Horseradish is not just a spicy seasoning. The herbal supplement horseradish, Armoracia Rusticanais an annual herb in the Brassicaceae family. Traditionally, horseradish has been used for many years for its medicinal properties.
The horseradish plant is native to Eastern Europe. Known for its pungent odor, it is less known for its traditional uses. The compound in horseradish known to cause this familiar odor may also be the reason behind many of the traditional benefits attributed to the plant.
Horseradish contains several nutrients, such as vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The main ingredient is sinigrin.
This article discusses the potential nutritional and health benefits of horseradish, how to use it as a supplement, precautions to keep in mind, and more.
Uses of horseradish
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist or physician, should individualize and assess supplement use. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Horseradish contains vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and sinigrin. Aside from its use as a table condiment, these components in horseradish may explain its more traditional uses.
Antibacterial
Horseradish has also appeared in traditional medicine as an antibacterial agent. With increased resistance to antibiotics, scientists are looking for new ways to respond to the potential effects of bacteria on the human body. For this reason, they study the components (chemicals) of the horseradish plant.
The sinigrin found in horseradish is released allyl isothiocyanatea sulphurous mustard oil. It is the activity of the isothiocyanates that works against bacteria such as Escherichia coli. This has motivated the need to further study the activity of horseradish and its effects on bacteria.
Early research shows that horseradish may have antibacterial properties. But again, the data supporting these claims is insufficient. More clinical trials (human studies) are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections are common infections that affect all ages and genders. Controlling this condition is essential due to its widespread impact.
The activity of a compound found in the horseradish plant is called isothiocyanate may promote antimicrobial (germicidal) activity. These studies are in their early stages and human data is needed to support these claims.
Cancer
There have been no clinical studies on the use of the horseradish plant against cancer.
Early laboratory studies also showed that sinigrin is a result of the breakdown of glucosinolatescan cause death in some cancer cells. While these initial results are promising, no clinical data exists to support these claims.
As with most supplements, more research is needed to support the claims of traditional horseradish use. Apart from this, other possible treatment uses of horseradish include:
Nutrients in horseradish
Although horseradish contains nutrients such as vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium, the amount of these nutrients consumed is minimal due to the small portion used as a seasoning or in sauces.
One teaspoon of horseradish contains:
- Calories: 2.4
- Total fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 21 mg
- Vitamin C: 1.2 mg
- Folic acid: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 2.8 mg
- Magnesium: 1.4 mg
- Potassium: 12.3 mg
Horseradish also contains flavonoids: compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are thought to promote health and prevent disease. However, the flavonoid content in typically consumed portions may not be significant compared to the flavonoid content in extracts or supplements.
How to consume horseradish
Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplement to ensure the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Horseradish is available in several forms, including fresh or dried root, capsules and liquid. Follow the label recommendations when taking any form of horseradish.
The fresh horseradish root should be taken before meals. Take 3-4 grams (g) daily. Fresh horseradish can be used as a seasoning or added to mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, cocktail sauce and salad dressings.
The dried root can be taken in doses of 20 g per day. As an infusion and syrup, horseradish can be taken several times a day in doses of 2 g. Horseradish can also be prepared in tincture. Take 2-4 g of the dried equivalent daily as a tincture.
Horseradish capsules are available in different dosages, from 500 milligrams (mg) to 1000 mg. There is no recommended dosage for horseradish capsules, so follow the recommendations on the label.
What are the side effects of horseradish?
Horseradish has no clinical data showing potential side effects as an herbal supplement. Horseradish is usually consumed as a food product. Most people recognize horseradish as a seasoning. Still, as with any supplement, there may be a possibility of allergies.
Common side effects
Clinical studies on the medicinal properties of horseradish are very new. Most of these studies have been conducted in cells or animals and not in humans. Information about the possible side effects of horseradish as a supplement is lacking.
As a food, horseradish is often spicy or hot. It can irritate your throat if it is too sharp. When someone shreds horseradish, the oil can cause eye irritation.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from horseradish are rare. Clinical data on the side effects of horseradish are lacking. As with any supplement, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
If you experience any change in your condition when using horseradish, consult your doctor.
Precautionary measures
Although horseradish is generally safe, there is some reason for caution. People with hypothyroidism, ulcers, gastritis, or kidney disease should use horseradish with caution. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about your individual use of horseradish.
The use of horseradish at therapeutic levels during pregnancy or lactation is also not recommended.
What happens if I consume too much horseradish?
Horseradish is generally safe. If you eat this spicy root in large quantities as a seasoning, it may irritate your mouth, nose or stomach. It is best to take small amounts when using this seasoning or supplement.
Store-bought sauces that contain horseradish can be high in sodium. Be sure to read the nutrition label carefully. Consuming too many foods high in sodium can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Horseradish can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities. The poisonous part of the plant is in the root. The glucosinolates found to be the cause of this risk of toxicity. When eaten in large quantities, it can cause excessive sweating, stomach upset, weakness and disorientation.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Interactions
There are no recent reports of horseradish having drug interactions. However, it has been reported that horseradish may interact with thyroid medications such as levothyroxine due to the potential for decreased thyroid activity.
Because of this uncertainty, if you are taking levothyroxine, you should talk to your doctor before using horseradish.
Carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient are in it. Discuss this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss possible interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to store horseradish
Follow all storage and disposal recommendations found on the supplement label. Fresh horseradish is best stored in the refrigerator. When the supplement is fresh, storing it in the refrigerator will minimize loss of flavor and preserve its quality.
Horseradish is available in freeze-dried and dehydrated forms. In these forms, follow the storage recommendations found on the supplement label.
Sources of horseradish and what to look for
Horseradish can be found in many forms. It is available as a spicy seasoning or as a supplement. The best way to reap the benefits of horseradish is through a supplemental form.
Horseradish supplements
Horseradish supplements are available in many forms. The actual root, from which most supplements are made, can be purchased in supermarkets.
The supplement is available as a tincture, infusion or syrup. These preparations likely have a higher concentration than you would get if you naturally increased horseradish in your diet.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Resume
The horseradish condiment that may be on your kitchen table has more uses than just seasoning something. Traditional medicine has used horseradish to address many health problems, from infections to inflammation. Early studies of some of these traditional uses may be promising, but more data from human research is needed to support horseradish’s traditional uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is horseradish spicy?Horseradish contains sinigrin. It is the hydrolysis (the chemical breakdown when reacting with water) of sinigrin that creates the spicy taste of horseradish.
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Can I use horseradish if I am taking an antihypertensive medication?Horseradish may lower blood pressure, but there is little clinical (human) data to support this claim. However, because its action is similar to that of antihypertensive medications, you should talk to your doctor before taking horseradish while you are taking it.
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Is horseradish good for your stomach?The traditional use of horseradish for gastrointestinal problems is reported. But it is not specified to treat stomach upset. On the contrary, consuming too much horseradish can cause stomach pain and vomiting.