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In the traditional medicine of India and the
ancient Persia this golden fruit is regarded as nature's secret of
perpetual youth. To this day, banana is known for promoting healthy
digestion and creating a feeling of youthfulness. They help promote the
retention of calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen - all of which then work to
build sound and regenerated tissues. Banana also contains invert sugar,
which is an aid to youthful growth and metabolism.
Intestinal Disorder
The banana is used as a dietary food against
intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and blandness. It is said
to contain an unidentified compound called, perhaps jokingly, 'vitamin U'
(against ulcer). It is the only raw fruit which can be eaten without
distress in chronic ulcer cases. It neutralizes the over-acidity of the
gastric juices and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by coating the
lining of the stomach. Ripe banana are highly beneficial in the treatment
of ulcerative colitis, being bland, smooth, easily digestible and slightly
laxative. They relieve acute symptoms and promote the healing process.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Banana are of great value in constipation
and diarrhea as they normalize colonic functions in the large intestine to
absorb large amounts of water for proper bowel moments. Their usefulness
in constipation is due to their richness in pectin, which is
water-absorbent and this gives them a bulk producing ability. They also
possess the ability to change the bacteria in the intestines - from the
harmful type of bacilli to the beneficial acidophilus bacilli.
Dysentery
Mashed banana together with little salt is a
very valuable remedy for dysentery. Ripe bananas are also very useful in
dysentery of children, but they should be thoroughly mashed and beaten to
cream before use in these cases.
Arthritis and Gout
Bananas are useful in the treatment of
arthritis and gout. A diet of bananas only for three or four days is
advisable in these conditions. The patient can be given to eat eight or
nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
Anemia
Being high in iron content, bananas are
beneficial in the treatment of anemia. They stimulate the production of
hemoglobin in the blood.
Allergies
The fruit is very useful for those who are
allergic to certain foods and who suffer in consequence from skin rashes
or digestive disorders or asthma. Unlike other protein foods, many of
which contain an amino-acid which these persons cannot tolerate and which
causes allergy. bananas contain only benign amino-acids which in most
cases are not allergic. The fruit, however, does cause allergic reactions
in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it.
Kidney Disorders
Bananas are valuable in kidney disorders
because of their low protein and salt content and high carbohydrate
content. They are useful in uremia, a toxic condition of the blood die to
kidney congestion and dysfunction. In such cases, a diet of bananas should
only be taken for three to four days, consuming eight to nine bananas a
day. This diet is suitable for all kidney troubles, including nephritis.
Urinary Disorders
Juice from banana stem is a well-known
remedy for urinary disorders. It improves the functional efficiency of
kidney and liver thereby alleviating the discomforts and diseased
condition in them. It clears the excretion organs in the abdominal region
of toxins and helps to eliminate them in the form of urine. It has been
found to be of great help in the treatment for the removal of stones in
the kidney, gall bladder, and prostate. It is advisable to mix this juice
whenever possible with the juice of ash pumpkin.
Over-weight
A diet consisting of bananas and skimmed
milk is considered an effective remedy for weight reduction. In prescribed
course of diet treatment, the daily diet is restricted to six bananas and
four glasses of skimmed milk or buttermilk made from skimmed milk for a
period of 10 to 15 days. Thereafter green vegetables may be introduced
gradually, reducing the intake of bananas from six to four. This regimen
or prescribed course of diet treatment can be continued till the desired
results are achieved. Bananas are suitable for overweight people as they
contain practically no sodium.
Menstrual Disorders
Cooked banana flower eaten with curd is
considered an effective medicine for menstrual disorders like painful
menstruation and excessive bleeding. Banana flower helps increase
progesterone hormone which reduces the bleeding.
Burns and wounds
A plaster is prepared by beating a ripe
banana into a fine paste. It can be spread over burns and wounds and
supported by a cloth bandage. It gives immediate relief. The young tender
leaves of banana tree form a cool dressing for inflammations and blisters.
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