Horseradish: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings (2024)

• Uses
  • What Is Horseradish and How Does It Work?
• Dosages
  • Dosages of Horseradish
• Side Effects
  • What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Horseradish?
• Drug Interactions
  • What Other Drugs Interact with Horseradish?
• Warnings and Precautions
  • What Are Warnings and Precautions for Horseradish?

What Is Horseradish and How Does It Work?

Horseradish for oral use suggested uses include urinary tract infection (UTI), urinary stones, upper respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, sinusitis), gout, rheumatism, gallbladder disorders, sciatica pain, and relief of colic. Horseradish for topical use suggested uses include inflamed joints or tissues, and minor muscle aches.

Horseradish is approved by German Commission E for treatment of respiratory tract infections and supportive treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI), as well as externally for respiratory tract congestion and minor muscle aches. There are some preliminary reports indicating benefits of horseradish, but definitive scientific studies are absent.

Horseradish is available under the following different brand and other names: Armoracia rusticana, Cochlearia armoracia, German mustard, great raifort, mountain radish, pepperroot, red cole, and stingnose.

Dosages of Horseradish

Suggested Dosing

• Root: 6-20 g orally once/day
• Capsule: 500-1500 mg orally three times daily with water at mealtime
• Topical: Topical: apply as poultice until a burning sensation

Extract

• 20-60 g/day orally

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Suggested Dosing"

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Horseradish?

Common side effects of Horseradish include:

• Stomach upset
• Heavy sweating
• Vomiting (may be bloody)
• Diarrhea
• Irritation to the lining of the mouth, throat, nose, digestive system, and urinary tract
• Skin irritation or burning (topical)
• Slowing activity of thyroid gland (possible)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

What Other Drugs Interact with Horseradish?

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Horseradish has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild Interactions of horseradish include:
  • warfarin

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

What Are Warnings and Precautions for Horseradish?

Warnings

This medication contains horseradish. Do not take Armoracia rusticana, Cochlearia armoracia, German mustard, great raifort, mountain radish, pepperroot, red cole, or stingnose if you are allergic to horseradish or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, kidney disorder
• Hypothyroidism
• Age less than 4 years old
• Pregnancy, lactation

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Horseradish?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Horseradish?"

Cautions

• None

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Horseradish is contraindicated for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.