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Horseradish root and leaves - beneficial properties and traditional methods of treatment. Useful properties of horseradish: contraindications, benefits and harms

Horseradish root is used in cooking as a spice for meat, fish dishes and as a preservative for storing vegetables and other foods. But hell also medicine, especially fresh root, fresh leaves and dried raw materials.

The roots contain an essential oil that contains the glycoside sinigrin. By itself, it is tasteless and odorless, but when chewed, ground and added with water, it breaks down to form mustard oil and glucose.

This healthy oil gives a pungent odor, an islandy taste, and glucose gives it a sweetish taste.

What determines the medicinal value of horseradish root?

Horseradish root contains:

  • coumarins;
  • flavonoids;
  • saponins;
  • resins;
  • lysozyme - bactericidal enzyme;
  • phytoncides;
  • salts of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium;
  • vitamins C, B6, B3, B2, B1.

100 grams of leaves contain up to 300 mg of vitamin C, which is close to rose hips and black currants.

The main benefit of the plant is mustard oil, which has a pronounced irritant effect. Upon admission to small doses it stimulates the activity of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract.

What happens?

Increases secretion and acidity gastric juice.

The secretory activity of the glands increases small intestine, secretion of pancreatic juice and bile.

Thanks to mustard oil, horseradish root has the following medicinal properties.

Qualitative medicinal horseradish can only be made from freshly cut roots. Horseradish seasoning does not lose its aroma and taste for 10 hours.

Mustard oil quickly breaks down when heated, so the grated seasoning is best served with cold dishes.

And here acidic environment prevents the destruction of vitamins. Therefore, you need to add lemon juice or 1% aromatic vinegar to the mashed root. But table vinegar worsens the taste and increases its irritating properties.

You can add sour cream and a little sugar to the horseradish root.

If you take horseradish internally for treatment, it is better to add honey to the acidified mass to reduce the irritant effect on the mucous membranes. Follow the dosage and increase the recommended doses.

Traditional treatment with horseradish root

1) In case of poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, grate the roots and squeeze out the juice. Drink 7 drops per third glass of water with honey, up to 6 times a day.

2) The following recipes will help with gastritis with low acidity, colitis, intestinal atony, dyskinesia biliary tract.

Recipe No. 1:

Drink three times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Recipe No. 2:

  • kilogram of grated plant;
  • three liters of water.

Let it sit for a day. Don't forget to strain and store in the refrigerator. Drink a third of a glass four times a day before meals. This amount is sufficient for a course of treatment. At the same time, you can drink choleretic and gastric herbs.

3) For cystitis:

  • 200 grams of horseradish gruel;
  • liter of water.

Leave for several hours. Drink a glass twice a day. Four days is enough.

It is better to keep infusions in the refrigerator and be sure to strain.

1) Bronchial asthma, swelling:

  • 150 grams of chopped root;
  • juice of three lemons.

Drink a teaspoon once a day, you can add honey.

2) Hypertension, vegetative-vascular dystonia:

  • a glass of horseradish juice;
  • a glass of carrot juice;
  • a glass of honey;
  • juice of one lemon.

Drink at the table. spoon three times before meals. Treat for two weeks. Then after 7 days you can repeat. At the same time, drink tea with lemon balm, motherwort, hawthorn, and valerian.

3) Sore throat:

  • half a glass of root juice;
  • one and a half glasses of warm water.

Rinse frequently, every hour, for three days.

4) Cold.

Throw a few plant roots and the same number of potatoes into the water. Breathe over the steam for ten minutes. You can add a few validol tablets before inhalation.

Horseradish root in folk medicine

1) Stomatitis, gingivitis:

  • a teaspoon of mashed horseradish;
  • a glass of water or a glass of red wine.

Leave to infuse for four hours. Rinse your mouth every half hour. Don't forget to strain the infusions.

2) Arthritis, radiculitis.

It is good to make compresses from the juice of grated roots. Fresh leaves apply to sore spots.

Grind with a mixture of horseradish and ammonia (4:1).

Mix fresh juice with baby or lanolin cream and rub on problem areas. After rubbing, you need to warm up and drink tea with raspberries and linden flowers.

3) General tonic:

  • teaspoon juice;
  • teaspoon of honey;
  • 8 drops of lemon juice.

Drink three times a day for two months. After a 14 day break, repeat.

4) Gout, kidney stones, arthrosis, rheumatism:

  • kilogram of grated horseradish;
  • two liters of water.

Leave for a day. Then add a kilo of honey. Drink a quarter glass three times a day before meals.

Conclusion: the irritant effect of horseradish root can aggravate ulcers, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, gall bladder, so it is better when used in medicinal purposes, or as a seasoning, soften it by adding honey or sour cream.

Best regards, Olga.

The medicinal properties of horseradish have been known to mankind for long centuries, because housewives often use this plant in the preparation of various seasonings and pickles. According to historical data, products containing horseradish were consumed by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. A herbal supplement will not only add flavor to food, but when used in moderation it will therapeutic effect on the human body.

