Horseradish Medicinal Benefits You Should Know
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I don’t like being dependent on products shipped from the far corners of the planet, especially when local ingredients can get the job done. Many common garden plants weren’t just food, they were medicine. I think it’s time to rediscover these old ways. In this article, I’m diving into horseradish medicinal benefits.
I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in recent years. Traditional remedies are getting harder to find. Instead, when you turn to online search, you get Big Pharma websites. This is why it’s so important to keep hard copies of information, and follow individuals who share tested information.
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Horseradish Medicinal Benefits
Horseradish is a spicy root known for its pungent, mustard oil flavor and aroma. Its scientific name is Armoracia rusticana, and it belongs to the brassica family. Growing horseradish is fairly easy, and the perennial plants produce for years.
When the root is ground, a glucosinolate called sinigrin (or other glucosinolates) mixes with an enzyme to produce allyl isothiocyanate. These biologically active compounds are what make good medicine.
Horseradish roots have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. The active compounds are strong, so we want to use the right amount the right way.
Medicinal uses and benefits of horseradish include:
- Respiratory Health: Horseradish contains compounds that act as natural decongestants, helping to clear nasal passages and alleviate sinus infections.
- Antimicrobial Properties: The root’s pungent compounds can combat bacterial and fungal infections, supporting immune health.
- Immune System Support: Packed with antioxidants, horseradish boosts the immune system by neutralizing harmful free radicals and enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms.
- Digestive Aid: Horseradish stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, promoting better digestion and relieving bloating.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Its natural antioxidants help reduce inflammation, which may benefit those with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Fights Cancer: A study showed that horseradish contains cancer-fighting compounds known as glucosinolates.
- Rich in Nutrients: Horseradish is high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
How to Use Horseradish Medicinally
There are several different ways to use the medicinal benefits of horseradish. You can use it as a condiment, an infusion, a tincture, or a syrup. Remember, when working with fresh horseradish, work in a well-ventilated area. The fumes are eye-burningly pungent, especially once you start grinding or grating.
Use homemade horseradish sauce to stimulate gastric secretions and ease digestion of rich foods. It also offers some protection against bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (E Coli).
For an Infusion:
Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of powdered or chopped root. Infuse for five minutes, strain, and drink. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Drink three times per day for influenza or fevers.
For a Tincture:
Grind dried root into a powder, weigh it, and place it in a glass jar. Add enough water to cover, mix, cover, and let sit overnight. This allows the enzymes to activate and maximize the healing compounds.
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In the morning, add the alcohol part of the menstruum. For every gram of dry horseradish, add one milliliter of at least 80 proof (40%) alcohol. Quality vodka or grain alcohol is best. Do not use alcohol that is not safe to drink.
Cover, date and label the jar. Shake daily for 3 weeks, then strain. Let the tincture settle for a day, and then pour off the clear liquid from the top. Store the finished tincture in a glass jar, out of direct light. Don’t forget to date and label the jar.
Use this for the upper respiratory infections, the common cold, urinary tract infections, rheumatism, gout, and improved circulation.
For a Syrup:
Grate fresh horseradish root into a bowl and let it rest for 3 minutes to let the enzymes do their work. Place the ground root in a jar and cover well with raw honey. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 days. Stir occasionally to make sure the root stays submerged in the honey.
After the rest time, strain the root out of the honey. Store the horseradish infused honey syrup in a sealed jar in a dark location. Remember, always date and label your herbal remedies.
This is particularly good for cough and sore throats, digestion, asthma, and liver problems. If horseradish is too pungent for you, try ginger honey. It’s also warming and soothing, without the mustard “bite”.
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Precautions and Side Effects
Use horseradish in moderation. Excessive consumption may cause stomach irritation or exacerbate certain conditions such as stomach ulcers. Consult a healthcare professional before using horseradish supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Though it can be used externally as a poultice, it’s best used in combination with soothing herbs like plantain or slippery elm. Extended skin contact with fresh root may cause blisters or allergic reactions.
Home Remedies Increase Resilience
Before there was a pharmacy on every corner, home remedies were the norm, not the exception. It’s empowering to be able make your own medicine, and not worry about recalls or items out of stock. Horseradish is a warming, stimulating root that makes a good addition to your garden, your kitchen, and your medicine cabinet.
This article is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie is a lifelong learner with a passion for natural remedies and holistic healing. She’s successfully improved her eyesight and cleared her psoriasis.