By
Tanisha Salwan
Updated:Aug 07, 2023
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Arbi or taro root is a vegetable which tastes good but cooking it is no less than a challenge. Itchiness and skin irritation are some problems that we face while handling Arbi or other starchy vegetables. So, how to prevent this? Here are 5 easy tips to your rescue.
What comes to your mind when you think of a vegetable with a brown-coloured fibrous exterior and a white, slightly slimy flesh inside? Arbi, isn’t it? Arbi or taro root is a starchy root vegetable that has the goodness of so many essential minerals and nutrients. Not just the root or tuber but also the leaves of arbi are used for cooking. With a deep nutty and a mild sweet taste, arbi has soft, creamy flesh and can be transformed into so many savoury as well as dishes.
Arbi or other starchy vegetables may taste good and offer ample health benefits, there is one challenge that a lot of us face while preparing them. Yes, we are talking about skin irritation and itchiness. If some studies are to be believed, this itching is caused by the oxalate crystals present in it. Even though the intensity of the itching can vary from person to person, even a little sensation can lead to a lot of discomfort.
But don’t worry as we have your back as always. Here are 5 easy tips that can prevent or reduce itching from starchy vegetables like Arbi. Have a look:
While handling starchy vegetables like Arbi, one must always wear disposable gloves to protect the hands from coming into direct contact with the oxalate crystals. Especially the latex or nitrile gloves protect skin from these oxalate crystals present and reduces itching and skin irritation.
It is essential to wash arbi or any other starchy vegetable properly before cooking or peeling. It is advisable to wash such vegetables properly under running water to remove any surface oxalate crystals. While peeling arbi, one must use a vegetable peeler rather than using your hands to minimize contact.
After handling starchy vegetables like arbi, one must wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue that might cause irritation. One can use vinegar and lemon juice as they have acidic properties that can neutralize the oxalate crystals responsible for the itching. One can rub it gently over the affected area and rinse.
Oatmeal has anti-inch properties and thus, it can prevent the discomfort caused by oatmeal paste. To make this oatmeal paste, just mix oatmeal with water, and then apply it to the itchy skin. Leave the mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off. It can relieve the pain.
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and can put a soothing and calming effect on the affected area. To make this soothing aloe vera gel, take fresh aloe vera and remove its gel part. Apply it directly to the skin and rinse with water. You can also store it for further use well.
FAQs
Keep Washing Hands
How to stop itching from arbi? ›
Both vinegar and lemon juice have mild acidic properties that can neutralize the oxalate crystals responsible for the itching. After peeling any starchy vegetable, dampen a clean cloth with vinegar or lemon juice and gently rub it over the affected area.
How to get rid of itching after eating arbi? ›
Hello, you can try hot ginger lemon tea with some honey that will give you some relief. You should avoid having uncooked taro stem in future to avoid such problems. Rather cook it and have it with lemon juice. The itch in this case is due to small calcium oxalate crystals irritating your throat.
What should I eat to stop itching? ›
Anti-inflammatory diet
- fruits.
- vegetables.
- legumes.
- healthy fats such as olive oil.
- fish, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
It is essential to wash arbi or any other starchy vegetable properly before cooking or peeling. It is advisable to wash such vegetables properly under running water to remove any surface oxalate crystals. While peeling arbi, one must use a vegetable peeler rather than using your hands to minimize contact.
How do you stop an itchy reaction? ›
How to relieve itchy skin
- Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
- Take an oatmeal bath. ...
- Moisturize your skin. ...
- Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
- Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.
Common treatments recommended include:
- an oily moisturiser or emollient if your skin is dry or flaky.
- creams containing menthol to cool your skin or anti-itch ingredients such as crotamiton.
Short-term use of nonprescription corticosteroid cream may offer short-term relief of itchy, inflamed skin. Or try calamine lotion or creams with menthol (Sarna, others), camphor, capsaicin, or a topical anesthetic, such as pramoxine (adults only).
How to cook yams without itching? ›
So there is an easy way to deal with the itch as well with the difficulty in chopping. Soak whole yam in water for around 15 mins then wash and brush the skin to remove mud. Pressure cook the yam without peeling the skin on a medium flame for 1 to 3 whistles with little water directly in the cooker.
What drink is good for itchy skin? ›
Oat Milk. Oat milk is currently enjoying a moment in the sun as a dairy-free, soy-free, and environmentally friendly alternative to milk. But, it can also be good for your skin. As anyone with naturally dry, eczema-prone skin knows, oats have natural calming and soothing properties.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that a good way to relieve itchy skin is to apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the affected area for 5–10 minutes. Cooling helps reduce inflammation that may be contributing to the itch. Another option is to keep moisturizing creams and lotions in the refrigerator.
What is the best vitamin for itchy skin? ›
Vitamin D. Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.
How do you stop taro leaves from itching your hands? ›
Taro, however, is quite difficult to handle as it makes the skin terribly itchy. This is caused due to the presence of calcium oxalate in the plant. To prevent the annoying itch, people apply generous amounts of mustard oil on hands before cutting the vegetable.
Why do I itch after eating taro? ›
The mucilage of the fresh taro causes irritation (Yu et al. 2015) , stimulates kidney stones, and impairs the absorption of minerals such as iron and calcium in the body (Hang et al. 2013). High oxalate content causes itching in the mouth, burning sensation, and skin irritation (Kaushal et al.
Can arbi cause allergies? ›
Taro Root (Arbi) Side-Effects & Allergies
This can produce a burning sensation and irritation when handled with bare hands or consumed in its raw form.
What are the disadvantages of eating arbi? ›
However , there are certain potential disadvantages associated with its consumption : - * * Gastrointestinal Issues : * * Arbi contains high levels of starch , which can cause bloating , gas , and indigestion in some individuals .
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