The medicinal properties of horseradish and contraindications to its use have been known to mankind for many centuries.

Horseradish is considered a close relative of such plant crops as mustard and cabbage, so it is classified as a member of the cruciferous family. The root, leaves and juice of the plant are widely used not only in folk medicine, but also in cooking, affecting the way traditional dishes are prepared. However, such seasonings are contraindicated for many due to their pungency.

It is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant that belongs to the cruciferous family and self-sows at the place of growth immediately after the seed-containing fruits ripen. Its characteristic feature is a thick root with a fleshy structure. The erect, long, branched stem of the plant can reach 0.5-1.5 m.

It blooms with small white flowers, collected in racemose inflorescences, from which fruits are subsequently formed, represented by neat and small pods. They ripen in August and have an oblong-ovoid shape. The crop begins to bloom in late spring or early summer.


Horseradish is considered a close relative of such plant crops as mustard and cabbage, so it is classified as a member of the cruciferous family.

The crushed and dried root has a large number of beneficial properties, and therefore is actively used in folk medicine. It must be stored in a dry place, first placed in containers with tight-fitting dry lids.

About the medicinal properties of horseradish (video)

Use in cooking

Recipes for pickling vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage and tomatoes often involve the use of horseradish leaves or its root. This plant is considered an excellent preservative, and therefore the leaves can be used for long-term storage of food in an open container. This procedure will help the housewife maintain the transparency of the brine and the pleasant taste of the vegetables, avoiding the formation of mold. When you decide to prepare tasty and crispy cucumbers, you should not neglect the use of horseradish leaves, which will give the preparations a special taste and aroma.

Seasonings made from this product have a hot and pungent taste, and therefore are best suited to the following dishes:

  1. Aspic.
  2. Jellied.
  3. Meat.
  4. Fish.

Due to its low calorie content, this product plant origin often used for weight loss, but given its spiciness, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to eat a large amount of a dish prepared from it.

Benefits and healing properties

Traditional medicine claims that horseradish is a natural vitamin complex that can maintain human health to its maximum potential. high level. Products from this plant contain the following vitamins and microelements:

  1. Vitamin C, which will help protect against colds and improve general state immunity. It is important that horseradish contains much more vitamins in this category than citrus fruits, and is approximately equivalent to black currant fruits.
  2. Folic acid, which is necessary for pregnant women, as it promotes the growth and development of the circulatory and immune systems of the human body.
  3. Phytoncides help destroy harmful microbes, and therefore participate in the prevention of stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.
  4. Found in the roots of this plant great content phosphorus, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium and others useful for the body chemical elements.
  5. Horseradish peroxidase - special enzyme, which promotes detection and is actively used in molecular biological diagnostic methods.

Due to its low calorie content, this plant-based product is often used for weight loss.

Not only the root system of the plant, but also the leaves, which occupy not the last place in folk medicine, can have a healing effect on the human body. They contain ascorbic acid, carotene, myrosin and mustard-allylic oil. The oils not only provide the healing properties of horseradish, but also cause a bitter taste and burning sensation.

Treatment with a plant

It has been used as a medicine for many centuries, and it is with its help that humanity manages to get rid of various ailments. This medicinal plant has the properties of a natural antibiotic, and also has disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The tincture can be used for the following purposes:

  1. Allows you to restore the freshness of the oral cavity in the presence of an unpleasant odor.
  2. Helps reduce toothache with regular rinsing.
  3. Prevents the occurrence of caries, and, accordingly, will help you go longer without the services of a dentist.
  4. Promotes wound healing and is therefore used for inflammatory processes, which can appear as a result of infection on vulnerable surfaces of the oral cavity.

The root system of the plant has especially useful properties, from which it is possible to make a healing folk remedy to solve the following problems:

  1. Using grated root with apple and horseradish leaves for joint disease as a compress. He will help you remove pain syndrome and increase limb mobility.
  2. The juice of this plant will help cope with pain due to diseases. sciatic nerve or exacerbation of radiculitis.
  3. For arthritis or rheumatism, grated horseradish root paste can be applied to the problem area, covered with a clean cotton cloth.

Products and seasonings containing horseradish, in the absence of contraindications, can be used to prevent colds, flu, cough, nasal congestion, etc. The most effective preventive effect can be achieved by using the root of this plant in combination with natural bee honey.

Men should note that horseradish is a fairly strong aphrodisiac, and therefore it would be advisable to eat food seasoned with it in case of decreased libido.

Horseradish leaves in folk medicine help get rid of the following number of diseases:

  1. Otitis, rhinitis, bronchitis.
  2. Bronchial asthma.
  3. Atheromas.
  4. Vegetovascular dystonia.
  5. Osteochondrosis.
  6. Joint diseases.
  7. Chronic tonsillitis.
  8. Diabetes.
  9. Atherosclerosis, etc.

