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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


HORSERADISH
(Armoracia rusticana)
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CAUTION!
Do not take in large quantity.
There is a tendency for toxic substances to form if prepared in water over 113 degrees F.
Avoid if there is low thyroid activity (myxedema), where goiter is likely, acid dyspepsia, peptic ulcers and high blood pressure.

PROPAGATION: By root division and cuttings. Perennial.
NEEDS: Full sun. Rich meaty soil (compost; manure).
HARVEST: Root in late fall (Oct-Nov); needs cold weather to develop flavor. Used fresh. May be used dried but loses some potency.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Potent diuretic which has been used in cases of edema.
Has also been used to stimulate circulation, coronary circulation and respiration (external application). Also as a digestive stimulant.
Has been used for respiratory infection (external application) such as bronchitis and flu.. Also where there is a feeling of chill, cold, tenderness or fragility marking an oncoming episode of illness.
Rubefacient and counter-irritant used for arthritis, stiffness, neuralgia, and neck pain (mixed with a little water to provide heat).
Has been used for infection in kidneys or lungs.
Has been used to remove uric acid from bloodstream.
Has been used as a disinfectant for skin injuries, slow healing wounds, and ulcerous wounds.
Has been used for worms in children.
Has been used where there is excessive thyroid activity.

CULINARY:
Used as a condiment: the fresh root is grated and vinegar added (caution - when vinegar is added, the horseradish is activated. Add vinegar to horseradish in a well ventilated area.)
Root may be dug, scraped and ground, then the pulp frozen in plastic bags; thaw as needed and add vinegar and run through a blender (open the windows! or process outside!).

COSMETIC:
Used in the herbal bath to stimulate.

COMMENT:
The European method is to apply syrup of horseradish externally over affected organs where the blood supply increase is needed.
Although it is unlikely that someone would ingest large quanities, it bears repeating that only small quantities should be ingested.

RECIPES

SYRUP

Cover freshly grated root with honey or sugar and allow to steep in a cold place. Extract the liquid and store in the refrigerator. Horseradish may also be dried but loses some potency.

TINCTURE
1 part fresh root to 5 parts 100 proof vodka. Steep together for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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