Natural Healers- Radishes

  Radishes were grown by the Egyptians and probably brought to Britain by the Romans. There are two main types- small summer varieties, and large winter ones, the roots of which can weigh half a pound or more. They can be eaten raw or cooked like turnips. Leaves, flowers and seeds can also be consumed, apparently, as well as the root, but as I've only eaten the root, I can't comment on the flavours of the rest of the plant.

  Radishes come in many shapes and colours and are available throughout the year. Root and leaf is rich in vitamins C and B, plus potassium and  magnesium, as well as trace elements.
 Being high in potassium, radishes can help fight hypertension, support a healthy liver and fight inflammation and congestion. The very hot black radishes are high in antioxidants that protect the bowel, whilst the essential oils in red, purple and white radishes
have antiseptic properties. Daikon radishes are  used in Chinese medicine to cool, and to soothe coughs and laryngitis, and are now thought to have anti-cancer properties.
  Radishes also stimulate the flow of bile, helping in the digestion of fat, as well as cleansing the gall bladder, liver and blood. In the past, they have been used to treat gall and kidney stones, and the juice from radishes was once a standard remedy for coughs, inflamed joints and all gall bladder problems.
   The summer radishes grow very fast to edible size and can be grown all year round under cold frames or cloches. They  do not need deep soil as they are in the ground for such a short time, though a little extra compost will improve the crop. Winter radishes, however, like a previously manured site.

  Summer radishes can be grown under glass from January in the UK, then in the open from March. They are a good catch crop, due to their fast growth, and can be placed between slower growing crops.
  Winter radishes should be sown from June to August, with attention being given to keeping the ground moist during dry weather. Go here if you need more inspiration about radishes.