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Horseradish

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Introduction

Horseradish is a plant with tall green leaves. The root has a strong odor and flavor and is used in cooking. Horseradish has been used to improve kidney function and to prevent urinary tract infection. It can be taken as a pill, powder, paste, or extract. Horseradish has also been applied to the skin to ease swelling and pain in the joints. It can be used as a salve or oil.

Dosages

500 milligrams 1 to 2 times daily

What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use horseradish on the skin and to take it orally in small doses for a short time, but stomach upset and allergic reactions may happen. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should limit their use of horseradish.B1

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:

People taking blood thinners should talk to their doctors before taking horseradish. It may interact with the medicine.

References►

A. Respiratory Tract Diseases

A1. Fintelmann V, Albrecht U, et al. Efficacy and safety of a combination herbal medicinal product containing Tropaeoli majoris herba and Armoraciae rusticanae radix for the prophylactic treatment of patients with respiratory tract diseases: a randomised, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 2012 Nov;28(11):1799-807.

B. Safety

B1. Panter KE, James LF. Natural plant toxicants in milk: a review. J Anim Sci. 1990 Mar;68(3):892-904.

C. Urinary Tract Infection

C1. Albrecht U, Goos KH, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a herbal medicinal product containing Tropaeoli majoris herba (Nasturtium) and Armoraciae rusticanae radix (Horseradish) for the prophylactic treatment of patients with chronically recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007;23(10):2415-2422.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/27/2020

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