Black Radish
Botanical Description & Habitat
Raphanus sativus subspecies niger
Family
Cruciferae
Habitat
Widely cultivated as a salad vegetable; originated in Asia
Medicinal Parts
Root
See also:
Radish plant
Radish - raw
Historical Properties & Uses
Aside from its culinary uses, black radish is used as an antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue and diuretic. The juice is pressed out and used to allay coughs, rheumatic pains in joints, and gallbladder problems.
Radish is also used for bronchitis, diarrhea, headache, insomnia and flatulence. In Europe, balck radish is used primarily for biliary disease. The indications are chronic disorders affecting bile ducts, with biliary dyskinesia and a tendency to develop dyspepsia and chronic constipation.
Method of Action
Radish has Good Cholagogue Action
Radish works by stimulation of the vagus nerve which eventually results in the reflexive production and secretion of bile.
Radish has Antispasmodic and Antibiotic Action
Radish has a spasmolytic action on smooth muscle and contains potent antibiotic principles.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Radish, insofar as its diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
Diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and norepinephrine. The effects of dopamine and diuretic agents are additive.
Possible Interactions
The antacid nature of black radish may decrease or delay the absorption of nalidixic acid and the sulfonamides. Due to the spasmolytic nature it may interact in unknown ways with CNS depressants or stimulants.
The topical application of this astringent herb, in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin a acid) may adversely affect the skin.
The tannin in black radish may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. The tannin in a tea made from radish may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
In conjunction with ACTH or corticosteroids, this diuretic is more prone to produce hypokalemia. The use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs. The diuretic action of radish may reduce renal clearance of lithium.
An initial dose of captopril (an antihypertensive) may cause a severe drop in blood pressure within three hours if the person is also using a strong diuretic.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic may affect certain lab test results such as electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), BUN, uric acid, glucose, and pbi. Strong diuretics such as this in conjunction with indomethacin may produce natriuretic effects.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Many people do not tolerate radish juice. It upsets the stomach, produces heartburn and eructations. It is impossible to predict who will be a reactor and who won't. Normally, no side effects are seen at therapeutic doses.
Preparation & Administration
Juice
Mix equal parts radish juice and honey. Take 1 tbsp at a time, three times a day.
Juice cure
Take 3-4 oz juice before breakfast each day, gradually increasing the dose to 14 oz. a day.
After 1-3 weeks,depending upon desired effect, reduce dose to 3-4 oz. Maintain until cure is complete.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Holtmeier, H.J. Taschenbuch der Pathophysioloigie fuer Mediziner und Ernahrungswissenschaftler., Bd. 3825-142, Stuttgart, New York, 1977.
Lutomski & Speichert. Schwarzrettich als quelle einiger phytopharmaka. Pharmazie in Unserer Zeit, 11(5), 151-155, 1982.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Ohigashi, H. & Mitsui, T. Antimicrobial substances in higher plants. Botyu-Kagak, 38(3), 165-180, 1973.
Negri, R., et. al. Red. Ist. Sup. Sanita, 14, 186, 1951.
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