Beta vulgaris(Amaranthaceae) - BeetRoot

(Beetroot)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Beta vulgaris

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Beta

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Amaranthus spinosus (Prickly Amaranth, Tanduliya) - A common leafy vegetable (shaak) across India, used in Ayurveda for its diuretic, cooling, and blood-purifying properties.

• Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth, Chauli) - Another widely consumed green, valued for its nutritive and digestive benefits.

• Spinacia oleracea (Spinach, Palakya) - A well-known nutritive vegetable from the same family, though of Persian origin, now cultivated pan-India.

• Chenopodium album (Bathua, Vastukah) - A wild edible green extensively used in North Indian cuisine and traditional medicine for its cooling and anthelmintic properties.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris | English: Beetroot, Garden Beet, Red Beet | Sanskrit: Palanki, Yastyahva | Hindi: Chukandar | Tamil: Beetroot Kilangu, Cīkar kiḷaṅku | Telugu: Beetroot | Kannada: Beetroot | Malayalam: Beetroot | Marathi: Bit | Bengali: Beet | Nepali: | Urdu: Chukandar | French: Betterave | Spanish: Remolacha | Italian: Barbabietola | German: Rote Bete | Chinese: 甜菜 | Russian: Свёкла | Japanese: ビート | Africaans: |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering), Demulcent, Laxative, Diuretic, Nutritive Tonic, Cardioprotective, Aphrodisiac (in traditional texts).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Betalains: Betanin (the red pigment) and Vulgaxanthin (the yellow pigment). These are the primary pigments, acting as potent Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory agents. They help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.

Nitrates (Dietary): Inorganic nitrates. These compounds are converted in the body to nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), leading to its Hypotensive and potential ergogenic (performance-enhancing) effects.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids: Rutin, Epicatechin, Caffeic Acid. These compounds contribute significantly to the plant's overall Antioxidant capacity and support vascular health.

Saponins: These compounds have been studied for their potential Anti-inflammatory and Cholesterol-lowering effects.

Minerals: High in Potassium, Iron, and Folate. These support its role as a Nutritive Tonic, aiding in anemia management, electrolyte balance, and overall cellular function.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Raktapitta & Pandu (For Blood Purification and Anemia)

Formulation: Fresh beetroot juice or cooked beetroot.

Preparation & Use: Consuming 50-100 ml of fresh beetroot juice daily or including cooked beetroot in the diet is a common practice.

Reasoning: Its high iron and folate content supports red blood cell production, addressing anemia. Its blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) property is attributed to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions, helping the liver cleanse the blood.

Yakrit Vikar (For Liver Health)

Formulation: Beetroot juice with lemon.

Preparation & Use: A glass of beetroot juice with a squeeze of lemon is consumed to support liver function and detoxification.

Reasoning: The betalains and other antioxidants protect liver cells from toxic damage and support the liver's natural detoxification pathways, demonstrating Hepatoprotective effects.

Raktachapa (For High Blood Pressure)

Formulation: Raw beetroot juice.

Preparation & Use: 50-100 ml of raw beetroot juice is consumed daily to help manage hypertension.

Reasoning: The dietary nitrates in beetroot are converted to nitric oxide, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure (Hypotensive).

Vibandha (For Constipation)

Formulation: Cooked beetroot or beetroot salad.

Preparation & Use: Eating boiled or roasted beetroot as part of a meal provides dietary fiber.

Reasoning: The significant dietary fiber content adds bulk to the stool and promotes healthy bowel movements, acting as a mild Laxative.

Vajikarana (As an Aphrodisiac)

Formulation: Beetroot halwa or juice with milk.

Preparation & Use: Beetroot is cooked with milk, ghee, and sugar to make a sweet preparation (halwa).

Reasoning: Traditionally, it is considered a strengthening tonic (Balya) that can enhance vitality and performance. This is likely linked to its ability to improve blood circulation via nitric oxide.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Rasayana Juice for Blood and Liver Health

Purpose: A nutritive and detoxifying tonic.

Preparation & Use:

• Take one medium-sized raw beetroot, one carrot, and a small piece of ginger.

• Blend them together with a cup of water.

• Strain and drink once daily, preferably in the morning.

Beetroot Halwa for Strength and Vitality

Purpose: A nourishing and energy-building sweet dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Grate a cup of fresh beetroot.

• Sauté it in ghee, then add milk and cook on low heat until the milk is absorbed and the beetroot is soft.

• Add sugar or jaggery and cardamom powder. Garnish with nuts. This is a traditional preparation for convalescents and to build strength.

Simple Roasted Beetroot for Digestion

Purpose: A fiber-rich side dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Cut beetroots into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs.

• Roast in an oven until tender. This simple method preserves nutrients and provides a healthy dose of fiber.

7. Disclaimer:Beetroot is safe for most people when consumed in food amounts. Excessive intake can lead to a temporary, harmless condition called beeturia (red-colored urine/stool). Due to its high oxalate content, individuals prone to oxalate-based kidney stones should consume it in moderation. The high nitrate content warrants caution for individuals with very low blood pressure or on specific medications. Consult a healthcare provider before using it therapeutically for any condition, especially during pregnancy.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. NadkarniThe Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study:Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) - Family Amaranthaceae. Similar to beetroot, amaranth leaves are incredibly rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants, making them a potent remedy for anemia and used as a blood purifier in traditional systems.

Carrot (Daucus carota) - Family Apiaceae. Like beetroot, carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene (a powerful antioxidant), are highly nutritive, and their juice is often combined with beetroot juice for a synergistic blood-building and detoxifying effect.