• Scientific name: Armoracia rusticana
• Part used: Root (both for food and medicine)
• Medicinal Properties: Antibiotic, Expectorant, Bronchodilator

Horseradish is a plant that comes from the same family as mustard and cabbage; it can grow to as tall as 1.5 meters in height. Horseradish is one of the most used plants both for food and for medicine. It has thick pulpy yellowish roots with a strong taste. Its name is derived from the common practice of naming a food according to its similarity with another food (horseradish was considered a rough substitute for radishes).

Nutrient Content: per 1 tablespoon

• Potassium: 44 mg.
• Calcium: 9 mg
• Phosphorus: 5 mg
• Carbohydrates: 1.4 gm
• Sodium: 14 mg.
• Calories: 6
• Fat: 0

Medicinal Benefits:

• Horseradish sauce is beneficial in dissolving mucus in the nose and also helpful in sinus. You will know when the horseradish has done its work because the violent sensations resulting from the initial use of the sauce will gently reduce and finally almost disappear along with the mucus.
• Horseradish contains glucosinolates, a compound in the root that is thought to increase human resistance to cancer. It is said also that glucosinates increase the liver's ability to detoxify and eliminate carcinogens that may cause malignant tumors.
• Horseradish has exceptionally high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can repair damage cells.
• Horseradish antibiotic properties can help cure urinary tract infections and kill bacteria in the throat.
• Horseradish is use as a diuretic and it was used by herbalists to treat kidney stones and edema.
• Horseradish stimulates the appetite.
• Horseradish has aphrodisiac properties.
• Horseradish can help cure toothaches.

Dosage:

• Fresh root extract: Adults 4 tsp (20gms) per day.
• Tincture: ½ -3/4 tsp (2-3 ml) three times per day.
• Poultice: is prepared by grating the fresh root and spreading it on a linen cloth or thin gauze. This is then applied on the affected area once or twice per day until the affected area heals.

How to make the following:

• Horseradish syrup: grated horseradish root is mixed with 4 spoons of honey and are left to mix for several minutes. The mixture is strained and pressed with cheesecloth to obtain the raw syrup. The remains from the cheesecloth are set to boil in a small quantity of water. After boiling, the mixture gets strained and then left to cool off, after which it gets mixed with the raw syrup. It is consumed by taking 3 spoons of the mixture a day.
• Horseradish vinegar is made by filling a bottle with grated horseradish over which apple vinegar is poured until it gets filled to the top. The horseradish vinegar is taken alone or mix with water to treat some disorder. An ideal amount of horseradish vinegar to be use is 1-2 tbsp. a day.
• Horseradish sauce is made by grating and pounding the fresh root and then adding lemon juice.

Warning:

• Horseradish inhigher than recommended amount can cause stomach upset,vomiting, or excessive sweating.
• Horseradish should not be used by women during pregnancy or breast-feeding or by children under four years of age.
• Individuals with sensitive skin should avoid direct application of horseradish extract on the skin or eyes because it may cause irritation and burning.