Horseradish - Composition, Useful Properties And Harms

Horseradish is often used as a spicy spice for various dishes, which tastes similar to mustard and is able to diversify any dish. But the root is not only a sharp and nutritious spice, but also medicinal. Horseradish has many useful and healing properties, thanks to which it is often used in folk medicine as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a number of health problems. In addition, in small quantities, the root is used to increase appetite.

Horseradish composition

Of course, the reason for the healing properties of the root is its rich and unique composition, which includes active ingredients, essential oil with antiseptic action and some vitamins. Horseradish is distinguished by its nutritional value, in its raw form it contains about 16% carbohydrates, up to 3% nitrogenous substances and a certain amount of fat. In terms of vitamin C, it is even ahead of lemon, losing only to rose hips and blackcurrants. The root is rich in calcium, potassium, sulfur, sodium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals.

In addition to the mentioned ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and the other listed components, the composition of the product also includes phytoncides, essential oils, sugar, starch, resinous substances, carbohydrates, cellulose, B vitamins and PP. There is a lot of carotene in the fresh leaves of the plant.

Useful properties of horseradish

The beneficial properties of grated horseradish are stored no more than a week (unfortunately).

In traditional medicine, the root is used as a powerful stimulant for the digestive system. It is also very useful for the treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract. Its diuretic effect is powerful, so it is used in kidney stones, cystitis, as well as gout and rheumatism. Compresses (paws) with the plant help with frostbite, facial neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of horseradish with vinegar and glycerin is used to treat whooping cough and angina. Irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes may occur.

Horseradish is used as a means to increase the secretion of the digestive glands. It is recommended in the treatment of gastritis with low acidity, as a diuretic, in catarrhal inflammations of the respiratory tract.

The plant also has cosmetic properties: rubbing an aqueous infusion of it into the skin helps to get rid of freckles and pigmented spots.

Horseradish is used as a diuretic, choleretic and expectorant in: pleurisy, pneumonia, myositis, bronchitis, bladder stones.

The antibacterial action is due to the phytoncides in the composition, as they have a strong bactericidal effect. Horseradish releases volatile substances - plant antibiotics that kill harmful microbes. Phytoncides protect the body from infectious diseases.

The root juice is useful for gargles of the throat, oral cavity, also for toothache, purulent wounds, radiculitis, rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, seborrhea, baldness and purulent processes on the skin.

Diluted with water juice is used in the treatment of gastritis with low acidity, intestinal cramps and bile duct insufficiency.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many benefits for the body, horseradish has some contraindications for use. It should not be used in acute inflammatory processes of the internal organs and during pregnancy.

Root intake should be limited by all people, as large doses raise blood pressure and can even lead to bleeding and hemorrhage.