April 15, 2002

BEET

Latin Name: Beta vulgaris rubra

Family: CHENOPODIACEAE

Parts Used: Root.

Properties: Antitumor, Emollient, Nutritive, Rejuvenative.

Internal Uses: Acne, Anemia, Cancer, Constipation, Diverticulitis, Dysmenorrhea, Hepatitis, Hypoglycemia, Leukemia, Lumbago, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism, Toxemia

Internal Applications: Capsules.

Beets help normalize the ph of the body, and they also help build the blood.

Topical Applications: Mixed with yogurt as a facial mask.

Culinary uses: Juice, soup, pickled, salads, baked. Borscht is an iron rich Russian soup made with beets.

Energetics: Neutral, Sweet.

Chemical Constituents: Saponiside, phytosterol, betaine, leucine, tyrosine, betacyanin, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, iron.

Contraindications: Can cause stools and urine to be colored red or pink, though this is not harmful. The beet greens are high in oxalic acid and not recommended for those with kidney stones or arthritis.

Comments: Beets are native to the Mediterranean, but are now grown worldwide. The botanical name Beta is derived from the Greek letter in the alphabet, which the bulbous root is thought to resemble. Vulgaris means common. The actual word Beet is from the French bete, meaning 'beast' as ancient cooks were reminded of bleeding animals when cutting up Beets.

Aphrodite is said to have eaten Beets to retain her beauty. In folk magic, if a woman and man eat from the same Beet, they will fall in love. In Africa, Beets are used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 15, 2002