Horseradish - Nature Cures®

Table of Contents

Also known as Armoracia rusticana.

The origin of horseradish is not known but it is thought to have originated in Eastern Europe. Pliny mentioned it as a medicinal herb but not as a food. It is an easy plant to grow and even a small piece of root left in the ground will produce more plants, but it does not grow well near to grapevines for reasons not yet known.

Health benefits of horseradish

Horseradish is a potent gastric stimulant, increases appetite and aids in digestion. The volatile compounds in the root stimulate salivary, gastric and intestinal glands to secrete digestive enzymes. Horseradish also helps to remove harmful free radicals from the body and protect it from cancers, inflammation and infections.

Bacterial infections

Horseradish has been proven in scientific studies to have powerful activity against various types of bacteria especially those that effect the bladder, lungs, sinuses and urinary system.

Sinus infection remedy

Take a quarter of a teaspoon of the freshly grated root and hold it in the mouth until all the taste is gone. It will immediately start cutting the mucus loose from the sinuses to drain down the throat. This will relieve the pressure and help clear infection.

Bladder, lung, sinus and urinary system infection remedy

Mix three to four tablespoons of the fresh grated root with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and honey to taste. Consume it throughout the day.

Food poisoning protection

If horseradish is consumed with meat it can help to protect against any bacteria that may exist within the meat.

Horseradish is also effective against allergies such as asthma and hay fever and acts as a diuretic.

NOTE: Only raw horseradish has the above medicinal properties as cooking will destroy the activity of the compounds it contains.

External use of horseradish

For skin disorders such as acne, blackheads, blemishes, discolorations, freckles or spots, horseradish can help as a daily skin wash.

Horseradish skin wash

Ingredients

115 grams (4 oz) of freshly grated horseradish
One litre of buttermilk
115 grams (4 oz) of glycerine

Method

Place all ingredients in a two litre (half gallon) jar and shake well.
Let it stand overnight in a cool place.
Shake well again and strain through a fine strainer.
Bottle and keep cold, in the fridge.
Then at night wash the areas affected.
Rub the horseradish lotion into the desired spot until the skin tingles with warmth.
Wipe off the surplus before going to bed. This will stimulate the skin and bleach out unwanted discolorations.

Nutrients in horseradish

Horseradish is low in calories and fat and contains a good amount of dietary fibre. The root also contains many volatile phytochemical compounds, which give its pungent character. It has been found that these compounds have antioxidant as well as detoxification functions.

Beneficial compounds in horseradish

Allyl isothiocyanate
3-butenyl isothiocyanate,
2-propenylglucosinlate (sinigrin)
2-pentyl isothiocyanate
Phenylethyl isothiocyanate

Minerals in horseradish

Vitamins in horseradish

Horseradish has good amounts of vitamin C which is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant. 100 g fresh root provides 29 mg or 41% of RDA of vitamin C.

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