Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesNutritionSourcesSide EffectsStorageWhat to Look ForFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Nutrition
Sources
Side Effects
Storage
What to Look For
FAQ
Horseradish is a spicy condiment and has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties. Horseradish root, calledArmoracia rusticana, is an annual herb in theBrassicaceaefamily.
The horseradish plant is native to Eastern Europe. Known for its pungent odor, it is less known for its traditional uses.The component in horseradish (sinigrin) known to cause this familiar odor may also be the reason behind many of the traditional benefits attributed to the plant.
Horseradish contains several nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Horseradish
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor, should individualize and review supplement use. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Horseradish contains vitamins, minerals,flavonoids, andsinigrin.Aside from its use as a table condiment, these components in horseradish may explain its more traditional uses.
May Have Antibacterial Effects
Horseradish has also appeared in traditional medicine as an antibacterial.With the increased resistance to antibiotics, scientists are searching for new ways to respond to bacteria’s potential effects on the human body. For this reason, they are studying the horseradish plant’s components (chemicals).
The sinigrin found in horseradish releasesallyl isothiocyanate, a sulfur-containing mustard oil.It is the activity of the isothiocyanates that acts against bacteria such asEscherichia coli.This has motivated the need to further study the activity of horseradish and its effects on bacteria.
Early studies show that horseradish may have antibacterial properties. But again, the data supporting these claims is insufficient. More clinical studies (studies in humans) are necessary to confirm its effectiveness.
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
There have been no clinical studies of the use of the horseradish plant for cancer.
Early lab studies have also shown that sinigrin, a result of the degradation ofglucosinolates, can cause death in some cancer cells.Though these early results are promising, no clinical data exists to support these claims.
Other Potential Uses
As with most supplements, more research is necessary to support the claims of traditional uses for horseradish. Aside from this, other possible treatment purposes of horseradish include:
Nutrients in Horseradish
Although horseradish contains nutrients, such as vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, the amount of these nutrients consumed is minimal due to the small serving size used as a condiment or in sauces.
One teaspoon of horseradish contains:
Horseradish also contains flavonoids—compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties thought to promote health and prevent diseases. However, the flavonoid content may not be significant in typically consumed portions compared to the flavonoid content in extracts or supplements.
How to Consume Horseradish
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
The fresh root of horseradish should be taken before meals. Take 3–4 grams daily. Fresh horseradish can be used as a condiment or added to mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, cocktail sauce, and salad dressings.
The dried root can be taken in doses of 20 g per day. As an infusion and syrup, horseradish can be taken in 2 g doses several times per day. Horseradish can also be prepared in a tincture. Take 2–4 g of the dried equivalent daily as a tincture.
Horseradish capsules come in a variety of dosages from 500 milligrams (mg) to 1000 mg. There isn’t a recommended dosage for horseradish capsules, so follow the label recommendations.
Is Horseradish Safe?
Horseradish is most commonly consumed as a condiment. There is no clinical data showing possible side effects as an herbal supplement.
Most clinical studies have been completed in cells or animals (not in humans). As a food, side effects may include:
Severe side effects of horseradish are rare. As with any supplement, there is a risk of an allergic reaction.Anaphylaxisis a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
If you experience any physical changes or symptoms when using horseradish, consult your healthcare provider.
Precautions
Though horseradish is generally safe, there is some cause for caution. People with the following conditions should use horseradish with caution:
If you have any of these conditions, speak with your healthcare provider about your individual use of horseradish.
Using horseradish at therapeutic levels during pregnancy or breastfeeding is also not recommended.
What Happens if I Consume Too Much Horseradish?
Horseradish is generally safe. If eaten as a condiment in large quantities, this spicy root may irritate your mouth, nose, or stomach. Taking small quantities when using this condiment or supplement is best.
Store-bought sauces containing horseradish can be high in sodium. Be sure to read the nutrition label carefully. Consuming too many foods high in sodium can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Horseradish can be toxic if eaten in high quantities. The toxic part of the plant can be found in the root. Theglucosinolatesfound in the root cause this risk of toxicity. When eaten in high quantities, it can cause:
Should you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Interactions
There are no recent reports of horseradish having any drug interactions. There has been mention, however, that horseradish may interact with thyroid medications such aslevothyroxine, which may result in decreased thyroid activity.
Because of this uncertainty, if you take levothyroxine, speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish.
Carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Horseradish
Horseradish is available in freeze-dried and dehydrated forms. In these forms, follow the recommendations for storage found on the supplement label.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Sources of Horseradish and What to Look For
Horseradish can be found in many forms. It is available as a spicy food condiment or as a supplement. The best way to receive the benefits of horseradish is through a supplemental form.
Horseradish Supplements
Horseradish supplements are available in many forms. The actual root, of which most supplements are made, can be purchased at grocery stores.
The supplement can be found as a tincture, infusion, or syrup.These preparations are likely higher in concentration than you would receive from just increasing horseradish in your diet naturally.
