Brassicaceae
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Southeastern Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: Common Horseradish, Red Horseradish, Horse Radish
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Sinusitis, respiratory infections (decongesting expectorant — Commission E approved), UTIs (urinary antiseptic), digestive stimulant. Allyl isothiocyanate potent antimicrobial released on grating/chewing.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, diuretic, expectorant, circulatory stimulant, antifungal, antioxidant
Active Constituents
Glucosinolates (sinigrin — hydrolyzed to allyl isothiocyanate on damage), peroxidase enzymes, vitamin C, coumarins, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp freshly grated root steeped 10 min in 250ml honey water, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh root most potent — allyl isothiocyanate volatile and lost in dried root. Sinus opening: sniff freshly grated root or eat 1 tsp. Combine with nasturtium (Imupret formula) for respiratory and urinary infections — clinically validated. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in kidney inflammation, peptic ulcers, hypothyroidism. Large doses in pregnancy — avoid. Caution with thyroid medications.
Side Effects: Strong mucous membrane irritation (intended decongestant). GI irritation at high doses. Hypothyroidism risk with long-term high use (glucosinolates). Skin irritation topically.