A Cheap Dried Root in Vietnam Is Considered a “Longevity Medicine”: Good for the Kidneys, Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar
In winter, white radish becomes a familiar food in many Vietnamese family meals. It’s not without reason that our ancestors said: “Eat radish in winter, eat ginger in summer.”
According to traditional medicine, white radish has a cooling nature. It helps digestion, regulates energy flow, clears internal heat, and dissolves phlegm. It’s considered a good choice to balance the stomach and improve bloating and indigestion.
Not only is white radish nutrient-rich, but it is also inexpensive, easy to find, and simple to prepare. Homemakers can cook it into various dishes or even brew it into herbal teas—both convenient and effective for warming the body during cold winter days.
Health Benefits of White Radish
Nutrition experts say that white radish helps the intestines eliminate stagnant gas, food retention, and dampness, thereby supporting smoother digestion. It also clears internal heat, easing symptoms caused by excess body heat such as dry mouth, sore throat, or dry cough.
However, not everyone should consume large amounts of white radish. People with weak digestion or a cold stomach (spleen-stomach deficiency in traditional medicine) should limit it. For those with a healthy digestive system, drinking radish water in winter is highly beneficial. If your stomach is weak, it’s best to cook the radish before consuming so the body can absorb it more easily.
7 Healthy Radish-Based Teas and Drinks
From white radish, people can prepare various traditional drinks to boost health during winter:Radish–Scallion Tea
Helps reduce sneezing and runny nose from colds. Boil 15 g radish, 2 scallion stalks with roots, and 3 slices of ginger in water, then drink while warm.
Radish–Ginger–Red Date Drink
Warms the body and relieves cold-induced cough. Simmer radish, ginger, and red dates for 30 minutes, let cool, and add honey.
Radish–Pear Drink
Moisturizes the lungs, soothes dry cough, and relieves sore throat. Peel and cut radish and pear into small pieces, boil for 15 minutes, and drink.
Radish–Apple Tea
Strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes digestion. Peel radish and apple, cook until soft, and drink while warm.
Radish–Hawthorn Drink
Suitable for those with bloating and poor appetite. Boil radish and hawthorn until only half a bowl of liquid remains, then add rock sugar.
Radish–Dried Tangerine Peel Drink
Regulates energy flow, reduces bloating, clears phlegm, and eases cough. Simmer radish and dried tangerine peel for 15 minutes.
Radish–Chinese Cabbage Drink
Helps with bowel movement and relieves constipation. Simply boil radish with Chinese cabbage and a bit of rock sugar until soft.
Though white radish is nicknamed the “ginseng of winter,” if consumed incorrectly, its benefits may be greatly reduced and it may even cause digestive discomfort. Therefore, each family should prepare and use it in ways that suit their health condition.