The roots of horseradish are known to most people only for their properties in cooking. Yet the plant is a medicinal plant that can be used to relieve certain ailments without serious side effects.
Occurrence and cultivation of horseradish
For medicinal use, the long root is particularly suitable. Although nowadays few people associate horseradish with a medicinal plant, it has been used for medicinal purposes by the Greeks since 1000 BC. It was not until the end of the 16th century that the root also gained importance on the menu. The wild form of horseradish can be found in Russia and Ukraine. Otherwise, the plant grows in southern Europe, where it is cultivated mainly in France. The horseradish measures about 40 to 150 centimeters when fully grown. The long root is particularly suitable for medicinal use. The plant also has notched leaves and white flowers. In addition, it bears fruits, which are in pods. The flowering period of horseradish is between June and July. The root is harvested in winter. In this regard, the plant prefers a semi-shaded place with a loamy, nutritious soil. Care should be taken to ensure that the plant does not face waterlogging.
Effect and application
Horseradish has a high number of vitamins and other important substances, which makes it valuable for health. Among the ingredients are vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2 and B6, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus, as well as the mustard oil glycosides sinigrin and gluconasturtin. In addition, essential oils are also found in the root. Despite the very sharp, acrid taste, consumption of the plant helps with bacterial complaints, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, colds, urinary stones, sinusitis, tonsillitis and impure skin. The different ingredients are responsible for the effect. Here, the mustard oils, flavones, allicin, vitamin C, enzymes and organic sulfur compounds play a major role. Some substances can only develop their efficiency when they are fresh and have not been cooked. That is why it is recommended to grate the root only when it is used. Already after 15 minutes the content of essential oils is only small. Accordingly, quick action is required. Even rubbing the root can help with certain ailments. The pungent odor ensures that secretion of the nasal mucosa and lacrimal glands are stimulated. This proves useful for problems with the sinuses. Depending on the present complaints, different methods of application can be made. Externally, a solution of one tablespoon of grated horseradish and one liter of water is recommended. After boiling, the solution should infuse overnight in the refrigerator. Toothache and mosquito bites can be treated by applying the cut root. Otherwise, horseradish can be integrated into salads, sauces and other dishes. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to eat a teaspoon of the grated plant pure several times a day. If the pieces are doused with wine and left for a day, the horseradish wine has a menstrual and diuretic effect. In this form, it may prove helpful for existing kidney stones.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The root of horseradish is suitable for treating existing ailments. While it is very effective here, it cannot be used for preventive purposes. Consumed after the fact, horseradish has the potential to stimulate gastric juices and the production of bile. The basis of this function is the pungent taste of the plant. At the same time, the plant stimulates appetite and provides smooth muscle relaxation, as studies have shown. The relaxation of the smooth muscle fibers of the organs is responsible for alleviating cramps. In the case of various inflammations, the ingredients have a growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria. As a result, colds, bronchitis and diseases of the respiratory tract subside more quickly without the use of chemical agents. In addition to internal use, which can also be used for bladder infections, colds and digestive complaints, the plant is also suitable for external complaints.These include, for example, wounds, but also sports injuries and back pain. The basis of efficiency in problems of this type is the effect of the root on blood circulation. For treatment, a poultice can be placed near the painful region. The health effects have been partially proven by scientists. Thus, horseradish is an effective alternative for various health complaints. In contrast to chemical medicines, side effects rarely occur here. For example, external application should be limited to a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, the appearance of irritated mucous membranes is possible. At the same time, long-term treatment with the root may cause discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Compresses should initially be in contact with the skin for only 3 to 5 minutes. If another treatment is necessary on the same day, it should not last longer than 10 minutes. Because horseradish usually exerts its effect only when fresh, the rapid use of poultices, tinctures, etc. is necessary, otherwise the medication may go bad. It is not recommended for use in children under 4 years of age, nor for those with stomach or intestinal ulcers or kidney complaints.
