Latin name: Armoracia rusticana .

Description :
Originally the horseradish was cultivted as a medicinal herb. Now it is considered a flavoring. The common name means a coarse or strong radish, the prefix horse often being used to indicate a large, strong plant.Both the root and leaves of Horseradish were universally used as a medicine during the Middle Ages

Horseradish is a hardy perennial that grows to about 24-25 inches. Sow the seeds in the spring, or plant cuttings. Also in the spring separate the clumps from last years planting.

Overuse may blister the skin. Do not use it if your thyroid function is low or if taking thyroxin. Avoid continuous dosage when pregnant or suffering from kidney problems.

Horseradish is a powerful circulatory stimulant with antibiotic properties. It is also effective f or lung and urinary infections. Grated into a poultice it can be applied externally to stiff muscles and joints to stimulate blood flow. The roots and the leaves produce a yellow dye for natural dying. Slice and infuse in milk for a lotion to improve skin clarity. Actions: antibacterial, aperitif, stimulant, carminative, circulatory stimulant, condiment, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, pectoral, respiratory stimulant, stimulant, stomachic .

Traditional use: anorexia, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, common cold, cough, dropsy, edema, emphysema, fever, gout, hoarseness, intestinal worms, lumbago, lung infections, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism, sinusitis, skin cancer, stiffness, urinary tract infection

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. Boerhaave recommended it to be given in scurvy when there was not much fever, and administered it for various other complaints.

An infusion for dropsy is prepared by pouring 1 pint of boiling water on 1 OZ. of Horseradish and 1/2 oz. of Mustard seed, crushed. The dose is 2 to 3 tablespoonsful three times a day.