Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a curative plant used for centuries in different parts of the world. With the advance in pharmaceutical technology, this useful plant was forgotten, but thanks to the latest trends in using natural remedies, horseradish is getting popular again.
Practical research has proven that people in the old times knew what they were doing. Horseradish is equally effective as many pharmaceutical antibiotics (in some cases even better) in the process of treatment of various conditions and illnesses.
This medicinal plant is especially powerful in healing sinusitis and relieves the affected upper respiratory passages, which ultimately means relief in cases of influenza, cold, or lung congestion. People with urinary tract infections will find it quite useful too. When horseradish is used in its natural form, it doesn’t create side effects. In addition, horseradish is a tasty addition to many meals.
Jump instantly to the 4 Horseradish Remedies to Clear Your Chest and Nose here.
What gives horseradish such powerful properties?
Horseradish belongs to the same family where wasabi, mustard, patch, and broccoli are listed – the Brassicaceae family. These vegetables are rich in glucosinolates that have an impact on the metabolism rate of hormones and have anti-cancer properties. They are especially helpful in the protection of the body against prostate cancer.
Mustard oil is one of the main components of horseradish and allyl isothiocyanate emphasizes its antibacterial properties. Horseradish is one of the vegetables that are richest in raw vitamin C – it contains about 80 mg of Vitamin C per 100 g. Of course, just like any medicinal plant, horseradish also has large amounts of minerals in it as well as a few other useful substances like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium essential oils, etc.
In addition, it contains sinigrin, a strong glycoside that improves water retention thanks to its positive effects on blood capillaries. Horseradish balances blood flow and as one of the main effects of this improvement, the skin becomes smoother and it looks younger.
Horseradish researches
A group of German scientists conducted a study back in 2006 where the main focus was placed on the effects that horseradish brings in cases of sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and bronchitis. People in this study were divided into two groups – one treated with nasturtium herb in combination with horseradish root and the second treated with regular antibiotic therapy. The final results showed that patients treated with the combination of herbs experienced the same (in some cases better) results as the ones treated with antibiotics.
Another similar study confirmed that the healing process was much faster (up to 40% faster) in patients who used horseradish compared to those who used antibiotics. The body was also more resistant to future infections.
How does horseradish work with respiratory infections?
As we have mentioned before, horseradish is a milder natural version of standard antibiotics. It supports the body in its efforts to eliminate the mucus from the system and this is very important because mucus is a fertile ground for bacteria that can make the situation even more complicated. Thinning the mucus horseradish allows people to cough out the mucus.
In the beginning, the level of mucus may increase, but this only means that the body has started the cleansing process. You will have to wait for a day or two and after that, you will notice the difference. It is a good idea to start taking horseradish from the first moment when you start feeling sinus infection or cold symptoms.
When we talk about sinus infections it is good to point out that few natural treatments are based on horseradish consumption.
More Medicinal Uses of Horseradish
The annoying urinary tract infections can be eliminated thanks to horseradish and its antibiotic effects. Although it increases the flow of urine it is perfectly safe to use horseradish for a long time.
Some people use horseradish in cases of nerve irritation, arthritis, and wound treatment, but this time they apply horseradish externally on the affected area.
How to take horseradish?
There is more than one way in which you can use horseradish. Many people suggest that the best way to consume it is to take fresh and raw horseradish to use all of its nutrients. Cooking can eliminate some of the most important ingredients found in horseradish.
Recommended daily intake of horseradish
According to the German Commission E monograph, an average intake of ½ to 1 teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish three times daily is just enough to feel all of its benefits. Higher amounts can lead to conditions such as vomiting, stomach upset, and excessive sweating.
4 Horseradish Remedies to Clear Your Chest and Nose
1. Horseradish Sinus Plumber
Ingredients:
- Piece of horseradish root (8 to 12 inches long).
- One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Two tablespoons of water.
- Pinch salt.
Peel the surface skin of the root with a vegetable peeler and chop the root into tiny pieces. Place them in a food processor; add 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and a small amount of salt. Ground it well. Keep the grounded horseradish away from your eyes – make sure there is good airflow in the room. Please keep it in a jar and consume ½ or 1 teaspoon three times per day every day. It will last for about four to five weeks in a fridge.
2. Horseradish Guacamole
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of freshly grated horseradish.
- Two medium-sized avocados.
- One medium lime.
- Salt and pepper to give some flavor.
Squash the avocados and add the grated horseradish, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cool it and serve as a dip.
3. Horseradish Tea
Ingredients (for three servings):
- Ten grams of fresh horseradish.
- Five grams of fresh ginger.
- 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water.
These ingredients are used for the creation of a tasty tea. Mix the ingredients and pour the water over them. Leave it like that for about 20 minutes. Drink the tea three times a day (heat it at a temperature of about 40 degrees (Celsius)).
4. Horseradish Super Concoction
Ingredients:
Grate the horseradish, mix it with lemon juice and honey, and place it in a glass jar. Seal the jar well and leave it for one day (24 hours). Take one tablespoon of this mixture three times a day. Don’t use water even if it provides a burning sensation in your sinuses and throat because this is a good sign that the mixture is working.
References: Healthy and Natural World, Sinus Center, NCBI, Marks Daily Apple.