Bettina’s Diet: Daikon Tea…But Why?
In my previous post, I discussed the importance of burdock root tea as part of my macrobiotic diet. Today, I thought I’d share another beverage Bettina prescribed—dried daikon drink.
Beautiful serving of kinpira gobo from http://www.oishiirasoi.com/
Daikon is a root vegetable that likely originated in the Mediterranean but found its way to Japan where it has been used for centuries in a variety of dishes and preparations. Daikon is a member of the radish family and, while all parts of the plant are edible, it’s the root that is used in making a daikon beverage.
Bettina prescribed a tea, made from dried daikon root and water, to be consumed daily for three weeks.
Daikon Drink Recipe
1/3 cup dried daikon
2 - 3 cups water
Place dried daikon and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil without a lid. Turn the flame down low and place a lid on the saucepan. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Strain out the liquid and drink hot or warm.
This recipe makes two servings. Leftovers are refrigerated, then reheated before drinking. At first, this drink was hard to get used to but after the third serving, I looked forward to it. Now that the three weeks passed, I no longer take the tea.
But Why?
Daikon drink boasts many health benefits. It is excellent in dissolving fatty substances and it can be helpful in treating headaches and migraines as it can open constricting blood vessels. It may also be used to treat earaches, fever, seasonal affective disorder, and lymphoma-related sweating. Daikon is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorous.
I think Bettina prescribed this tea to me to help cleanse my body of toxins and fats.
As I learn more about holistic healing and the macrobiotic diet, I am struck by the regular use of food as medicine, of the number of remedies that come directly from earth and have such a profound effect on our bodies.
Every day, I see the physical and feel the emotional benefits that come from shifting the way I take care of my health. I’m learning that food is healthcare—that what I consume drastically improves the way my body performs and functions.
It’s all new and exciting, and I’m ridiculously grateful you’ve chosen to tag along on my journey. More to come soon!
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Additional References