Horseradish for Therapeutic Purposes

Horseradish is a member of the mustard family, and is native to southeastern Europe. It is widely cultivated for its pungent, fleshy root. Japanese horseradish, or wasabi (Wasabidjaponica), is used both for cooking and for therapeutic purposes, and the grated rhizomes are often sold as a dry, green-colored powder.

USES
• Apply tincture of horseradish root to skin eruptions, including those associated with acne, to draw out the infection and encourage healing.
• Add some horseradish root to your toothpaste to clean teeth effectively, kill bacteria, and control mouth ulcers.
• Eat fresh horseradish, mixed with a little lemon juice, for the relief of sinus infections and nasal blockages.
• Eat freshly grated horseradish root for edema and swelling associated with PMS.
• A horseradish poultice can be applied to chilblains and hemorrhoids to encourage healing and improve the circulation of the blood.

PROPERTIES
• Diuretic
• Stimulant
• Clears nasal passages
• Antiseptic
• Stimulates blood flow

TIP
Too much horseradish taken internally can cause night sweats and occasionally diarrhea and abdominal cramping.