Potato
Potato
Potato or the famous “Aloo” is a complete package of various medicinal and healing properties. It is a widely consumed vegetable as it is a rich source of various essential nutrients.
Potatoes, being rich in carbohydrates, are an energy-rich vegetable and consuming them even in a limited quantity provides a feeling of fullness. Taken in the boiled form, they might be useful in managing weight.
Directly applying raw Potato slices on the skin might help prevent skin problems including burns and boils. It also acts as a natural bleach and might be helpful in reducing pigmentation.
Excessive consumption of Potato might raise the blood sugar levels. So, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or reduce the consumption of Potato in the diet[1][2][4][6].
Potatoes, being rich in carbohydrates, are an energy-rich vegetable and consuming them even in a limited quantity provides a feeling of fullness. Taken in the boiled form, they might be useful in managing weight.
Directly applying raw Potato slices on the skin might help prevent skin problems including burns and boils. It also acts as a natural bleach and might be helpful in reducing pigmentation.
Excessive consumption of Potato might raise the blood sugar levels. So, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or reduce the consumption of Potato in the diet[1][2][4][6].
What are the synonyms of Potato?
Solanum tuberosum, Aloo, Aalu, Batate, Alu-gidde, Batata, Uralakilangu, Wallaraikilangu, Bangaladumpa, Uralagadda, Uralaikkilannu, Irish Potato, Zulu Potato, White Potato
What is the source of Potato?
Plant Based
Benefits of Potato
Modern Science View
Potato helps in relieving minor burn or sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory property. It reduces the pain and swelling associated with burn by inactivating the chemicals causing pain.
Potato is a good sedative in case of burns, skin rashes and cracks. Fix them with a bandage for 1-2 hours.
Tips:
A. For sunburn
i. Take a thinly cut Potato slice.
ii. Put them over the affected area
iii. Leave it for a few minutes[2].
B. Minor skin burn
i. Make the paste of raw Potato.
ii. Apply it on the affected area to relieve pain[2].
C. 1st Degree Burns
i. Take a slice of raw Potato.
ii. Put it directly over the affected area.
iii. Leave this on for 15 minutes.
iv. Remove and replace with a fresh slice of raw Potato for an additional 15 minutes[2].
Potato is a good sedative in case of burns, skin rashes and cracks. Fix them with a bandage for 1-2 hours.
Tips:
A. For sunburn
i. Take a thinly cut Potato slice.
ii. Put them over the affected area
iii. Leave it for a few minutes[2].
B. Minor skin burn
i. Make the paste of raw Potato.
ii. Apply it on the affected area to relieve pain[2].
C. 1st Degree Burns
i. Take a slice of raw Potato.
ii. Put it directly over the affected area.
iii. Leave this on for 15 minutes.
iv. Remove and replace with a fresh slice of raw Potato for an additional 15 minutes[2].
Ayurvedic View
Potato helps to quickly heal minor burns or sunburn when applied to the affected area. Burns or sunburn occur when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying Potato pulp helps to reduce burning sensation and heal the damaged skin due to its Ropan (healing) properties.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Potato in case of boils.
Modern Science View
Potato helps in managing the symptoms of arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory property. Potato juice, if applied on the affected area, helps manage pain associated with arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1 raw Potato.
2. Peel and cut it into small pieces.
3. Blend and strain the juice using a muslin cloth.
4. Take 1-2 teaspoon of this juice and apply on the affected area[2].
Tips:
1. Take 1 raw Potato.
2. Peel and cut it into small pieces.
3. Blend and strain the juice using a muslin cloth.
4. Take 1-2 teaspoon of this juice and apply on the affected area[2].
Modern Science View
Potato contains an enzyme aspartic protease that has proven antimicrobial activity. Studies state aspartic proteases are able to kill the spores of certain microbes[2].
How effective is Potato?
Insufficient evidence
Arthritis, Boils, Burns, Infections
Recommended Dosage of Potato
- Potato Powder - 1/2 - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Potato
1. Potato Juice
a. Grate a medium size Potato.
b. Squeeze the juice using a muslin cloth.
c. Dip a cotton ball in the juice.
d. Gently clean your face with it preferably at the bedtime.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin aging and blemishes.
2. Raw Potato paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Potato paste.
b. Apply on the affected area and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to get rid of pain due to skin burns.
3. Potato Slice
a. Take 1-2 slices of Potato.
b. Rub them on your temples to get relief from headache.
4. Potato powder
a. Take Potato powder ½- 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
b. Mix with water and apply on the affected area to get quick healing of the wound.
a. Grate a medium size Potato.
b. Squeeze the juice using a muslin cloth.
c. Dip a cotton ball in the juice.
d. Gently clean your face with it preferably at the bedtime.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin aging and blemishes.
2. Raw Potato paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Potato paste.
b. Apply on the affected area and let it sit for 2-3 hours.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to get rid of pain due to skin burns.
3. Potato Slice
a. Take 1-2 slices of Potato.
b. Rub them on your temples to get relief from headache.
4. Potato powder
a. Take Potato powder ½- 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
b. Mix with water and apply on the affected area to get quick healing of the wound.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Sliced Potato and its juice have the tendency to get oxidised when kept in contact with the atmosphere. So it is generally advised to keep the juice and cut Potatoes in the refrigerator in closed containers. It is advisable to use within 24 hours.
Modern Science View
Potato skin can be consumed. It can help add fiber and nutrients to your food.
Tip:
Clean the Potatoes well if you are using them along with the skin.
Tip:
Clean the Potatoes well if you are using them along with the skin.
Modern Science View
Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B-complex, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium.
Modern Science View
Baked or boiled Potatoes are healthier. Studies state that eating fried Potatoes or in the form of french fries is unhealthier. Potatoes can be eaten in baked, boiled or mashed without the risk of diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases[4].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Aloo.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- madevi M, Kumar SPK, Bhowmik D, e t al.Health Benefits and Cons of Solanum tuberosum.Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.2013;1(1):16-25.
- WebMD.Potato: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Muraki I,Rimm EB, Willett WC.et.al.Potato Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Three Prospective Cohort Studies.Diabetes Care. 2016; 39(3): 376–384.
- Mendieta JR1, Pagano MR, Muñoz FF.et.al.Antimicrobial activity of Potato aspartic proteases (StAPs) involves membrane permeabilization.Microbiology. 2006;152(Pt 7):2039-47.
- Eric A. Decker, Mario G. Ferruzzi.Innovations in Food Chemistry and Processing to Enhance the Nutrient Profile of the White Potato in All Forms1,2.Adv Nutr. 2013;4(3): 345S–350S.
- Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H.et.al.Dietary fibre in foods: a review.J Food Sci Technol. 2012; 49(3): 255–266.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.