How To Use Potatoes To Heal Gastritis, Gastric Ulcers, Rheumatism And Relieve Joint Pains

Last updated on 13 MAR 2019

Potatoes are the edible, starchy tubers of Solanum tuberosum, a plant species of the nightshade family Solanaceae.

They are widely cultivated all over the world, due to their nutritional value and incredible culinary versatility. But potatoes have curative and cosmetic properties as well, so they can be used to treat a wide variety of both medical and aesthetic conditions.

Potatoes come in many different sizes, colors and textures depending on the variety. The larger sizes are mature potatoes, while the smaller ones are new potatoes.

The thin skin can be yellow, brown or reddish in color, while the starchy flesh is usually white or yellow and its texture can vary from waxy to floury. The texture affects how potatoes are best cooked.

Although we don’t eat potato in its raw form, it can be used for juicing and is beneficial for many ailments.

Nutritional Benefits Of Potato

Potatoes are composed mainly of starch, a complex carbohydrate, and are virtually fat and cholesterol-free. They also contain good amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, vitamins of the B complex (B1, B2, B6, and folate), potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur and copper, as well as small amounts of fiber and protein (about 2.5 grams in a medium-sized potato).

Since most of the nutrients are contained in or just under the skin, it is important not to peel potatoes when juicing them. New potatoes are especially rich with all these nutrients.

Health Benefits Of Potato

Potatoes are nutritious and easily digestible, so they are suitable for all ages. They are diuretic, soothing, anti-spasmodic and help with digestion. Below are some therapeutic uses of potatoes:

Anemia:  Potatoes are excellent sources of both iron and folate, which are essential for the production of red blood cells. For this reason potatoes can be used as a natural aid in the prevention or treatment of different forms of anemia.

Arthritis:  Like rheumatism, arthritis is an inflammatory condition. The high minerals, potassium and organic salt content in potato makes it one of the best anti-inflammatory food. Slice a potato together with the skin and soak in a glass of distilled water. Drink in the morning before meal.

Burns, rashes and other skin irritations:  When applied on the skin, raw potatoes (cut into slices or juiced) have anti-irritating, soothing and decongestioning properties. It can be used to treat a wide variety of skin irritations and conditions, including burns, rashes, as well as skin redness, itching and dehydration.

Constipation and hemorrhoids:  Boiled or steamed potatoes promote the formation and passage of soft, hydrated stools. So they can be effectively used as a natural remedy to treat constipation, eliminate bowel straining and prevent hemorrhoids.

Gastritis and gastric ulcers:  Perhaps the most common use of raw potato juice is to treat gastritis, colitis, gastric and intestinal ulcers, due to its gastro-healing properties. See below for the juice recipe.

High blood pressure:  Potatoes are excellent sources of potassium, which helps lower and stabilize blood pressure.

Joint and other types of pain:  The regular consumption of raw potato juice is a valuable remedy in relieving pain associated with arthritis, gout and even headaches.

Rheumatism:  The juice extracted from raw potato is an excellent remedy for rheumatism. It is very detoxifying for a toxic condition. Take 2 teaspoons of the juice before meal for best effect.

Tired eyes:  Raw potato is really a useful aid for tired eyes. Apply thin slices of raw potato on the eyes at least twice a day, eyes dark circles will miraculously disappear!

Weight loss:  It’s a myth that potatoes are fattening. It is the oil in fried potatoes that causes weight gain. Raw potatoes are an excellent alternative for cereals and grains in any weight-loss regimen, due to their lower calorie content.

Potato Juice For Healing Of Gastritis And Gastric Ulcers

To remedy gastritis, there must be a lifestyle and diet modification.

• Eat in small amounts frequently rather than three big meals.
• Chew your food thoroughly to ensure proper digestion.
• DO NOT drink water with a meal to prevent dilution of digestive enzymes and stomach acid.
• Avoid foods that irritate: Processed/refined foods, deep-fried foods, soda drinks, alcohol, beans, citrus fruits, spicy foods.
• Eat a bowl of cooked oats daily for breakfast.
• Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Potato Juice Therapy To Relieve Gastritis

This juice combo has been reported to provide relief for individuals suffering from gastritis. Drink once or twice a day, at least half an hour before a meal.

To get the maximum benefit from potato juice, it is advisable to drink this juice for at least 2 weeks. You should experience much relieve by the end of two weeks, if not, continue for another one or two weeks till you no longer experience attacks.

Makes one serving, multiply quantities accordingly.

• 2 medium-large organic carrots
• 2 medium-sized organic raw potatoes (make sure you use potato that is NOT green and without sprouts)
• 1 tablespoon ginger root juice

Wash all the ingredients under running water. Do not peel, cut them up into sizes that will fit through your juicer chute. Juice and serve.

Consumption Tips

When choosing potatoes, avoid those that have sprouted or those with a “green tint”. (See Cautionary Note below). Instead, choose new potatoes (smaller ones) which are harvested before they are fully mature. They contain the most nutrients.

Store potatoes in cool (not cold), dark and dry places to avoid premature sprouting and dehydration. Also avoid storing in the refrigerator as this will cause the starch content to turn into undesirable sugar.

Finally, avoid storing potatoes with onions. Each emit gases that are not conducive and will degrade each other. Check your potatoes regularly and remove those that have sprouted, spoiled and dried up so that they don’t affect the other good potatoes.

Cautionary Note

Potatoes are among the foods which pesticide residues are frequently found. Go for organic whenever possible. If not, soak them in water with apple cider vinegar and sea salt to remove the residues. Then use a vegetable brush to give a good scrub on the peel before using.

Avoid consuming potatoes that have sprouted, turned green or have dehydrated. These contain toxic alkaloid solanine that have undesirable taste and may cause circulatory and respiratory health symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness.

About Sara Ding

Sara Ding is the founder of Juicing-for-Health.com. She is a certified Wellness Health Coach, Nutritional Consultant and a Detox Specialist. She helps busy men and women identify their health issues at the root cause, in order to eliminate the problems for optimum physical/mental health and wellbeing.

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