Healing with plants - the leek

Leek - Allium ampeloprasum var porrum (L), Also sometimes known as Allium porrum

“The leek belongs, along with the onion and garlic, to the Alliaceae family.
Leeks have been cultivated since the time of the Ancient Egyptians. Hippocrates the ancient Greek physician and ‘father of medicine’ prescribed the leek as a cure for nosebleeds. The Romans considered the leek a superior vegetable and Emperor Nero ate so many he gained the nickname Porophagus (leek eater). He is reported to have thought that eating leeks would improve his singing voice! Phoenician traders are said to have introduced the leek to Wales when they were trading for tin in the British Isles. The leek is associated with the Welsh St David. During the Middle Ages when St David was alive the leek was seen as a healthy and virtuous plant. Extraordinary qualities were claimed for it. It was the original health food, high in fibre, good for purging the blood, keeping colds at bay and healing wounds. The leek is also mentioned in the Bible. The Book of Numbers records how after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel missed a range of foods including leeks.

Properties
Expectorant, diuretic, relaxant, laxative, antiseptic, digestive, hypotensive.
Warming & stimulating.

Constituents
potassium, manganese, magnesium, silica, iron, calcium, vitamins C & B, folate, fibre.

Uses
Leeks are packed full of heath benefits. When eaten regularly, they can help:
•Maintain a healthy heart and circulation
•Protect against cancer
•Keep blood pressure low
•Boost the immune system

Leeks for a healthy heart
Eating lots of leeks has been shown to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol – and at the same time increase levels of ‘good’ cholesterol. This is important for preventing the build up of blood vessel plaques that are found in some types of heart disease. If the plaques grow too large or rupture, they can cause a heart attack or stroke. Allium vegetables including leeks can also help to lower high blood pressure – another factor that can contribute to heart attacks and strokes.”

Healing with plants continues to discuss the various other ways that leeks can improve health and promote healing. Vegetarian cuisine in the November 2009 issue of Yoga & Health gives a number of recipes using leeks.