Is Horseradish a Natural Antibiotic?

According to Google, this is how horseradish got its name:

"In German, it's called “meerrettich” (sea radish) because it grows by the sea. Many believe the English mispronounced the German word “meer” and began calling it “mareradish.” Eventually it became known as horseradish. The word “horse” (as applied in “horseradish”) is believed to denote large size and coarseness."

Horseradish can clean out your sinuses and bring a tear to your eye, as it produces a significant "heat".

Horseradish seems to have its roots in the Mediterranean, Europe and Asian regions. It is even mentioned in Greek mythology. About 85% of the world's horseradish production now comes from the United States.

In certain situations, horseradish appears to work just as well, if not better than medicines. Horseradish has been also known to be used in preventative medicine.

"Healthy and Natural World" States:

"Empirical research has now proved what our ancestors intuitively already knew. When treating certain conditions, horseradish is just as effective as chemically-synthesized antibiotics and it can sometimes even be superior to over-the-counter drugs.

Horseradish is particularly potent in the treatment of sinusitis and it clears upper respiratory passages, which helps with cold, influenza and lung congestion … When used as a natural drug, it comes without any side effects. At the same time, it provides us with some distinct culinary enjoyment."

It is important to remember that heating horseradish can significantly alter the strength of the many healing compounds that it contains, so eating it raw is recommended.

As a member of the Brassicaceae family along with mustard, wasabi and cabbage, horseradish contains many phytonutrients, including isothiocyanates (ITCs) such as glucosinolates (found only in Brassica plants) broken down from the volatile oil sinigrin, which has been found to help to protect against cancer.

Besides helping to unclog stuffy sinuses, horseradish has been used to treat a hoarse throat, a cold, a urinary tract infection and to help to dissolve kidney stones.

According to the "Baseline of Health Foundation"- Horseradish may be helpful for relieving symptoms of several serious diseases and disorders, including these 12:

1. Respiratory problems

2. Gout

3. Sciatic nerve pain

4. Dandruff

5. Cancer

6. Edema (water retention)

7. Coughs, colds and asthma

8. Skin blemishes and dandruff

9. Gallbladder disorders

10. Intestinal parasites

11. Colic

12. Headaches

"Mother Earth News" stated:

"Ounce for ounce, horseradish contains more medicinally active compounds than most other spices.

And they are very active — they can clear congestion, thin mucous, reduce inflammation, squelch cell-damaging oxidants, fight bacteria and viruses, relax muscles, stimulate the immune system — and even battle cancer. That makes the humble horseradish one special spice."

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