How to Use Watermelon As a Medicine

By Jenny Hills Food & Nutrition

Watermelon is one of the fruits most associated with summer, but next to the delicious sweet taste that we all know, it also contains medicinal properties: lowering blood pressure, treating edema, skin fungus and more. Watermelon contains considerable amount of beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iodine and manganese. It contains only 29 calories per 100 grams, which is another good reason to eat watermelon. How to use watermelon as a medicine? There are a lot of reasons to eat watermelon: watermelon seeds expand the blood vessels, lower blood pressure and improve kidney function. For kidney cleansing it is recommended to do a watermelon fast for a whole day. Cut small cubes of watermelon and eat several pieces every fifteen minutes. Fasting is beneficial to those suffering from stones and kidney infections and urinary tract. Watermelon is a good diuretic and therefore good for edemas. Watermelon is also beneficial for constipation as it is a mild laxative. Kidney cleansing: watermelon fasting for a day. Watermelon is a natural diuretic while ridding the body of excess fluids. There are many ways to enjoy the benefits from watermelon. Simply slice or juice your watermelon and consume it whenever you are hungry. Kidney infection: the same. A kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria enters your kidneys. After you receive a medial treatment for it, a healthy diet can help you to recover and help protect your body from developing further infections. Drink lots of fluids including fruits and vegetables with a high water content such as watermelon, cucumber and apple. Kidney stones: make watermelon seed tea by pouring a pint of boiling water over a tablespoonful of watermelon seeds (ground or cut) and allow it to steep. Let it cool, then strain and drink three glasses per day. For more information on how to treat kidney stones naturally click here. Liver cleansing: drink 3 cups daily watermelon juice. A watermelon cleanse helps the liver to process ammonia, a waste from protein digestion, and convert it into a molecule known as urea, a component of urine that is safely excreted from the body. To learn more about detox concept, you can find more useful information in my e-book The Detox Guide. This guide will teach you how to use detox to cleanse and energize your body naturally and safely. Colon cleansing – A common problem amongst people with colon issues is dehydration. Incorporating more liquids into your daily routine is key in achieving a cleaner colon and more proper digestion. It lubricates the digested food and provides it with the right hydration to break it down. Water, fruit juices and eating fruits and vegetables high in water content, like watermelon, will help. You can find here more food to cleanse your colon. Constipation: Eat a slice of watermelon to help restore the colon and intestines. It’s all about high water content and fiber, and within a short time the body seems to go into the elimination process moving the waste out. Don’t consume too much watermelon otherwise it can cause diarrhea. Read more about natural remedies for constipation here. Skin fungi: rub the watermelon rind on the skin several times a day. Apparently the rind contains anti-fungal properties. Skin pimples: the same. Rub watermelon rind directly onto your affected area and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off. By rubbing a watermelon rind on your face you are releasing the nutrients directly onto your skin and cleaning up bacteria-prone areas. To read more about natural homemade skin treatment to stop breakouts click here. Edema: Drink 3 cups watermelon juice a day (watermelon has diuretic properties). High blood pressure and problems in the arteries: A small study by Florida State University published in the American Journal of Hypertension, found that watermelon is loaded with an amino acid called L-citrulline which helps improve circulation, relaxes arteries and lowers people’s systolic blood pressure by as much as nine points. You can also find here more information on how to reduce blood pressure naturally. Gout: Watermelon is an especially alkaline fruit with high water content, which are important factors in dissolving and flushing out the sharp uric crystals that cause gout pain. Click here for more information on how to treat gout naturally. Diabetes: According to Livestrong website, If you have diabetes, you are encouraged to eat watermelon as part of a healthy diet. Although watermelon has few carbohydrates and natural sugar per serving, it is also low in calories and loaded with nutrients. Just make sure that you follow the guidance of your health care provider. To read about 12 more excellent foods to control diabetes click here. Heartburn: eHow website recommends to eat 4 to 6 chunks of watermelon slowly and to repeat throughout the day. The quantity and how often you eat them will depend on how much discomfort you have.