uses. It is said to have been used for bladder, Kidney and heart problem.

Asparagus is diuretic, laxative, blood purifier, anti- rheumatic, restorative, cleansing, acts on bowels, liver and kidneys, promotes fertility, reduces menstrual cramping, increases milk production, stimulates hormone production, antispasmodic, know to prevent anemia, and is used for aches, pain and swelling in joints (rheumatism and arthritis). Ayurvedic science has discovered its efficiency in treating dryness of the lungs and throat, consumptive diseases (lingering cough, dry cough), tuberculosis and blood- tinged sputum. Asparagus is helpful in treating kidney, and lower back pain. It also counteracts thirst. The vegetable enhances the rate of urine production. Congestive heart failure, a disorder in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently, is said to be relieved by the recommended intake of Asparagus.

Asparagus is considered as a sedative for the nervous system, used internally for cystitis, pyelitis, kidney disease, rheumatism, cancer, neuritis, enlarged heart, and gout. How should I take Asparagus to benefit my health in best manner? The asparagus has multipurpose therapeutic properties and is alkaline food stuff. It consists of a nitrogenous content called ‘asparagines’ that has diuretic properties.

Let us see, the various consumption methods of Asparagus and heir direct benefits to the human body.

• The water from the steamed asparagus can be consumed along with the steamed stalks as a diuretic.
• Eating asparagus and its watery juice is good for helping dissolve uric acid deposits and is also useful for hypertension.
• Powdered seeds are helpful to cure upset stomach, and to relieve nausea.
• Water from the steamed asparagus stalks can be taken to remove skin blemishes. The skin can be cleansed with the water.
•The juice of asparagus is highly beneficial for acne or any “acid” body condition.
• Boil the decoction of the root in wine and take it internally to “clear the sight”. It can be used to ease a toothache as well.
• An infusion prepared from this vegetable (in doses of 30 to 60ml) is highly beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism and chronic gout.
• A food medicine for weak or enlarged hearts is prepared by a mixture of freshly expressed asparagus juice and hone. This concoction must be taken thrice daily.
• Heart patients may also benefit by eating the cooked vegetable provided the cooking is done conservatively, preferably in steamed form. With so much of medicinal value present in a single vegetable, Asparagus is surely a ‘magical vegetable’. However there are certain precautions one should take, before considering to use asparagus as a medicine. Juicing asparagus can be highly beneficial for the body. However, Asparagus juice should always be combined with other juices as it tends to be too potent to drink otherwise.
• Fresh root- 1 Tbsp or 20- 50m freshly expressed root 3 times daily.
• Dried root- 1.5 gram or 60 grains.
• Powdered seeds- 1tsp (30 grain) daily in Juice.
• Fresh stalks juiced- 1tbsp several times daily.
• Tincture- Express juice from 5 lbs fresh asparagus, simmer till reduced to 1 pint, strain and add 1 pint of 90 proof alcohol; taken in ½ top doses.
• Juice for Acne- 8 stems yields about 1/2c. Juice; mix with low sodium tomato or vegetable juice.
• Decoction for Bladder and kidney ailments- 2doz. Asparagus stalks, wash and cover with 1 quart of water, boil, simmer cool, drain. 1tbsp every 4 hrs. The asparagus root also contains substances called saponins, believed to have antibiotic properties. Test tube studies indicate that asparagus may even have cancer- fighting properties. However, with a vast description of medicinal properties of asparagus, we cannot neglect some side effect it may have on our bodies.