Rice

Author: DarleneCheek

Date: November 1, 2000

Rice falls under the category "traditional home and folk remedies," and it is the staple food for more than half of the world's population. The rhizomes, seeds and germinated seeds are used as remedies. Rice is 97% carbohydrates, is rich in vitamin B (folic acid and pyridoxine), iron and potassium, as well as thiamine. There is only 1% of fat in white rice, and the fat content of brown rice is only slightly higher. Rice is low in sodium and also cholesterol free. Rice is a natural tonic, a diuretic, a digestive, controls sweating, lowers blood pressure and is an anti-inflammatory.

You can benefit from rice if you suffer from dyspepsia. It is excellent for heartburn (especially during pregnancy). Rice bran is a good treatment for hyperalcuria. You can use rice flower to make a poultice for relieving skin inflammation, including acne, measles, burns and hemorrhoids. As rice is a natural diuretic, if you increase your intake prior to menstruation, it will help with bloating and other PMS symptoms. Eaten regularly, rice can help prevent edema.

The seeds are used to treat urinary ailments, and rice water helps overcome stomach upsets. Rice and rice flower can be great substitutes for wheat, especially for those who cannot tolerate gluten and gliadin (such as those who suffer from celiac disease). Germinated rice seeds can help treat abdominal bloating, lack of appetite and indigestion.