However, treatment must be carried out taking into account possible contraindications and side effects. It is advisable to remember that the burning properties of the plant can not only lead to the recovery of the patient, but also cause irreparable harm its health if used incorrectly.

The healing properties of horseradish (video)

Contraindications for use

Despite the many beneficial properties, before use you need to make sure that the person does not have acute medical contraindications to the use of this product, because spices and seasonings containing it are not useful for everyone.

Specialists traditional medicine It is not recommended to consume dishes with horseradish for chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, stomach or duodenal ulcers. In addition, it should be borne in mind that if the disease is in remission, then the use of this ingredient can lead to its exacerbation.

Considering the contraindications to the use of horseradish leaves, their use should be avoided by the following categories of people:

  1. Children under 4 years old.
  2. Pregnant and lactating women.
  3. People suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  4. Patients with thyroid dysfunction.
  5. If you have any liver or kidney diseases.

It is worth considering that the plant retains its properties for a week, after which it becomes only an unusual seasoning for your favorite dishes. If the housewife wants to preserve the beneficial properties of the product for as long as possible, then she needs to prepare dry horseradish. After drying and grating the root of the plant onto a fine grater, wrap it in clean cotton cloth and place it in a cool, dark room, such as a cellar or pantry. Dry products not only retain their healing properties, but also have a maximum shelf life.


Horseradish has been used as a medicine for many centuries, and it is with its help that humanity manages to get rid of various ailments

How to cook

The healing properties of the plant contribute to the active use of its leaves and roots in cooking, and therefore there are many ways to prepare and prepare this unique means. Here are the most popular recipes among modern housewives:

Beetroot appetizer

For homemade This snack will require the following ingredients:

  1. Pure fresh horseradish root - 300 g.
  2. Beetroot juice - 200 ml.
  3. Sugar - 1 tbsp. l.
  4. Salt - 1 tsp.
  5. Solution 9% acetic acid- 1 tbsp. l.

To make this delicacy you will need freshly squeezed sugar beet juice, which needs to steep for 15-20 minutes. At this time, you can grate the washed and peeled horseradish onto a fine grater. By combining the grated product with beet juice, add salt, sugar and vinegar to the resulting slurry. The seasoning is placed in pre-washed and sterilized glass jars which are closed with a lid suitable size. A refrigerator or pantry is used to store the product.

Tincture

Recipes self-cooking alcohol tinctures horseradish are quite varied, but all of them can be used in modern methods traditional medicine. The most popular method of making an infusion is:

  1. Clean the previously washed plant root.
  2. Cut it into thin slices.
  3. Place the resulting pieces in a jar (3 l).
  4. Add the following ingredients to the same container: vanillin - 2 g, ginger - 0.5 tsp, zest of 1 lemon, honey - 4 tsp, nutmeg- 0.5 tsp, cloves - 10 pcs., cinnamon powder - 0.5 tsp.
  5. Fill the composition with vodka so that the liquid reaches the edges.
  6. Place the tincture in a cool place out of reach of children. The production time for the infusion is at least 5 days.
  7. Periodically stir and shake the contents of the container so that the root of the plant gives the maximum amount of its beneficial qualities to the liquid.
  8. Strain the tincture, removing the remaining raw materials and filling the container with vodka to the initial volume.
  9. Covering the bottle with a lid, leave the mixture for a few more days.

This alcohol-containing medicine can be used to rub painful joints or compresses with a warming effect in the treatment and prevention of viral and colds. This infusion will also help support the body in the fight against the following ailments:

  1. Diabetes.
  2. Cardiovascular diseases.
  3. Hypertension.

When using the infusion, you need to remember that any medicine has its own positive impact only when used in limited quantities.

Experienced chefs recommend seasoning not only fish or meat dishes with natural spices, but also vegetable delicacies - cabbage, cucumbers, and lettuce. Many people like the original salad, rich in vitamins, consisting of celery, cucumbers and grated horseradish, dressed with sour cream.

Having studied the features of use, beneficial properties and contraindications of this vegetable, we can conclude that this plant can help strengthen the immune system. Properly prepared and moderately used seasonings saturate the human body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for full functioning.

What is horseradish:

What is horseradish, the benefits and harms of horseradish for human health, and does it have any medicinal properties? These questions often arise among those who care about their health and show interest in traditional methods of treatment, in particular in treatment with medicinal plants. And this interest is understandable. Maybe in this article, to some extent, you can get an answer to these questions.

Common horseradish, or Country Horseradish (lat. Armorácia rusticána) is a species of perennial herbaceous plants of the Horseradish genus (Armoracia) of the Brassicaceae family.

Horseradish is a perennial plant with thick, highly developed rhizomes and large oblong leaves. The plant is cold-resistant, overwinters well in the soil, rarely produces seeds, so it is propagated mainly vegetatively - by dividing the rhizomes.

Fresh horseradish rhizomes are used to prepare seasoning for meat and fish dishes, added to sauces and used as a spice for pickling and pickling vegetables.

