HEALTH BENEFITS OF HORSERADISH (ARMORACIA RUSTICANA)

Horseradish has valuable benefits, whether is used as a spicy condiment or as a remedy for treating respiratory and urinary problems especially its roots. Recent studies show that horseradish helps boost the human immunity against cancer and it works as a natural antibiotic.


This plant grows up till it reaches 4.5 feet tall. Sometimes, it grows up more when the winter is somehow harsh. The cold season most likely force these plants into dormancy.


Horseradish (Armoracia Rusticana) belongs to the mustard family. The importance of horseradish has been known for thousands of years. In this context, horseradish has a very long tradition as it was primarily suggested as an aphrodisiac in Greece and Egypt. This herb can be found in many parts of the world, including southeastern of Europe and western Asia. Horseradish is now cultivated all across the world thanks to its medicinal and culinary value.

Benefits Of Horseradish

Thus, many people are encouraged to consume it as it contains a lot of health benefits such as dietary fiber, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc.. Its chemical components, enzymes and oils which work together to provide our body with a number of health benefits listed below:

Muscle aches: Those who usually suffer from different kinds of pain, namely backache, headache.. Horseradish is capable of stimulating blood flow. It helps the blood to run smoothly in your veins. This helps alleviate muscle pain and aches. Herbalists always highlight the fact that people should combine horseradish with olive oil so as to get your own massage oil for pain relief.

Diuretic: It is highly evident that there are some people suffering from edema or other water retention. Therefore, they must include horseradish into their meals. The root is well-known as a natural diuretic, and it helps increase urine flow.

Anti-cancer: Many scientists recently have found that horseradish is considered as a valuable source of glucosinolates compounds which has shown its effectiveness in helping the liver detoxify carcinogens to slow down the advancement of existing cancer.

Weight loss: Horseradish is absolutely low in calories. Besides, it has no fat at all. It merely has Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, but they are so important part of human metabolism in general. It is true that Omega-3 and Omega-6 are categorized as ‘’cholesterol’’ but that does not necessarily mean that consuming them may bring about catastrophic results because they are high in fiber and rich in protein. Moreover, Horseradish is capable of stimulating feelings of satiety, also it can be used in recipes without being anxious about adding kind of unnecessary calories or fats.

Blood Pressure: Potassium covers an essential part of our body. Its function is regulating the tension of blood vessels. Lack of potassium in our bodies can cause higher blood pressure, which means a potential risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, strokes or heart attacks. By eating horseradish regularly, your body will get enough potassium which, in return, will improve your heart health by lowering blood pressure.

Bone Health: There is a lot of calcium in horseradish. Calcium primarily plays an important part of bone health, repair and growth. It is good to include calcium in your diet (Paleo diet, for instance) as it can keep you feel strong and energetic.

Antibacterial Quality: Many herbalists strongly confirmed that those natural, powerful chemicals included in horseradish could be a great defense against certain dangerous microbes and bacterial infections. Therefore, make sure to add horseradish to your sandwich or steak so as to protect yourself against these undesirable bacteria.

Better Digestion: There are some elements in horseradish which act as gastric stimulants. Generally speaking, this plant is known to have a positive impact on digestion and nutritional absorption.


Other potential benefits of horseradish

Throughout the history, horseradish was used as an effective treatment for food thanks to its ability to kill some bacteria. Also, it may help encourage the secretion of digestive enzymes, so the stomach can perfectly process what we eat.

Studies have found that horseradish could stimulate the production of immune supporting anti-bodies which are responsible for fighting infections. Considering that it is a rich source of vitamin C, it also contributes as an immune boosting power.

Natural Recipes Made From Horseradish

The Horseradish Poultice can be effective in treating sinusitis. Put in a bowl two tablespoons of horseradish flour and two seeds of linseed; pour over water as needed to mix the composition until it becomes a paste. Put it in cheesecloth and apply to the forehead for 30 minutes. You can apply as poultices even the horseradish only. Another method is to grate horseradish; use two teaspoons of herb in a gauze material and apply it on the forehead in the sinus area. But ATTENTION, if you are sensitive at the strong odor of horseradish or have sensitive skin. Horseradish applied externally can cause skin redness and irritation.

Horseradish Syrup for respiratory problems. Grate a horseradish root; mixed it with 4 tablespoons of honey; leave it to soak for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and get the raw syrup. Then take the hard part of the mixture (after you have strained the syrup) and boil it with a little water (enough to cover). After boiling, press to strain, let it cool, and then mix it with the raw syrup. Take three tablespoons daily as a treatment. It is recommended in the case of asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic lower respiratory tract (in case of an acute respiratory disease, see your doctor as soon as possible and do not try to treat yourself).

Tincture of Horseradish Use a kitchenaid grater to mince a horseradish root in small slices and put it in a jar in such a way that the minced horseradish fill 1/3 of the jar volume. Then, pour over white alcohol 80%. Let it soak for 8 days. Then strain the liquid, which is the tincture. Take 3 teaspoons per day when you cough or have a common cold. Other indications: adjunctive treatment of anemia, anorexia, symptomatic treatment of urinary infections, digestive atonia, gastritis hypo.

Horseradish Side Effects and Precautions

Horseradish root is completely safe when taken by mouth in food amounts. It is safe for most people when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. Horseradish contains mustard oil, which is extremely irritating to the lining of the mouth, nose, and urinary tract. Horseradish can bring about multiple side effects, including stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also slow down the activity of the thyroid gland.

Special precautions and warnings


Children under 4 years old: Horseradish is not a good option for young children when is taken by mouth as it can cause digestive tract issues.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women should avoid taking horseradish by mouth because it simply contains mustard which could be toxic.

Kidney issues: There is a potential risk that horseradish might increase urine flow. Apparently, that could be a problem for people with kidney disorders. Thus, avoid taking horseradish in case you have kidney issues.



Home Natural Treatment Solutions does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

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