Horseradish

Common names: Horseradish also is known as pepperrot , mountain radish, red cole, and great raifort.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Horseradish?

Horseradish is a large-leafed, hardy perennial native to eastern Europe (eg, Russia, Poland, Finland) and western Asia. More than 20 plants have been referred to as “horseradish” throughout the ages. It is cultivated commercially for its thick, fleshy, white roots that have a strong, irritating, and intensely pungent taste.

What is Horseradish used for?

Horseradish has been cultivated and used as a medicine and condiment for approximately 2,000 years. Early settlers brought the horseradish plant to America and the plant was commonplace in gardens by the early 1800s. Hardy varieties were obtained through plant selection and grown easily in the Midwest.

Horseradish is widely known for its pungent, burning flavor. The horseradish root is used as a condiment and may be grated and mixed with other flavorings to make sauce or relish. Young, tender leaves have been used as a potherb and as a salad green. Horseradish is one of the “five bitter herbs” (horseradish, coriander, horehound, lettuce, nettle) consumed during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The root has a lengthy history of use in traditional medicine. Topically, it was applied to the skin to reduce pain from sciatica and facial neuralgia. Internally, it was used to expel afterbirth, relieve colic, increase urination, and to kill intestinal worms in children.

It is hypothesized that horseradish may by hypotensive, as indicated in 1 animal study. But there are no clinical trials to support this use.

One animal study indicated possible antibacterial properties of horseradish. However, there are no clinical trials to support this use for horseradish.

What is the dosage of Horseradish?

There are no recent clinical studies of horseradish to provide a basis for dosage recommendations. Classical use for colds and respiratory infections was 20 g/day.

Is Horseradish safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because toxic mucosal irritants are released upon crushing. Horseradish has abortive effects.

None well documented.

Irritant effects on GI mucosa. External use may cause erythematous rash. Horseradish is part of the cabbage and mustard family, so it may depress thyroid function. Crushed horseradish may irritate mucous membranes upon contact or inhalation.

Ingestion of large amounts may cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Use is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation because toxic mucosal irritants are released upon crushing.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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