Horseradish (Armoracia rustica)
Horseradish is a rugged, cold-hardy (to Zone 3) perennial, with long leaves often grow 3 to 4 feet tall, that thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade. As for soil, horseradish can take almost anything but prefers sandy loam high in potassium. Choose a site for the horseradish away from your main gardens as it can be invasive and it is very difficult to eradicate or move this perennial once it is established.
Planting horseradish from root cuttings is best done in spring or fall. There are several ways to obtain cuttings:
• When harvesting whole plants, cut off the top third to half of the root to use in the kitchen, and plant the bottom part.
• Finding a 6-10” long section of root that includes at least one bud and has a diameter of ¼” to 1.”
• Established plants can also be propagated by crown division too. Lift a clump of horseradish from the ground and shake gently to remove excess dirt. Cut the crown into sections that include the upper leaves of the plant and at least one crown bud and replant the sections.
• Next, loosen the soil to 12 inches deep and add a shovelful of compost. Remove any branching roots that may exist, plant the root cutting at a 45-degree angle, with the top of the cutting 2 inches below the soil line. Space them 30 inches apart as they will grow about 3’ tall x 2’ wide.
To harvest horseradish roots, carefully dig away the soil from around the main root, taking care to free up the side roots and remove them at the same time. Harvest all these lateral roots or they will re-sprout form a thicket that is difficult to harvest.
If placed in a perforated plastic bag, the root will keep in the refrigerator vegetable bin for three months or even longer. If allow to dry, pack in bins between layers of moist sand or sawdust and place in a dark location at between 32° to 40° F, 90% humidity may be stored for 6-12 months. Over 45° F, they will begin to sprout.
Using horseradish
The biting flavor and smell of horseradish is due to mustard oils released by enzymes when the cells are crushed. The mustard oil dissipates within 30 minutes of exposure to air and it is destroyed by heat, so vinegar is usually used to stop the reaction and stabilize the flavor. If you prefer a milder horseradish, add the vinegar sooner. Grated horseradish, kept in an airtight containers under refrigeration, will stores 4 to 6 weeks. Frozen, it keeps for up to six months. Fresh horseradish also loses flavor as it cooks, so it is best added towards the end of a dish when cooking.
Horseradish Root Medicinal Action and Uses
Medicinal Uses: Athletes Foot/Ringworm, Bladder Infection (UTI), Bronchitis, Congestion, Cough, Gout, Herpes/Cold Sores and Scabies
Action: Diaphoretic (profuse sweating), rubefacient (dilating capillaries, increase circulation), very strong diuretic (promotes the formation of urine by the kidney), expectorant and antibacterial antiseptic.
The glucosinolates in horseradish root act as natural antibiotics against different types of infections because of their known toxicity to specific bacteria and fungi, as well as their ability to increase blood flow to the infected area and more rapidly remove the waste products from that region of the body. Due to its antibiotic properties, horseradish can also be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI) and destroy bacteria in the throat that can cause bronchitis, coughs and related problems. The German Commission E (the German equivalent of the FDA) has approved horseradish as an adjunct treatment to prescription drugs for urinary tract infections. The chemicals in horseradish concentrate in the urine deliver antibiotic effects to the bladder and specific enzymes that help to keep toxins from accumulating in the bladder. Additionally, horseradish stimulates the body to eliminate urine, so bacteria or other inflammatory agents in the bladder may be flushed out sooner.
One of the most powerful glycosides found in horseradish, sinigrin has been found to relive the symptoms of water retention, due to its stimulating effect on the blood capillaries. The German Commission E also recommends external use of horseradish As an external rub for respiratory tract congestion, in poultices, as a very effective liniment for relieving muscular aches and painful arthritic joints.
The glucosinolates also increase the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens and they may actually suppress the growth of existing cancerous tumors.
Preparation Methods & Dosage:
• Sinus infections-
o Start with 1/4 teaspoon of the freshly grated root, hold it in your mouth until all the taste is gone to immediately start loosen sinuses mucus loose to drain, relieving the pressure and helping to clear the infection.
o Horseradish may be one of the fastest ways to clear congested sinuses and its antibiotic properties helps to heal the root causes of infection as well. It is an all purpose cold remedy.
• Edema and kidney stones- (effective diuretic)
o Infusion prepared 1 oz. of scraped Horseradish root in 1 cup of hot water taken 2 to 3 tbls three times a day.
• Bladder infections-
o 4 tbls freshly grated root cup apple cider vinegar with honey (to taste) take the whole cup throughout the day.
o Tincture: 1 part fresh root to 5 parts 100 proof vodka, steep 2 weeks, shaking daily, strain, bottle and take a teaspoon 3-4 times a day. (Approved by Commission E for Infections of the urinary tract)
• Lung Congestion, Coughs, Bronchitis, Influenza and Asthma- effective expectorant, loosening mucus and allowing it to be eliminated.
o Infusion: 1 oz. of scraped Horseradish root and honey (to taste) into 1 cup of hot water and 2 to 3 tablespoons three times a day.
o Tincture: 1 part fresh root to 5 parts 100 proof vodka, steep 2 weeks, shaking daily, strain, bottle and take a teaspoon 3-4 times a day. (Approved by Commission E for cough and bronchitis)
o Tincture- diluted with water and sweetened with glycerine, gives marked relief to children with cough whooping-cough, 1 or 2 desertspoonsful being taken at a time.
• Chronic Rheumatism and Digestion-
o 1part Fresh root slices, orange peel, nutmeg in 5 parts 100 proof vodka steep 2 weeks, strain take 1 or 2 tsp taken two or three times daily after meals.
o Tincture- External use: 1 part fresh root to 5 parts 100 proof vodka. Steep together for 2 weeks, strained. Apply to threat rheumatism, necrotic wounds. The application of tincture is slightly painful, but very effective. (Approved by Commission E)
o Poultice or plaster- Fresh grated root, combined with cider vinegar and honey used externally for rheumatic joints and to stimulate blood flow.
Hoarseness-
• syrup is very effectual
o 1/2 oz fresh root, scraped, 4 ounces of water, infused two hours in a close vessel then add enough sugar to make a syrup 1or 2 tsp repeated occasionally.
o 1/2 oz fresh root scraped, 8 tablespoons honey, mix and let it soak for a 15 minutes, strain through a gauze and take three tbls per day.
Horseradish Side Effects:
Do not use it if your thyroid function is low or if taking thyroxine.
Overuse may blister the skin.
Stealth Garden Candidate
Because, in time of need, horseradish root is can be cooked to loose its biting flavor and eaten as a starchy root vegetable, has eatable leaves, and medicinal qualities; this rugged, pest free, plant could make an interesting stealth garden candidate. Few who see it will recognize it and still fewer will realize its true edible potential.
It is not well known but horseradish root is can be cooked to loose its biting flavor as can the leaves. In the spring, small leaves may be picked and eating raw. The later, larger leaves can get strong tasting and be tough but can be steam or boiled before using in soup or potage dishes. Although young leaves may be eaten by animals, older strong tasting, generally, are not. These older leaves should not be fed to livestock but do make good compost or mulching material.
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