Horseradish Root Extract (Armoracia rusticana) 2 fl oz: HH

Known for its pungent taste, Horseradish has been used as a condiment and medicine for centuries in Europe. Horseradish contains many compounds similar to mustard, which is in the same botanical family. It is essential in cocktail sauce, specialty mustards, and many other sauces, dips, spreads, relishes and dressings. Medicinally, horseradish was used both internally and externally. Applied to the skin, it causes reddening and was used on arthritic joints or irritated nerves. The glycosides are responsible for the reddening effect (by increasing blood flow to the area) when horseradish is applied topically. Internally, it was considered primarily to be a diuretic, used for kidney stones or edema, and an antiseptic treatment for hacking coughs. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Horseradish for 'Internal: Catarrhs of the respiratory tract; supportive therapy for infections of the urinary tract. External: Catarrhs of the respiratory tract; hyperemic treatment for minor muscle aches.' 'Contraindications: Internal: Stomach and intestinal ulcers, kidney disorders. No administration to children under the age of 4. Side Effects: Internal: Discomforts of the gastrointestinal tract. 'Average daily dosage: 20 g of fresh root; equivalent preparations. External: Preparations with a maximum of 2 percent mustard oil. Mode of Administration: Fresh or dried, cut or ground root, freshly pressed juice as well as other galenical preparations for internal or external applications. Actions: Antimicrobial; Hyperemic.' Horseradish has antibiotic properties, which may account for its easing of throat and upper respiratory tract infections. It was also recommended as a digestive stimulant. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Stimulant, aperient, rubefacient, diuretic and antiseptic. It is a powerful stimulant, whether applied internally or externally as a rubefacient, and has aperient and antiseptic properties.' 'Taken with oily fish or rich meat, either by itself or steeped in vinegar, or in a plain sauce, it acts as an excellent stimulant to the digestive organs, and as a spur to complete digestion.' 'It is a very strong diuretic, and was employed by old herbalists in calculus and like affections. It is useful in the treatment of dropsy. An infusion for dropsy is prepared by pouring 1 pint of boiling water on 1 oz. of Horseradish and ½ oz. of Mustard seed, crushed. The dose is 2 to 3 tablespoonsful three times a day.' 'The chief official preparation of Horseradish in the British Pharmacopoeia is Comp. Sp. Horseradish; a fluid extract is also prepared. A compound spirit of Horseradish may be prepared with slices of the fresh root, orange peel, nutmeg and spirit of wine, which proves effective in languid digestion, as well as for chronic rheumatism, 1 or 2 teaspoonsful being taken two or three times daily after meals with half a wineglassful of water.'