Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana

Other names: Red cole, mountain radish, Armoraciae rusticanae radix, Meerrettich

Edible plant

European

Photo credit: Pethan / Wikimedia Commons

Safety information

Toxicity: Pungent isothiocyanates strongly irritate mucous membranes; large amounts cause GI upset, sweating, and mucosal/airway irritation; concentrated root/oil can blister skin. Culinary amounts well-tolerated.

Contraindications: Gastric/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and kidney inflammation/disease; infants/young children (under ~4–12 per product labels); pregnancy/lactation (medicinal doses); thyroid caution (glucosinolate/goitrogen at very high intake).

Interactions: Theoretical additive mucosal irritation with NSAIDs and other mustard-oil herbs (nasturtium, mustard); high goitrogen intake may interfere with thyroid medication; levothyroxine caution at extreme intakes.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid medicinal doses.

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

edible · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: sharp condiment(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)

Proposed mechanism: isothiocyanates (allyl/2-phenylethyl) — mustard-oil

Evidence:Folk

extract · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: respiratory catarrh / minor urinary-tract infections (often with nasturtium)

Proposed mechanism: isothiocyanates excreted via airways/urine — antibacterial

Dosage note (descriptive only): mucosal/ulcer/kidney caution

Evidence:Clinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

catarrh of the respiratory tract minor urinary-tract infections muscle aches (rubefacient)

Edibility

Edible parts: root grated raw as a sharp condiment (with beef/fish), in sauces

Toxic lookalike warning

Horseradish foliage/root can be confused at a distance with comfrey (Symphytum, hepatotoxic PAs) and with toxic Aconitum/other roots — identify by the unmistakable pungent smell when cut; never eat an unverified dug root

Nutritional notes

Root provides vitamin C, potassium, and glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (functional-food pungent phytochemicals); low calorie condiment

Healing traditions

European

Sources (3)

A Review on the Phytochemical Composition and Potential Medicinal Uses of Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) Root
Evaluation of an Aqueous Extract from Horseradish Root … against LPS-Induced Cellular Inflammation (PMC)
Horseradish — vital.ly / Natural Medicines monograph (EN)

All sources →