Horseradish contains a large amount of vitamin C (up to 200 mg per 100 g of total weight) and a special organic substance - allyl mustard oil, which gives it a pungent taste and specific smell. In addition, it contains vitamins PP, B2, B6, B8, B9. Horseradish leaves accumulate a lot of carotene (115 mg%).

Horseradish improves the digestion process and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. In folk medicine, horseradish is often used for sore throats and the treatment of radiculitis. In some countries it is used as a diuretic.

Horseradish roots are dug up in spring or late autumn, with the onset of the first frost. They are cleared of leaves and soil and stored in basements and cellars next to other root vegetables (there is evidence that the roots of horseradish, as a plant saturated with phytoncides, have a beneficial effect on the storage of potatoes, beets, carrots, etc., preventing the appearance of mold on them and the growth of putrefactive microorganisms ).

Horseradish is widely used in cooking. Its leaves are good added to salads. The roots, grated and planed, are used as a seasoning, as a sauce with vinegar or sour cream. Grated horseradish can be added to the marinade for fried fish. Planed horseradish is served with hot meat dishes. Horseradish leaves and roots are used for pickling and pickling vegetables; they not only acquire good taste, but they don’t mold longer.

Horseradish roots, which are the raw material for a spicy food seasoning, are also used for medicinal purposes. They contain sinigrin, essential oil (its main part is allyl mustard oil - a source of pungent taste and smell), carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, carotene, traces of alkaloids, starch, resins, potassium salts, calcium, phosphorus, phytoncides, lysozyme, which has a bactericidal effect.

Why horseradish is useful:

Horseradish has a general strengthening, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, expectorant, choleretic, diuretic, socogonic and blood purifying effect, strong stimulating properties, and also stimulates the appetite, improves appetite and digestion, the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, and reduces blood sugar levels.

Horseradish is used for fever, digestive disorders, infections urinary tract, to stimulate blood circulation. Helps with arthritis and rheumatism.

Horseradish is quite widely used in domestic folk medicine and medicine in many countries for dropsy, difficulty urinating, stones in bladder, kidney stones, gout, rheumatism, gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice, absence of menstruation, anemia, scurvy, arthrosis, impotence.

A good therapeutic effect has been established for acute hepatitis and Trichomonas colpitis. It is an anthelmintic. Fresh horseradish juice contains a significant amount of lysozyme, a protein substance that has the ability to dissolve microbial membranes, thus creating an antibacterial barrier in the body.

One of the traditional folk remedies for radiculitis - applying horseradish. For lumbosacral radiculitis, myositis, pleurisy, arthritis, pain in the back muscles, horseradish root gruel is used for rubbing as a local irritant and distracting agent. For these purposes, grated horseradish gruel is spread on cloth and placed on sore spot, like mustard plasters. At colds Horseradish pulp is applied in the form of a poultice to the feet (lubricate the cloth and apply).

Horseradish is an excellent means of preventing the development of acute respiratory diseases. To prevent catching a cold after hypothermia, it is recommended to apply horseradish poultices to the feet and legs. As a remedy for cough, traditional medicine recommends horseradish with honey: horseradish is finely grated and mixed with honey (50 to 50) and consumed 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day.

Juice obtained from fresh horseradish rhizomes has been considered a diuretic since ancient times (especially in India). Horseradish juice was used as a distraction for sciatic neuralgia. Horseradish can help with gumboil or inflammation of the gums - take 1 teaspoon of fresh grated horseradish, add a glass of water (you can take wine instead of water), and leave for 4 hours. The resulting product is filtered and used as a mouth rinse (every 30 minutes). The disease, as a rule, soon recedes.

Since the juice and gruel from the roots contain lysozyme, which has a bactericidal effect, they are used in the treatment of ulcers, purulent wounds, for rinsing the mouth during inflammation of the mucous membrane and sore throat. To do this, use diluted horseradish juice with added sugar or honey. Juice from horseradish root is instilled into the ears for inflammatory processes and pus discharge. Horseradish is used in the treatment of festering wounds in the form of compresses - ground into a paste.

All this is ordinary and familiar horseradish, the beneficial properties of which have given American scientists reason to call it strategically important for medicine, defense and - imagine! - space industry. And Japanese researchers have found that the substances contained in horseradish root serve to prevent caries. Horseradish contains substances that inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms that cause caries. And, in any case, horseradish is a wonderful spice loved by many.

Horseradish harm:

Like any food product, horseradish has its contraindications. It can cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa and stomach in case of gastritis, enterocolitis, and have a negative effect on the kidneys in case of nephritis. Horseradish is not recommended for use for liver inflammation.

People suffering from hypertension should use this plant with caution, since substances from its composition can increase blood pressure. Horseradish tends to irritate the mucous membranes and skin, so abuse can lead to burns. Horseradish is also contraindicated for nursing mothers, pregnant women and small children.

And, of course, if you want to use horseradish as a remedy, do not forget to consult your doctor!

