Horseradish Essential Oil – Health Benefits, Side Effects

Horseradish oil grows all over the world and it has many great healing qualities that most people take for granted. Horseradish is a very pungent root that’s part of the cabbage and broccoli family. And it has many great health benefits including preventing cancer because it contains lots of glucosinolates, boosts up our immune system, heals respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, heals urinary tract infections, keeps our heart healthy, keeps our digestive tract healthy and moving, and lowers blood pressure. Horseradish is a great pain-killing agent, helps with back pain, arthritis, and joint pain. Gets rid of age spots, and heals constipation. And Horseradish is a powerful antibiotic agent, great for detoxing, and a good diuretic, and helps with weight loss and more.

The horseradish plant is a perennial plant that belongs to the cabbage family. It is usually grown for its roots. It has narrow and large leaves about 10-30 cm long. The plant grows upto the height of 45-75 cm. The roots possess a spicy taste which is used as a seasoning. This plant is inherent to Eastern Europe and is grown widely in North America and Europe. The essential oil of horseradish is extracted from roots by the steam distillation process. This fluid is pale yellow in color. It is not supposed to be taken internally due to its toxicity. This oil is effective to promote heart health, lower blood pressure, promoting weight loss and build strong bones.

History

Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia and got introduced to Europe in the 13th century. In 1500 B.C. E. it was known to Egypt and was used by Jews of Eastern Europe in Passover Seders. Pliny the Elder in Natural history mentioned Horseradish in the name of America and recommended it for its medicinal purposes. During Middle Ages, both leaves and roots were used as medicine. In Britain, Scandinavia, and Germany, the roots were used as a condiment for meats. During Colonial times, it was brought to North America.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Horseradish?

Benefits of Horseradish Oil

The health benefits of horseradish essential oil can be attributed to its mineral content: zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, folate, and vitamin C.

The significant health benefits include:

Aids weight loss

Horseradish oil has no unhealthy fats and is very low in calories. It is rich in protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids, which stimulate a feeling of satiety and suppresses appetite. Horseradish oil also increases metabolism and aids weight loss by preventing unhealthy cravings.

Improves bone health

Horseradish oil is rich in calcium, which is an essential mineral for bones. It helps increase bone density, stimulate bone repair and prevent bone-related diseases like osteoporosis.

Treats respiratory infections

Although horseradish has a pungent odor, it can help clear excess mucus and treat respiratory infections.

Inhaling horseradish oil helps clear the sinuses and loosen the phlegm deposits in the respiratory tract. This essential oil is a useful remedy to treat cold and flu.

Acts as a diuretic

Horseradish oil contains diuretic properties that increase the frequency and output of urine and thereby expel harmful toxins such as excess sodium, excess water, uric acid, and fats. It also cleanses the kidneys and aids in weight loss.

Anti-bacterial properties

The powerful and natural chemicals present in horseradish oil contain anti-bacterial properties that act as a defense against bacterial infections.

The oil contains an antibacterial component, allyl isothiocyanate, which helps fight infections related to staphylococcus, E.coli, and listeria.

Helps during pregnancy

Horseradish oil is rich in folate, which plays a significant role in the development of the fetus by eliminating the risk of neural tube defects. It nourishes the mother throughout pregnancy and prevents complications in the uterus and delivery.

Lowers blood pressure

Potassium is a major mineral that is responsible for the tension of blood vessels and the flow of cellular fluids. A deficiency of potassium causes high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.

Horseradish oil is a rich source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and maintains heart health.

Boosts immunity

Horseradish oil is packed with phytochemicals and nutrients such as Vitamin C, sinigrin, and isothiocyanate, which are essential for the body.

These nutrients have antioxidant properties that not only fight damage from free radicals in the body but also stimulate the activity of white blood cells and boost the immune system.

Horseradish for diabetes

In order to help the body with diabetes, you need to take 10 grams of the grated root, add 100 ml of sour milk to it and close the container with a lid. Within 24 hours, you need to leave the container so, with the lid closed, then strain the mixture and take a tablespoon each time before eating.

