HORSERADISH

(Cochlearia armoracia; Rorippa armoracia)

Part used:  Fresh or dried root.

Therapeutic action:

Stimulant, aperient, rubefacient, pungent, condiment, diaphoretic, diuretic. Horseradish is one of the most prolific stimulant herbs there is, especially to the digestive organs (dried root), kidneys, skin and circulation. It will give pleasant warmth in the stomach, relieve the gall ducts, stimulate alvine (intestinal) action, and increase the flow of urine.

Medicinal uses:

Bile, bronchitis, catarrh (gastric, intestinal), constipation (atonic), coughs, dropsy, dyspepsia (atonic), hoarseness, indigestion, jaundice, low blood pressure, malnutrition, neuralgia (local), palsy, paralysis, poor circulation, pulmonary complaints, rheumatism, sciatica, scrofula, scurvy, sinus trouble (breaks mucus, cleanses), sluggish liver and stomach, urine (aid), vomiting, weak chest, wheezing, whooping cough, worms. Caution: do not use this herb during pregnancy.

Preparation:

Take a fresh root (which is far more powerful than the dried) and grate it (horseradish is one of the hardest things in the world to grate, because it is so stringy), mix it with a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (lemon juice is preferable when fresh and used within a few days) and then refrigerate.

Dosage:

We recommend that horseradish be taken in much the same way as cayenne; start with a small amount, then work up to one teaspoonful three times a day.