Horseradish composition:

Horseradish contains fiber, essential oils, phytoncides, a large amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and a number of other biologically active substances- vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, E.

Horseradish includes a number of chemical elements, necessary for a person, for example - potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, arsenic. In addition, horseradish rhizomes contain individual amino acids, sugar, and lysozyme, a natural antimicrobial compound.

Horseradish contains a lot of ascorbic acid. Horseradish is ahead of even such “leaders” as oranges and lemons in this regard. Horseradish contains no less vitamin C than black currants. And only ripe red pepper contains more of this vitamin than horseradish plant material. This feature largely determines the beneficial properties of horseradish.

Horseradish contains volatile substances - phytoncides, which destroy harmful microorganisms. Many of us are probably aware of the bactericidal properties that horseradish has.

The glycoside sinigrin was found in horseradish root, from which allylic mustard oil and lysozyme (a bactericidal compound) can be formed. Allyl mustard oil gives horseradish that very pungent taste and specific aroma for which this plant is so valued. This substance has a pronounced local action, provokes hyperemia of the skin and a burning sensation.

Keep in mind that prolonged contact with it can cause skin burns and even gangrene! The fumes of this compound cause tearing and coughing - familiar sensations to anyone who has cut or grated horseradish. Allyl mustard oil in small quantities stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and stimulates appetite. At excessive consumption damn it can lead to severe gastroenteritis. So be careful.

Horseradish (its roots and leaves), in addition to vitamin C, contains an enzyme such as myrosin.

Horseradish for men:

Horseradish root, due to its composition, will be especially useful for men, for men's health. For example, products for restoring potency are prepared from it. Regular use The root of this plant prevents the occurrence of sexual disorders. This may be news to you, but horseradish root is considered a natural aphrodisiac that affects sexual desire.

Sedentary work often gives men a “gift” in the form of sciatic nerve diseases. For this illness, compresses made from horseradish gruel and massage, which develops connective tissue, eliminating congestion.

For representatives of the stronger half of humanity, horseradish is certainly useful. But this product should be avoided if you have prostatitis. In addition, horseradish is contraindicated for gastritis and any inflammatory processes of the digestive system - colitis and stomach disorders, peptic ulcer.

Useful properties of horseradish leaves:

Horseradish has large leaves oval shape, long-petiolate, oblong, with a serrated edge. Leaves can serve an excellent remedy cleansing the body of toxins, waste and salt deposits. They are rich in vitamins and carotene. A tincture is prepared from horseradish leaves, which is good for liver ailments (including viral hepatitis and cirrhosis), with male and women's diseases, for metabolic disorders, for osteochondrosis and osteoporosis, for atherosclerosis.

The tincture is prepared as follows: horseradish leaves are crushed, a jar is filled with them, filled with vodka and left to infuse (in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf) for 7 days. Then strain and store in a dark place at room temperature. Take 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day, half an hour before meals. You can add 2-3 tablespoons of honey and juice from 2-3 lemons to this product (per ½ liter). Attention! This tincture is contraindicated for people suffering from gastritis with increased acidity, peptic ulcer, pyelonephritis.

The culinary use of horseradish leaves is probably known to everyone. They are used mainly in canning and preparing brines. However, horseradish leaves are also very useful as remedy(especially women). They contain a lot of essential oils, sulfur, phytoncides, vitamin C and other useful components.

Horseradish in weight loss diets:

What is so special about horseradish that it can help cope with the problem? excess weight and promotes weight loss?

Horseradish is an extremely low-calorie product, it contains only 45 kcal per 100 g of root vegetables. The plant contains not only alimentary fiber and carbohydrates, but also protein and fats, organic acids and essential oils. Although the horseradish root itself consists of 3/4 water.

It is also a vitamin plant, despite the fact that it contains vitamins in relatively small quantities - these are substances of group B, vitamins A, C and E.

Horseradish contains micro and macroelements - calcium and potassium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, magnesium and copper. And even manganese and arsenic, albeit in inconspicuous quantities.

Therefore, it is not surprising that horseradish has a stimulating effect on the body and promotes weight loss.

Horseradish acts in a similar way to mustard, due to its ability to warm the body from the inside, which leads to activation of digestive processes and prevents constipation, preventing undigested food residues from being deposited in the form of toxins and fat.

The most basic benefit of horseradish in the process of losing weight is that horseradish naturally stimulates metabolism, accelerating it, doing work metabolic processes, promoting weight loss.

Another trick of horseradish is its special taste, which dulls and deceives the taste buds, making it possible for a losing weight person to receive satisfaction even from diet food in not large quantities. Thus, horseradish added to food reduces permissible quantity calories consumed.

And one more word in favor of this particular plant for weight loss is that horseradish is not an unusual exotic for our body, which can immediately cause an effect inversely proportional to the desired one or lead to allergies. Horseradish has been part of our diet almost since childhood and is almost always present in it, albeit in very small doses.