Horseradish cough

This recipe requires 150 g of roots, which it is advisable to thoroughly grind in a meat grinder or blender. The resulting mixture must be poured with half a liter of boiling water and left to infuse for 48 hours in a dark cool place. Then you need to strain the mixture very carefully, leaving only the juice and remove all impurities. There you need to add 150 grams of honey, thoroughly heat the mixture so that the honey dissolves completely. After that, pour the resulting mixture into a glass container with a tight lid and store out of direct sunlight. It should be taken in two tablespoons 20-30 minutes before meals.

Horseradish with sinusitis

To effectively fight a disease such as sinusitis, you need to take 150 grams of roots, chop and squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into them. Such a remedy should be taken 2 times a day, little by little, about half a teaspoon. The main thing is not to get involved in treatment, its course should be limited to three months.

With hair loss

It is necessary to take fresh horseradish roots, chop and apply directly to those areas that suffer from baldness. This mask should be kept for 30 minutes, then rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Use this remedy 2 times a day with breaks a day for a week. The result will not be noticeable immediately, but it will be pronounced. Horseradish roots have a very warming effect, thereby stimulating blood flow in the scalp and helping hair growth.

Combating bad breath

You need to take 10 grams of the fresh root, chop it thoroughly and pour 200 ml of vodka. Leave the infusion for three days, shaking regularly, and then strain thoroughly. The resulting mixture is gargled.

Bath with radiculitis

If you are tormented by a problem such as sciatica or gout, you need to take 50 g of the root, chop it thoroughly and place it in several layers of gauze. Close the cheesecloth thoroughly and dip into a tub filled with water. It is very important that the water in the bath is not very hot, about the temperature of the body, otherwise the heating will be too strong. After you have taken a bath, you need to go to bed and wrap yourself well in a blanket for the best warming effect.

With osteochondrosis

Horseradish leaves are used for supportive treatment for osteochondrosis. They need about 15 pieces, you need to rinse them thoroughly, add 10 liters of very hot water, carefully cover and leave in a dark place for 24 hours. After the resulting mixture is infused, fill the bathroom, add 3 liters of the ready-made broth to it, and take every day for 20-30 minutes for 3 days. It is best to do this an hour or an hour and a half before meals, then the effect will be most pronounced.

To combat angina pectoris

To help people suffering from angina pectoris, you need to grate 100 grams of root and add 100 grams of any honey there. The resulting mixture should be taken every morning before meals, half a tablespoon for a month. After the course of treatment, if you deem it necessary to continue it, take a break for 2 months and you can start the treatment again.

Traditional uses

• It helps to build strong bones, lower blood pressure, promote weight loss and heart health.
• It also enhances the immune system and prevents infections.
• It prevents the growth of bacteria.

What Are The Benefits Of Horseradish Root?

1. Horseradish Helps Combat Cancer

The glucosinolates in horseradish were found to activate the cancer-fighting enzymes, and this can prove beneficial to patients combating cancer (1). What is more interesting is that these glucosinolates, in the plant world, actually protect the plants from toxic environments. In fact, horseradish contains 10 times more glucosinolates than broccoli.

There are other preliminary studies that state how horseradish can induce cell death in the case of colon cancer (2). All of this only accentuates the possibility of glucosinolates being used as a potential cancer cure (3).

2. Is An Antioxidant Powerhouse

Horseradish root possesses several phytocompounds, types of antioxidants that are extremely beneficial to human health (4). Some other antioxidants in horseradish are antimutagenic, which means that they can protect the body from mutagens that otherwise inflict grave harm.

There is research that also shows how horseradish can decrease DNA damage caused by oxidative stress (5).

3. Can Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections

The antibiotic properties of horseradish can help treat urinary tract infections in some cases, better than conventional treatment (6). Another reason horseradish works well in this aspect is sinigrin, the compound we spoke of initially. Sinigrin is an effective diuretic and prevents water retention, and this helps deal with urinary tract infections.

