The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Beet Root (Beta vulgaris) has been used historically as an emollient, nutritive, and rejuvenative. Beets help normalize the pH of the body, and they also help build the blood within the body. The primary known chemical constituents of Beet Root include saponisides, phytosterol, betaine, leucine, tyrosine, betacyanin, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, and traces of iron.
Beets are native to the Mediterranean, but are now grown worldwide. The botanical name 'Beta' is derived from the Greek letter in the alphabet, which the bulbous root is thought to resemble. 'Vulgaris' means common. The actual word Beet is from the French 'bete', meaning 'beast' as ancient cooks were reminded of bleeding animals when cutting up Beets.
Beet Root also has a general stimulant and resistance-enhancing action. This is based on the red pigment 'betanin', an anthocyan from the flavonoid group. Large quantities of Beet Root consumption can make both urine and stools turn red, which should not be mistaken for blood.
Beet Root has also found many culinary uses: juices, soups, salads, pickled and baked. Borscht is an iron rich Russian soup made with beets. The beet greens are high in oxalic acid and not recommended for those with kidney stones or arthritis.
In mythology, Aphrodite is said to have eaten Beets to retain her beauty. In folk magic, if a woman and man eat from the same Beet, they will fall in love. In Africa, Beets are used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)