The plant, or rather its root, has long been used as a hot spicy seasoning for first or second courses. Few people know about healing properties horseradish root, its benefits for human health.

Traditional medicine recipes based on horseradish have partially reached modern world and received recognition in home therapy. Horseradish, the beneficial properties of which are being studied, is still widely used for treatment. various diseases, using it individually, as well as in complex therapy. The benefits of horseradish are explained by its rich content of vitamins and microelements. It is equally useful for joint diseases in men and women; the leaf is applied as a compress for bruises and wounds. Its action activates the body and also strengthens the immune system. Recipes can be found in various medical treatises of past years, as well as in the journals of modern healers. The recipes are varied, there are methods when the whole plant is used, there are methods only based on the roots.

Description of the plant

Horseradish refers to perennial plants Brassica family. The stems reach 1–1.5 meters in height, the leaves are oval. The root goes deep into the soil and reaches impressive sizes. The leaves are erect, grooved. Blooms with inflorescence white, the period falls on May - June. The leaf retains its shape and color until the end of the flowering period and after it. The fruits are elongated pods. Horseradish is widespread throughout Europe and Asian countries, and is less common in the USA.

Although it is considered a native Russian plant, it has been known since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The first records about it appeared in 1500 BC among the Greeks, they used horseradish, seasoning various dishes with it.

For medicinal purposes, the root is used in raw or dried form, and the leaves are used for preservation and marinades.

However, there are methods where the leaves are also used for treatment; they are believed to have healing, sedative. A leaf of the plant is simply applied to the affected area, it immediately relieves pain and restores strength.

Useful healing properties

Horseradish is known not only for its specific taste, but also for its beneficial properties and effects on the body. It contains a complex of B vitamins, and ascorbic acid in quantitative ratio is significantly superior to even citrus fruits - lemon, orange. Only ripe red salad peppers contain more vitamin C. The chemical composition is rich in fiber, folic acid, essential oils. The content of phytoncides and a number of microelements promotes the absorption of sugar, amino acids, and proteins. The product supplies the body with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, sodium and manganese in the volumes necessary for full functioning.

A rare combination of lysozyme and organic compounds has made horseradish a unique bactericidal product used in medicine. During the breakdown process, these substances are formed from the glycoside sinigrin, which is found in the roots of the plant. Horseradish also owes its bactericidal effect to phytoncides, which tend to kill pathogenic bacteria, preventing the spread of infection into the body.

After the breakdown of sinigrin, allylic mustard oil is released, which gives rise to an unusual taste, as well as strong smell plant root. Large doses dangerous to human health, they only cause harm; when taken externally, it causes burns and severe pain. The evaporation causes a coughing fit, increased lacrimation. When consumed in moderation, it has a positive effect on the secretion of gastric juice and increases appetite.

Rich chemical composition The plant improves intestinal function, actively fights colds, inflammatory processes caused by infections and bacteria. It has expectorant and choleretic properties, so the root is used as a cough medicine, as well as for Botkin’s disease and jaundice. The beneficial medicinal properties of horseradish are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, joints, skin ailments, as well as to restore the strength of the whole body, especially in men. It has long been believed that the plant gives good spirits. And for men it replenishes wasted strength.

Treatment of radiculitis with horseradish was popular among our ancestors; they applied the pulp to the sore spot and consumed it for acute respiratory diseases and signs of a cold.

Traditional medicine knows cases of healing in pairs of cancer patients; its active effect on tumor tissue has not been proven, but it helps in the prevention of metastases, and also helps to reduce them. At oncological tumors, the harm from the leaves is invisible, and the body receives the necessary therapeutic support.

The Slavic people successfully use the leaf of the plant to treat joint diseases, sprains, and accidental injuries. For chronic forms of joint diseases, regular compresses are recommended, applying a sheet to the affected area. To avoid side effects during long-term treatment joints or not cause harm skin, the sheet is applied through a gauze bandage.

In India, horseradish juice from the leaves is used as a diuretic and also as a method for treating dental inflammation. But the juice must be diluted with water, since the concentrated liquid is dangerous and causes irreparable harm.

Japanese scientists have proven the effectiveness of horseradish for the treatment and prevention of caries, so they began to develop specialized toothpaste for problem teeth.

The health benefits of horseradish are becoming more and more known every day, and homemade recipes are spreading all over the world. Treatment with horseradish the right approach benefits, and the harm from such therapy is minimal.

The root, leaf and plant have the same effect on the body of men and women. The medicine helps with individual disorders in men, the recipes are based on ancient methods and return male strength quickly, and most importantly, effectively.

Indications for use

The leaves and roots are used in folk medicine to treat a number of diseases in men and women of all ages, with the exception of children. The indications are:

  1. Diseases digestive system. Gastritis with low acidity, indigestion.
  2. Dental diseases. Stomatitis, caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis.
  3. Respiratory diseases. Laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis.
  4. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Hepatitis, inflammatory processes of the biliary tract.
  5. Joint diseases. Rheumatism, arthritis knee joints, radiculitis.
  6. Neurological problems. Neuralgia, headaches, migraine.
  7. Disorders menstrual cycle among women. Amenorrhea.
  8. Disorder genitourinary system in men. Problems with potency, male weakness.
  9. Skin ailments. Eczema, pigmentation, purulent wounds.