Summary
The horseradish condiment that may be on your kitchen table has more uses than spicing things up. Traditional medicine has used horseradish to act on many health issues from infections to inflammation. Early studies of some of these traditional uses may be promising, but more data from research on humans is necessary to support the traditional uses of horseradish.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHorseradish contains sinigrin. It is the hydrolysis (the chemical breakdown when reacting to water) of sinigrin that creates the spicy taste of horseradish.Horseradish may decrease blood pressure, but little clinical (human) data exists to support this claim.However, because its action is similar to that of anti-hypertensive drugs, you should speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish while taking them.There is mention of the traditional use of horseradish for gastrointestinal issues. But it is not specified to treat stomach upset. On the contrary, consuming too much horseradish may cause stomach pain and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horseradish contains sinigrin. It is the hydrolysis (the chemical breakdown when reacting to water) of sinigrin that creates the spicy taste of horseradish.
Horseradish may decrease blood pressure, but little clinical (human) data exists to support this claim.However, because its action is similar to that of anti-hypertensive drugs, you should speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish while taking them.
There is mention of the traditional use of horseradish for gastrointestinal issues. But it is not specified to treat stomach upset. On the contrary, consuming too much horseradish may cause stomach pain and vomiting.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lunz K, Stappen I.Back to the roots—an overview of the chemical composition and bioactivity of selected root—essential oils.Molecules. 2021;26(11):3155. doi:10.3390/molecules26113155Cirimbei MR, Dinică R, Gitin L, Vizireanu C.Study on herbal actions of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana).Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies. 2013;19(1):111-115.Herz C, Tran HTT, Marton MR, et al.Evaluation of an aqueous extract from horseradish root (Armoracia rusticanaradix) against lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular inflammation reaction.Evidence based complementary and alternative medicine. 2017;2017:1950692. doi:10.1155/2017/1950692University of Oxford.Plant 379. Oxford Plants 400. 2022.Mickymaray S, Al Aboody MS.In vitro antioxidant and bactericidal efficacy of 15 common spices: novel therapeutics for urinary tract infections?Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(6):289. doi:10.3390/medicina55060289Popović M, Maravić A, Čikeš Čulić V, et al.Biological effects of glucosinolate degradation products from horseradish: a horse that wins the race.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):343. doi:10.3390/biom10020343U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Horseradish, prepared.Calabrone L, Larocca M, Marzocco S, et al.Total phenols and flavonoids content, antioxidant capacity and lipase inhibition of root and leaf horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) extracts. FNS. 2015;06(01):64-74. doi: 10.4236/fns.2015.61008Government of Canada.Monograph: Horseradish. Health Canada. 2018.North Carolina Plant Toolbox.Armoracia rusticana (horseradish, red cole)| NC State Extension. 2022.American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.Stillo P, Icka P, Damo R.Armoracia rusticana gaertn., mey, & scherb. a neglected multiuseful species.BSHN (UT). 2018;26:312-322.
Lunz K, Stappen I.Back to the roots—an overview of the chemical composition and bioactivity of selected root—essential oils.Molecules. 2021;26(11):3155. doi:10.3390/molecules26113155
Cirimbei MR, Dinică R, Gitin L, Vizireanu C.Study on herbal actions of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana).Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies. 2013;19(1):111-115.
Herz C, Tran HTT, Marton MR, et al.Evaluation of an aqueous extract from horseradish root (Armoracia rusticanaradix) against lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular inflammation reaction.Evidence based complementary and alternative medicine. 2017;2017:1950692. doi:10.1155/2017/1950692
University of Oxford.Plant 379. Oxford Plants 400. 2022.
Mickymaray S, Al Aboody MS.In vitro antioxidant and bactericidal efficacy of 15 common spices: novel therapeutics for urinary tract infections?Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(6):289. doi:10.3390/medicina55060289
Popović M, Maravić A, Čikeš Čulić V, et al.Biological effects of glucosinolate degradation products from horseradish: a horse that wins the race.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):343. doi:10.3390/biom10020343
U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Horseradish, prepared.
Calabrone L, Larocca M, Marzocco S, et al.Total phenols and flavonoids content, antioxidant capacity and lipase inhibition of root and leaf horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) extracts. FNS. 2015;06(01):64-74. doi: 10.4236/fns.2015.61008
Government of Canada.Monograph: Horseradish. Health Canada. 2018.
North Carolina Plant Toolbox.Armoracia rusticana (horseradish, red cole)| NC State Extension. 2022.
American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.
Stillo P, Icka P, Damo R.Armoracia rusticana gaertn., mey, & scherb. a neglected multiuseful species.BSHN (UT). 2018;26:312-322.
Mazumder A, Dwivedi A, Fox LT, et al.In vitro skin permeation of sinigrin from its phytosome complex.Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. 2016 Dec;68(12):1577-1583. doi:10.1111/jphp.12594
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