HORSERADISH

Latin Name: Armoracia lapathifolia

Alternate Names: Mountain Radish, Red Cole, Raifort, German Mustard

Family: BRASSICACEAE

Parts Used: Root, leaves.

Properties: Antiseptic, Antiscorbutic, Aperitive, Aperient, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Decongestant, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Laxative, Rubefacient, Stimulant, Stomach Tonic, Tonic, Vermifuge.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colitis, Cough, Edema, Fever, Flu, Goiter, Gout, Hay Fever, Indigestion, Lymphatic Congestion, Rheumatism, Sinus Congestion, Urinary Infections, Whooping Cough, Worms

Internal Applications: Tincture, Capsules, Syrup, Vinegar.
Using horseradish as a condiment not only clears the sinuses, but also aids in the digestion of fatty foods.

Topical Uses: Boils, Congestion, Freckles, Gout, Muscular Soreness, Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Bath herb for rheumatism. Juice added to massage oil for muscular aches and chest congestion. Added to vinegar to make a tonic for lightening freckles. Poultice for gout, rheumatic joints and boils.

Culinary uses: Used to represent morar, the bitter herb of Passover in the Jewish tradition. Added to sauces, mayonnaise, fish sauce, cream cheese, dips and coleslaw. Condiment for roast beef. Use fresh, not cooked. Young leaves are eaten in salads.

Energetics: Pungent, Hot, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (mustard oil, called sinigrin), enzymes, glycosides, ascorbic acid, vitamin B and C, sulfur, asparagin.

Contraindications: Fresh Horseradish can blister the skin, so avoid applying directly to the skin unless the skin is first covered with a cloth. Avoid large quantities. Stop use if diarrhea or night sweating occurs. Large doses can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. Those with underactive thyroid function should avoid frequent use of Horseradish.

Comments: Horseradish is so named because of its large size, which distinguishes it from the more common radish.
The common name Horseradish also includes the species Armoracia rusticana, which is used interchangeably with Armoracia lapathifolia. Horseradish was formerly named Cochlearia armoracia.