Contraindications

Besides the mass healing properties, horseradish has contraindications and harms the body. The product is irritating to the mucous membranes and causes burns if used incorrectly. Eating horseradish root is strictly prohibited during an exacerbation chronic diseases digestive tract. Contraindications for use are relative in inflammatory processes, when the benefit is greater than the harm.

Side effects are a sign of overdose or individual intolerance. Beneficial features horseradish increasing blood pressure has a negative effect on patients with hypertension. Women with abundant menstrual flow Horseradish aggravates bleeding.

Contraindications for use are present when complex treatment, taking horseradish and chloramphenicol is not recommended, as the effect of the medications is blocked.

The burning roots of this plant are well-deserved not only in Russia. The benefits of horseradish are known to residents of European countries, Japan, and even America. The secret of the popularity of hot seasonings using it is known to many men.

Useful and harmful properties of horseradish

Both the benefits and harms of the plant lie in its composition. All parts of horseradish contain essential components, phytoncides, and mustard oil, which give it a pungent taste. In addition, burning substances help improve digestion, have bactericidal properties and increase blood circulation.

Because of these properties, horseradish is not only used as a seasoning, but also used as a remedy for colds, rheumatism and gout, radiculitis, sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve). Substances that irritate the skin are useful for strengthening and growing hair; they are widely used for the prevention and treatment of early baldness.

The stimulating property of the hot seasoning is especially important for men: horseradish has long been known as an aphrodisiac and potency enhancer. Traditional healers use horseradish root for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis and adenoma. Diuretic properties medicinal plant are used in treatment urological diseases.

For whom is horseradish harmful?

Any preparations based on horseradish or seasonings that contain it have contraindications. The strong irritant effect of horseradish can be harmful to those who suffer from gastritis or stomach ulcers.

The essential oils and bitterness contained in horseradish have an effect on the liver and kidneys. For acute inflammatory diseases In these organs, spicy seasonings, including horseradish, are strictly contraindicated. Horseradish should also not be consumed by men suffering from:

  • pancreatitis;
  • inflammation of the intestines (enteritis, colitis, etc.);
  • urolithiasis;
  • cardiovascular diseases.

When using horseradish as a seasoning and medicine, you need to remember that hot substances have a cardiotonic effect (increase heart rate) and increase arterial pressure. Before using horseradish preparations as medicine, you should consult your doctor: the substances that make up the plant can interact with antibiotics and distort their effect.

How to prepare and preserve horseradish

For medicinal purposes, only freshly grated root is suitable. A store-bought jar of seasoning cannot be used to prepare medicinal extracts: the beneficial properties of the grated root are lost after about 1 week. But horseradish can be prepared and stored so that it does not lose its strength.

In summer it is easier to dig up a fresh root immediately before preparing the medicine. In winter, the hot vegetable is well preserved in the cellar or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. To prevent the juicy root vegetable from withering, it must be placed in a container with moistened sand or sawdust and used as needed. In this condition healing root It is stored almost all winter without losing its valuable qualities.

Preparing horseradish for drying

Horseradish can also be dried, as is usually done with medicinal rhizomes. To dry, the dug roots must be thoroughly cleaned of soil, but not washed. Cut the medicinal raw material into circles no more than 1 cm thick, spread in one layer on paper and dry in the shade in a draft. Store in a tightly closed jar for 1-2 years.

Horseradish prepared in any way can be used to make extracts to enhance potency, treat colds and other diseases. Traditional healers use water and alcohol extracts of the root. In some cases, they use Fresh Juice plants by mixing it with water or other ingredients. A popular seasoning (horseradish) can also have an effect useful action, but you need to prepare it in small quantities, trying to consume it within a few days.

How to prepare horseradish extracts

The beneficial properties of horseradish for men are well demonstrated in tinctures based on it. Horseradish tincture for potency (hrenovukha), invented, according to legend, by Tsar Peter I, saves not only from sexual impotence. It helps to warm up after being out in the cold, treats colds and relaxes well after hard physical work. You can use fresh or dried roots. In the latter case, approximately 3 times less raw materials are taken (by weight).

For healing tincture needed:

  • 0.5 liters of vodka or moonshine;
  • 200-250 g of peeled horseradish root;
  • 1 tsp. bee honey;
  • 1 tbsp. l. fresh ginger (chopped).

If fresh ginger is not available, then replacing it with dry powder is not recommended. This will make the drink cloudy. The tincture can be prepared without this ingredient.

The prepared horseradish root must be thinly sliced. You should not grind horseradish in a meat grinder, as this impairs the consumer properties of horseradish. Place the root pieces in a bottle, fill with alcohol, seal and leave for 3-5 days in a dark place. Strain the infusion and add honey and ginger, finely chopped with a knife or potato peeler. Let it sit for another 3-4 days; it is not necessary to remove the ginger shavings.

