Horseradish

OTHER NAMES: Armoraciae rusticanae

HISTORY: Medicinal references date back to 1500 BC

PROPERTIES: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal

CONSIDERED USES

Respiratory: Cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, decongestant (German Commission), chest congestion

Gastrointestinal: Gallbladder problems, intestinal parasites (worms)

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infections (German Commission E), kidney stones

Musculoskeletal: Joint aches, sciatica (topically), gout, muscle aches, low back pain (topically)

Cancer: Possibly anti-colon, stomach, and lung: Per WebMD, more studies are needed.

Other: Fluid retention (diuretic), possibly atherosclerosis, diaphoretic (makes you sweat)

Side Effects: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting (sometimes bloody), and diarrhea(gastrointestinal upset is more common in those with preexisting stomach problems), may decrease thyroid activity, skin burning/irritation when applied to the skin, sweating, irritation of the respiratory tract lining, urinary tract irritation, allergic reaction

Cautions/Contraindications: Thyroid problems (esp hypothyroidism), ulcers, kidney problems, Warfarin/Coumadin

Side Effects: May cause gastric distress - especially in people with preexisting stomach problems

FORMS: Ground, dried, cut, juice, oils, tincture, tea, poultice (from root) applied to chest

RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No recommended brands available at this time

DOSAGES: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• (oral) 20 gm/day (Drugs.com)

Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.