Horseradish as an Herb

(Armoracia lapathifolia)

This plant has been in cultivation from the earliest times, but its exact place of origin seems to be obscure. Both the root and leaves of Horseradish were universally used as a medicine during the Middle Ages, and as a condiment in Denmark and Germany. Around 1548 it was known in England as "Red Cole".

Nearly half a century later, the taste for Horseradish as a condiment had spread to England. By 1657, Coles states as a commonly-known fact, 'that the root, sliced thin and mixed with vinegar is eaten as a sauce with meat, as among the Germans.'

Medicinal Uses for Horseradish

Horseradish is a very strong diuretic, and was employed by old herbalists in calculus and similar afflictions. It is useful in the treatment of dropsy and was given in scurvy when there was not much fever, as well as administered for various other complaints.

An infusion for edema is prepared by pouring 1 pint of boiling water on 1 ounce of Horseradish and 1/2 ounce of Mustard seed, crushed. The dose is 2 to 3 tablespoonsful three times a day.

A compound spirit of Horseradish may be prepared with slices of the fresh root, orange peel, nutmeg and spirit of wine, which proves effective in languid digestion, as well as for chronic rheumatism, 1 or 2 teaspoonsful being taken two or three times daily after meals with half a wineglassful of water.

When infused in wine, Horseradish root will stimulate the whole nervous system and promote perspiration.

An infusion of sliced Horseradish in milk makes an excellent cosmetic for the skin when lacking clearness and color. Horseradish juice mixed with white vinegar will also, applied externally, help to remove freckles. The same mixture, well diluted with water and sweetened with glycerine, gives marked relief to children in whooping-cough, 1 or 2 desertspoonsful being taken at a time.

Horseradish syrup is very effectual in hoarseness: 1 drachm of the root, fresh scraped, with 4 ounces of water, is infused two hours in a close vessel and made into a syrup with double its weight in sugar. The dose is a teaspoonful or two, occasionally repeated.

If eaten at frequent intervals during the day and at meals, Horseradish is said to be most efficacious in getting rid of the persistent cough following influenza.

Grind some of the fresh root, combine it with a carrier oil, and use it to massage away muscular aches, and help loosen chest congestion. It can be used to warm a cold body, and to clear up drippy sinuses.

Tincture

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

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).

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.

Horseradish is a popular spicy condiment used for meats and as an inexpensive substitute in wasabi paste. Young fresh leaves can be eaten in salads.

Cautions

Horseradish can irritate the mucous membranes as well as the stomach lining. People with stomach or intestinal ulcers should not eat horseradish. Excessive use of horseradish may lead to gastric irritation. Direct contact with skin or eyes may cause burning and irritation.

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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 any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.