4. Enhances Digestion

Certain enzymes in the root can stimulate digestion and aid bowel movements. Horseradish root is also considered a cholagogue, i.e., it stimulates bile production in the gallbladder – thereby aiding digestion (7). And the little fiber in the root can also improve digestion.

However, certain reports also recommend horseradish against digestive issues. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor.

5. Fights Inflammation

One Italian study states that horseradish can help fight inflammation – it achieves this by reducing the release of reactive oxygen species (8). Several parts of Chinese medicine have recommended the use of horseradish to help prevent inflammation – be it in the case of injury or even for relief from arthritis pains. However, we need more research on this.

6. Eases Respiratory Ailments

The antibiotic properties of the root can play a major role in treating respiratory ailments. In fact, traditional medicine has seen the use of horseradish root for treating bronchitis, cough, common cold, and sinusitis.

The results of the study were quite surprising. When a drug containing horseradish root was tested against conventional antibiotics, the results were quite comparable. The root was able to help treat sinusitis (or congestion) and bronchitis in ways similar to that of the treatment (9).

7. Has Antimicrobial Properties

It is the allyl isothiocyanate in the root that offers antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that this compound can offer protection against a variety of microbes (10). And in yet another study, roast beef added with horseradish essential oil displayed the most resistance against bacterial growth (11).

The antimicrobial properties of horseradish also help in the treatment of ear infections.

8. Helps Treat Melasma

Melasma is a condition where brown patches appear on the face. But since horseradish root has bleaching properties, it can help treat skin discoloration – which is the primary symptom of melasma.

You can simply cut the horseradish root into slices and rub one directly on your skin. Ensure the juice of the root is applied to the affected areas. You can allow it to dry and then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Repeat once a week until the brown patches fade.

You can also mix two tablespoons of horseradish powder with one cup of sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat once a week until you see positive results.

9. Horseradish Can Help Reduce Age Spots

The skin-lightening properties of horseradish have a role to play here.

You can make horseradish paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. You can follow this remedy a few times a week.

Alternately, you can grate a four-inch piece of horseradish and mix it with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for about two weeks, post which you strain it. Using a cotton ball, apply it to the affected areas. Follow this remedy thrice a day for about a month.

10. Can Boost Hair Growth

Though there is little research on this, some sources say that the antioxidants in horseradish help regenerate hair and prevent hair loss. They achieve this by improving circulation to the scalp. Simply prepare a poultice from horseradish and apply to your scalp. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then shampoo as usual. These are the benefits of the much popular condiment, which is now gaining acclaim for its goodness as well. But how do you measure goodness? Yes, with the nutrients.

Side Effects of Horseradish Oil

• Digestive Issues In Children

Children under 4 years of age must stay away from horseradish as it can cause issues in the digestive tract.

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Horseradish contains mustard oil that can be irritating and even toxic. Hence, pregnant and breastfeeding women must stay away from all forms of horseradish.

• Digestive Problems

Though horseradish can help treat certain digestive issues, there is evidence that it can also aggravate intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive conditions that might be present especially if there is mucosal damage. Hence, consult your doctor.

• Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs due to an underactive thyroid gland. Horseradish might worsen this condition.

• Kidney Problems

Horseradish might increase urine flow, and this can be a matter of concern for individuals with kidney disorders.

Although horseradish oil has beneficial properties, it has its share of side effects to look out for.

1. Research proves that consuming horseradish oil can make the thyroid gland active and aggravate hypothyroidism.
2. Irritation may occur in the digestive tract and should be avoided by those suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases and ulcers.
3. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are advised not to use horseradish oil.
4. Those with sensitive skin must patch test before using horseradish oil.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• It should not be used internally or ingested.
• People allergic to horseradish should not use it.
• People with sensitive skin could get allergic reactions.
• People with kidney problems should avoid it.

References

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