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Horseradish Herb - Uses And Side Effects

The bitter herb Horseradish has a long history as a condiment and medicinal herb.

Its biological name is Cochlearia armoracia and it is most popularly known for its pungent taste. Historical literature shows its widespread use in Europe through the centuries, not surprisingly since the Horseradish plant is native to southeast Europe. Today the plant is one of Germany's most important domestically cultivated medicinal plants and spice crop.

Common doses of horseradish

Horseradish comes as fresh root, powder, and semisolid paste for use as a condiment or spice. Some experts recommend the following dose:

• For all uses, 2 to 4 grams of fresh root taken orally before meals.

Uses of horseradish herb

Varieties of this herb are administered internally as a diuretic and assisting in the treatment of kidney stones and oedema, and others are used externally to ease arthritic joints and irritated nerves. Specifically, horseradish may help to :-

• Certain infections
• Fluid retention
• relive coughs
• Inflamed joints
• sore throats

Side effects of horseradish

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of horseradish:

• allergic reaction
• bloody diarrhea, vomiting (with large amounts)
• severe irritation of the nose and throat lining.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially:

• anticholinergic drugs such as atropine
• cholinergic drugs, such as Mestinon, Prostigmin, or Urecholine.

Important paints to remember

• If you have thyroid disease, consult your health care practitioner before using horse radish.
• Be aware that the horseradish plant is poisonous. In animals, poisoning has led to collapse.
• Don't grow wild horseradish-you may confuse it with pokeweed root, which is toxic.

What the research shows

Scientific studies don't support the medicinal use of horseradish. Until medical experts learn more about the effects of consuming large amounts, they recommend eating no more than the amount normally used to season foods.

Other names for horseradish: -

Another name for horseradish is pepperrot.