Horseradish is not just a spicy condiment. The herbal supplement, horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, is 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 component 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, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The main component is sinigrin.
This article discusses the potential nutritional and health benefits of horseradish, plus how to take it as a supplement, precautions to consider, and more.
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Uses of Horseradish
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor, should individualize and review 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. With the increased resistance to antibiotics, scientists are searching for new ways to respond to bacteria's potential effects on the human body. For this reason, they are studying the horseradish plant's components (chemicals).
The sinigrin found in horseradish releases allyl isothiocyanate, a sulfur-containing mustard oil. It is the activity of the isothiocyanates that acts against bacteria such as Escherichia coli. This has motivated the need to further study the activity of horseradish and its effects on bacteria.
Early studies show that horseradish may have antibacterial properties. But again, the data supporting these claims is insufficient. More clinical studies (studies in humans) are necessary to confirm its effectiveness.
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Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are common infections affecting all ages and genders. Managing this condition is essential due to its widespread impact.
The activity of a compound found in the horseradish plant called isothiocyanate may promote antimicrobial (germ-killing) activity. These studies are in their early stages and human data is needed to support these claims.
Cancer
There have been no clinical studies of the use of the horseradish plant for cancer.
Early lab studies have also shown that sinigrin, a result of the degradation of glucosinolates, can cause death in some cancer cells. Though these early results are promising, no clinical data exists to support these claims.
As with most supplements, more research is necessary to support the claims of traditional uses for horseradish. Aside from this, other possible treatment purposes of horseradish include:
- Inflammation
- Blood pressure regulation
- Gout
- Kidney stones
- Asthma
- Rheumatism
- Headaches
- Chest congestion
- Muscle stiffness
Nutrients in Horseradish
Although horseradish contains nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, the amount of these nutrients consumed is minimal due to the small serving size used as a condiment or in sauces.
One teaspoon of horseradish contains:
- Calories: 2.4
- Total fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrate: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 21 mg
- Vitamin C: 1.2 mg
- Folate: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 2.8 mg
- Magnesium: 1.4 mg
- Potassium: 12.3 mg
Horseradish also contains flavonoids—compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thought to promote health and prevent diseases. However, the flavonoid content may not be significant in typically consumed portions compared to the flavonoid content in extracts or supplements.
How to Consume Horseradish
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Horseradish is available in different forms, including fresh or dried root, capsules, and liquid. Follow the label recommendations when taking any form of horseradish.
The fresh root of horseradish should be taken before meals. Take 3–4 grams (g) daily. Fresh horseradish can be used as a condiment or added to mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, co*cktail 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 in 2 g doses several times per day. Horseradish can also be prepared in a tincture. Take 2–4 g of the dried equivalent daily as a tincture.
Horseradish capsules come in a variety of dosages from 500 milligrams (mg) to 1000 mg. There isn't a recommended dosage for horseradish capsules, so follow the label recommendations.
What Are the Side Effects of Horseradish?
Horseradish has no clinical data showing possible side effects as an herbal supplement. Horseradish is most commonly consumed as a food item. Most people recognize horseradish as a condiment. Yet, as there is with any supplement, there may be a possibility of allergies.
Common Side Effects
Clinical studies of the medicinal properties of horseradish are very new. Most of these studies have been completed in cells or animals and not in humans. Information on the possible side effects of horseradish as a supplement is lacking.
As a food, horseradish is often spicy or hot. It may irritate your throat if it is too pungent. When a person shreds horseradish, its oils may cause eye irritation.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects of horseradish are rare. Clinical data about 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 condition when using horseradish, consult your healthcare provider.
Precautions
Though horseradish is generally safe, there is some cause for caution. People with hypothyroidism, ulcers, gastritis, or kidney disease should use horseradish with caution. If you have any of these conditions, speak with your healthcare provider about your individual use of horseradish.
Using horseradish at therapeutic levels during pregnancy or breastfeeding is also not recommended.
What Happens if I Consume Too Much Horseradish?
Horseradish is generally safe. If eaten as a condiment in large quantities, thisspicy root may irritate your mouth, nose, or stomach. Taking small quantities when using this condiment or supplement is best.
Store-bought sauces containing 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 toxic if eaten in high quantities. The toxic part of the plant can be found in the root. The glucosinolates found in the root cause this risk of toxicity. When eaten in high quantities, it can cause profuse sweating, stomach upset, weakness, and disorientation.
Should you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Interactions
There are no recent reports of horseradish having any drug interactions. There has been mention, however, that horseradish may interact with thyroid medications such as levothyroxine because of the possibility of decreased thyroid activity.
Because of this uncertainty, if you take levothyroxine, speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish.
Carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Horseradish
Follow all storage and discard recommendations found on the supplement label. Fresh horseradish is best stored in the refrigerator. When the supplement is fresh, keeping it in the refrigerator will minimize the loss of flavor and maintain its quality.
Horseradish is available in freeze-dried and dehydrated forms. In these forms, follow the recommendations for storage found on the supplement label.
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Sources of Horseradish and What to Look For
Horseradish can be found in many forms. It is available as a spicy food condiment or as a supplement. The best way to receive the benefits of horseradish is through a supplemental form.
Horseradish Supplements
Horseradish supplements are available in many forms. The actual root, of which most supplements are made, can be purchased at grocery stores.
The supplement can be found as a tincture, infusion, or syrup. These preparations are likely higher in concentration than you would receive from just increasing horseradish in your diet naturally.
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.
Summary
The horseradish condiment that may be on your kitchen table has more uses than spicing things up. Traditional medicine has used horseradish to act on many health issues from infections to inflammation. Early studies of some of these traditional uses may be promising, but more data from research on humans is necessary to support the traditional uses of horseradish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is horseradish spicy?
Horseradish contains sinigrin. It is the hydrolysis (the chemical breakdown when reacting to water) of sinigrin that creates the spicy taste of horseradish.
Can I use horseradish if I am taking an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) drug?
Horseradish may decrease blood pressure, but little clinical (human) data exists to support this claim. However, because its action is similar to that of anti-hypertensive drugs, you should speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish while taking them.
Is horseradish good for your stomach?
There is mention of the traditional use of horseradish for gastrointestinal issues. But it is not specified to treat stomach upset. On the contrary, consuming too much horseradish may cause stomach pain and vomiting.
