Recently, alternative medicine has been widely used. Naturally, special attention is paid to the beneficial properties of some plants. After all, recipes of folk remedies are often based on them. Such plants should also include horseradish. This seasoning contributes to a speedy recovery in the presence of certain diseases. So, what is horseradish good for?
What is horseradish
Horseradish is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the cabbage family. It has a fleshy and powerful root. The stem of the plant is branched at the top and erect, furrowed, hollow. Horseradish can grow up to 1.2 meters high. In this case, basal leaves are elongated-oval, large, serrate along the edge, with a heart-shaped base. Flowers are collected in the smallest inflorescences and are arranged with whole brushes. Horseradish usually blooms in June or May. However, the main beneficial properties of horseradish for the human body are concentrated precisely in the root.
When is the best time to harvest horseradish?
To preserve all the useful qualities of the spice, it is worth harvesting it in time. This is best done in the fall. It was at this time that the roots contain much more substances that positively affect our body. To prevent the spice from drying out for a long time, experts recommend storing it in special boxes filled with sand. About how healthy and harmful horseradish is for the body, they knew already in the distant 1500 BC. It is worth noting that this product is used for medicinal purposes in many countries, for example, Brazil, Switzerland, France.
Useful components in the composition of horseradish
So, what is horseradish good for? To answer this question is not so difficult. It is enough to carefully consider the composition of this product. First of all, it is worth highlighting the high content in seasoning of B vitamins, vitamin C and E, folic acid, fiber, phytoncides and essential oils. In addition, horseradish is full of trace elements: it is arsenic, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, as well as amino acids, sugar, lysozyme - a bactericidal substance based on protein.
It is worth noting that in this spice, vitamin C is about 5 times more than in lemons or in oranges. Horseradish is not inferior in this regard even to black currants.
The leaves of this plant also found many useful components. Among them, it is worth highlighting allyl mustard oil, ascorbic acid and an enzyme such as myrosine.
The effect of horseradish on the body
I must say that the plant is really unique. And the question of whether horseradish is good for the body, you can give only a definite answer. Of course! The root contains volatile substances - volatile substances. They are able to overcome some pathogens, having a bactericidal effect on the body.
Also, horseradish contains sinigrin glycoside, which upon splitting forms lysozyme and allyl mustard oil. It is worth noting that these components also have a bactericidal effect. In small amounts, allyl mustard oil can increase appetite. Very often horseradish is used to stimulate the secretion of the digestive tract. In addition, the product has anti-zingotic, expectorant and choleretic action.
Healing properties of the product
So, what is horseradish good for? Very often this product is used for the preparation of alternative medicine. Often, preparations based on horseradish are prescribed for all kinds of diseases of the stomach, in the presence of inflammatory processes, gout, rheumatism, as well as for ailments associated with the skin, bladder and liver.
Rheumatism treatment
To cure this disease, it was horseradish that was used in ancient times. Gruel was made from the root of this plant. Freshly prepared mass was applied to a piece of tissue. Such a compress was applied to the sore spot.
It is worth noting that horseradish pulp is used for purulent wounds as a distracting and irritating agent.
Fighting the common cold
The beneficial properties of horseradish for the body have been studied for many centuries. Doctors of Ancient Rome often used this product to combat acute respiratory diseases, as well as to prevent them. Today, experts in alternative medicine recommend making poultices for the legs and feet. Similar procedures are prophylactic. If it was not possible to avoid a cold, and the patient suffers from a severe cough, then in some cases the doctor may prescribe a folk remedy prepared on the basis of honey and horseradish. To prepare it, you must take in equal proportions these components and mix them. You can use the drug up to three times a day for a teaspoon.
Dentistry and horseradish
Very often horseradish is used to treat sore gums. To prepare the product, you need to take a teaspoon of grated fresh product and pour about a glass of wine or water. Spice should stand for 4 hours. The finished product is filtered and used to rinse the mouth every half hour.
Scientists also found that horseradish contains components that destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay. Based on this plant, specialists are trying to develop a toothpaste.
Horseradish juice: benefits and applications
So, how is horseradish useful for the body and in what form can it be used? Very often, in the preparation of alternative medicine, the juice of this product is used. For example, in India, such a drink is used as a distracting drug in the presence of sciatic nerve inflammation. Also, horseradish juice is instilled into the ears during inflammatory processes in them.
Horseradish Harm
The effect of horseradish on the body is not always positive. But, as a rule, problems arise only in those cases when there is no sense of proportion. For example, allyl mustard oil has a local pronounced effect. With prolonged therapy, this substance can cause burning pain and flushing of the skin, up to a burn. It is worth noting that allyl mustard oil determines the taste and smell of spices. His couples are capable of causing lacrimation and a severe cough. When using the product in large quantities, severe gastroenteritis can develop.