If you have a cold, you need to take 50 g of this tincture 2-3 times a day. Acute respiratory infections, flu or their complications in the form of bronchitis are treated within a few days. To evaluate the power of the extract as an aphrodisiac, it is enough to take 50-70 g of tincture before a date. Horseradish extract with ginger will not only be useful for ensuring a stable erection, but will also fight off bad breath if a man smokes.

For those who for some reason do not drink alcohol and drugs based on it, it is suitable aqueous extract(infusion). The medicinal properties of horseradish are manifested in it no less clearly than in horseradish.

For the infusion, you need to pass 0.5 kg of peeled horseradish through a meat grinder, place it in a 3 liter jar and pour 1.5 liters of boiled chilled water. Close with a tight lid and leave for 5 days in the refrigerator. The jar needs to be shaken from time to time, mixing the layers of liquid. You need to add 500 g of honey and the juice of 3 lemons to the infusion (it will be a little more than 1 glass). Juice cannot be substituted citric acid.

Then the container is closed again and placed in the refrigerator for another 5 days. It must be shaken during infusion. When the extract is ready, take 1 tbsp. l. 2 times a day before meals for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis and adenoma, if sand is found in the kidneys or for colds.

As a stimulant, you need to drink about 0.5 glasses of infusion 30 minutes before sexual intercourse. Horseradish infusion increases blood circulation and causes an accelerated flow of blood to the genitals. As a result, a man's potency increases, and erectile function lasts much longer.

What else can men use horseradish for?

An indispensable medicine for urological diseases such as urethritis, cystitis and others is fresh horseradish juice. Prepare it immediately before use. You need to grate a piece of root on a fine grater and squeeze the juice out of it to get 1 tsp. this liquid. Dissolve the juice in 50-100 ml of water (depending on the ability to tolerate the heat) and drink before meals. The course of treatment for exacerbations is 3-5 days.

You can take a prophylactic dose without waiting for symptoms to appear. To do this, horseradish juice diluted with water is taken in the indicated doses for 3 days on an empty stomach, in the morning. After the course, take a break of 1 week, and then repeat the intake of juice. To prevent inflammation, it is enough to take courses of horseradish juice 2 times a year.

Horseradish juice is also useful for incipient baldness. Use freshly squeezed liquid, diluting it with water in equal proportions. Before washing your hair, horseradish juice should be rubbed into the hair roots and left for 10 minutes. If a strong burning sensation occurs, you can wash it off earlier and add more water next time. Ideally, a horseradish juice mask should provide noticeable warmth to the scalp.

Due to the irritating effect of the spicy juice, the hair follicles receive more nutrients from the blood, and the hair becomes stronger. Dormant hair follicles may even awaken, causing hair growth where they have thinned.

Horseradish root gruel is used in folk medicine to treat sore joints due to rheumatism or gout, to relieve pain from injuries and quickly resolve bruises. To do this, you need to grate the fresh root and place the pulp between 2 layers of fabric. Apply a compress to the joint or hematoma for 20-30 minutes.

If you need to quickly remove a bruise on your face, it is better to use gruel mixed with an equal amount of grated apple or raw potato. The mixture should be wrapped in gauze and applied to the bruise for 15-20 minutes. The procedure can be repeated every 2-3 hours. The bruise will become lighter on the 2-3rd day.

Healthy horseradish seasoning

Horseradish adjika, or horseradish, is not only tasty, but also useful for men as a means to increase potency and prevent prostatitis or urological diseases. In addition to horseradish, it contains garlic and hot pepper, which have antiseptic properties, as well as tomatoes and bell peppers, which contain vitamins and a whole range of microelements.

To prepare the seasoning you need:

  • 0.5 kg of ripe tomatoes;
  • 50 g horseradish;
  • 1 chili pepper;
  • 100-150 g bell pepper;
  • garlic (you can take it to taste).

In addition to vegetables, you will need salt, sugar and vinegar. These ingredients are added to taste. The seasoning can be supplemented with suneli hops, ginger, celery and other spices. It is better not to cook horseradish in large quantities, since during storage the main ingredient loses its medicinal properties.

Vegetables need to be passed through a meat grinder or chopped with a blender. Add salt, sugar, vinegar and spices to the paste, mix thoroughly and place in a jar with a tight lid. The seasoning can be used immediately as an additive to meat, jellied meat, vegetable side dishes or pasta.

The benefits of horseradish for men are known traditional healers long enough. But medicines for bronchitis are also made from this hot vegetable by mixing the grated root with honey. The irritating properties of the juice are used in the treatment of various neuralgia, through massage of problem areas.

When using horseradish for the first time, you need to make sure there is no hypersensitivity to its components. To do this, take a small amount of juice or infusion orally. If heartburn or stomach pain occurs, it is better to refuse treatment with the drug.