A familiar and easily found root vegetable holds promising potential in effectively preventing this health risk.

According to the newspaper Tổ Quốc, traditional medicine practitioner Nguyễn Đình Cự from the Thai Binh Traditional Medicine Association stated that when a person suddenly loses consciousness and falls into a coma while appearing to be in normal health, it indicates an acute stroke (acute cerebral ischemia).

Acute stroke is often caused by a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery. It is considered a medical emergency. Patients with thrombophlebitis in the lower limbs are at high risk of stroke because blood clots may break off, travel through the bloodstream, and block arteries in the heart, lungs, or brain at any time.

A Common Garden Plant with Effective Stroke Prevention Benefits

Therefore, stroke prevention is essential for many people today. According to herbalist Cự, while stroke is dangerous, preventing it can be remarkably simple. In traditional Eastern medicine, a plant known for its role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and strokes is the native red canna (dong rieng do). This plant contains coumarin, a compound that helps dissolve blood clots and keeps blood vessels clean.

How to Use Red Canna

According to herbalist Nguyễn Đình Cự, red canna can be used either fresh or dried, both of which are effective.

For prevention, use 20 grams of dried red canna daily. Wash and boil it to drink as water throughout the day. For treatment purposes, use 60 grams per day and boil it to drink.

"Users should persist in taking it regularly for about a month to see a noticeable improvement in health," said herbalist Cự.

In addition to supporting stroke prevention and treatment, red canna is also effective for women experiencing menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). Use 3–4 canna roots, a handful of azalea flowers, and a chicken weighing around 1 kg. Prepare the ingredients, put them in a pot, and simmer until well-cooked. Consume this chicken and canna stew twice a day for about two weeks to significantly improve the condition.

Herbalist Nguyễn Đình Cự cautioned that although red canna is easy to find, commonly used, and generally safe, users should avoid overdosing as it can lead to adverse effects.

Those with weak constitutions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, etc., should consult a specialist before using the herb.

Traditional Remedies Using Red Canna

Acute hepatitis treatment: Use red canna roots, boil them, and drink the liquid daily in place of water.

Coronary artery disease treatment: Use 60g of dried red canna root, clean it, and simmer with one pig heart. Eat both the broth and the meat. Do this once a day for 10 consecutive days for results.

Treatment for bruises from falls or trauma: Crush fresh red canna root and apply it directly to the injured area.

Hepatitis treatment: Use 20g of red canna root combined with 15g of red canna flowers. Boil and drink the liquid as water throughout the day.

Falls and trauma: Crush fresh root and apply to the affected area.

Toothache remedy: Boil red canna root and sticky rice with chicken and eat.

Treatment for bloated stomach in children: Use equal amounts of red canna leaves, flowers, and Desmodium styracifolium (moneywort). Crush them, heat them up, and apply to the child’s belly.