Is horseradish nature’s best antibiotic?

Editor's note: This article has been reprinted. First published April 3, 2017.

A surprisingly intense seasoning to add to prime rib or other cuts of grass-fed beef, horseradish has a definite heat that doesn't radiate much from your mouth to your nose.

Although its exact origins are uncertain, horseradish probably originated in the Mediterranean region, suggesting a long and rich history.^One For example, in Greek mythology, horseradish was considered to be worth its weight in gold.²

Cooks and healers continued to use this root vegetable in 15th-century England, and centuries later, early American presidents grew it in their gardens. Approximately 60 to 85 percent of global horseradish production comes from the United States, particularly Illinois.^three

Cooking experience suggests that horseradish is red when used on shrimp (usually mixed with a tomato base) and white when used in sauces and applied to beef. But as is the case with many plant foods, ancient and modern, part of the value of this spicy root was its medicinal properties.

Clinical evidence suggests that horseradish is as effective or better than chemically manufactured medicines. Horseradish has also been successful in disease management. Healthy and Natural World Notes:

“Now empirical research has proven what our ancestors already knew intuitively: When treating certain diseases, horseradish can be as effective as chemically synthesized antibiotics, and sometimes even better than over-the-counter medicines.

Horseradish is particularly powerful in treating sinusitis and helps with colds, influenza and pulmonary congestion by clearing the upper respiratory passages. There are no side effects when used as a natural medication. At the same time, it gives us a unique culinary pleasure.”⁴

However, heating horseradish can significantly change the strength of the many healing compounds it contains, so it is best to eat it raw.

Horseradish contains compounds with magical health-boosting properties

It's no surprise that one of the best uses for horseradish is to open up even the most stuffy sinuses. This is reminiscent of one of its most popular uses: as a throat shield for hoarseness. Other conditions it treats range from colds to urinary tract infections to kidney stones.

According to the Baseline of Health Foundation:⁵ Horseradish may help relieve symptoms of several serious diseases and disorders, including high blood pressure, cancer, and sinus infections. It may also help boost immune system function and fight other infections. Mother Earth News even claimed:

“Per ounce, horseradish contains more medicinally active compounds than most other spices.

And they are very active. It can decongest, thin mucus, reduce inflammation, inhibit cell-damaging oxidants, fight bacteria and viruses, relax muscles, stimulate the immune system, and even fight cancer. This is what makes the humble horseradish such a special spice.”⁶

Variations of the healing compounds of horseradish

One book on the subject lists several healing compounds and states that “horseradish has been reported to have antibacterial, antispasmodic, cytotoxic, antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant, and antioxidant properties.”⁷

Subfeed adds that horseradish “acts as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent.”⁸ Clinical evidence suggests that it is these compounds that imbue it with health-promoting potential.⁹

Oddly enough, horseradish root doesn't have much of an odor until you scratch, cut, or chew it, and when you do, its intensity is immediately apparent. The smell indicates the presence of powerful yet completely natural chemicals that give it such dramatic healing properties.

Horseradish, a member of the Brassica family along with mustard, horseradish, and cabbage, contains stores of isothiocyanates (ITCs), such as glucosinolates (found only in Brassica plants) that break down from the volatile oil sinigrin and have been shown to protect against cancer. there is.¹⁰

Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences¹¹ A laboratory study published by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that the presence of glucosinolates in foods may cause:

• Reduces inflammation associated with many chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Inhibits enzymes known to activate carcinogens.
• Stimulates enzymes that deactivate carcinogens and reduce the ability of cancer cells to spread.

A study conducted at the University of Illinois found that horseradish delivered 10 times more glucosinolate enzymes than broccoli.¹² Mosbah Kushad, senior researcher and associate professor of crop science, said just a little “tap” on a steak can deliver the benefits and provide the same health benefits as broccoli.

Sinigrin also has great skills. Another study linked it to a 71% inhibition of lipid peroxidation and has multiple roles in reducing the risk of several cancers.¹³

Horseradish may affect several types of cancer

Additionally, the ITC from horseradish (and horseradish root) has been shown in clinical trials to help reduce colon and lung cancer cell activity, with higher doses resulting in weaker cancer cells. This means that colon cancer is 30% to 68% weaker. For lung cancer cells, it is 30% to 71% weaker.¹⁴

Horseradish contains over 20 different cancer-fighting compounds. Researchers from the UK, Austria and New Zealand looked at something called horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which they targeted as a treatment to help control the growth of breast and bladder cancer cells.¹⁵

Tests on human urine after ingestion of horseradish's volatile oils have shown that it can kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. In fact, German herbal medicine suggests that it kills Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, Candida, and successfully treats many viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases.

A “statistically significant” reduction in symptoms due to chronic recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) was reported after consuming an herb containing horseradish, another study found.¹⁶

Healing and immunity-boosting horseradish recipes

Horseradish preparations combined with other healing herbs and plants with medicinal properties, such as ginger, garlic, turmeric and apple cider vinegar, have a variety of uses. As always, use organic ingredients whenever possible.

One recipe calls for 6 inches of horseradish root, peeled and grated, mixed with the juice of one lemon and a tablespoon of raw organic honey, and sealed in an airtight jar for 24 hours. Take one tablespoon undiluted three to four times a day for a stimulating mixture that soothes the throat and relieves nasal congestion.

Master Tonic Recipe provided by Subfeed¹⁷ It is a basic all-purpose tonic that dates back to medieval Europe and is used as an antibiotic to purify the blood, kill bacteria and increase blood and lymph circulation throughout the body, and can be added to olive oil for use as a salad dressing. Applies to wounds and infections.