From the mustard family, horseradish is commonly used as a food condiment that adds spice and tangy flavor to dishes across many different cuisines. From steak to prime rib, fish and sushi, cocktails, potato dishes, and even salad dressings, to say Horseradish has a versatile flair would be an understatement. When making prepared horseradish, the root is grated finely and sugar, salt, and vinegar are added. You may commonly see it added to mayonnaise or sour cream to eat with your prime rib dinner.

It is a root vegetable praised for its pungent taste and smell, though when used as a food flavor enhancer the jury is still out—some people love it, some hate it.

Horseradish originates from Eastern Europe and is commonly planted in either spring or late fall. It is known to do best in a colder environment. The plant can grow up to five feet tall with green leaves. 

When herbs and plants are used in culinary recipes as a flavoring enhancer, it is sometimes difficult to imagine they have nutritional benefits, but horseradish has been used medicinally for centuries around the world for many areas of health support. Horseradish is mainly cultivated for its root, where the nutritional and culinary benefits reside. When the roots are cut, an enzyme breaks down a compound called sinigrin into a liquid oily mustard. Sinigrin is a chemical compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Researchers from the School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, report: “The medicinal benefits of horseradish are numerous, and this plant should be promoted more as being beneficial for human health. Glucosinolates or their breakdown products, isothiocyanates, are responsible for most of the claimed medicinal effects. Other medicinal benefits of horseradish include its well-known antibacterial properties that are also attributed to isothiocyanates, and its high content of other antioxidants that benefit human health. Additionally, horseradish contains enzymes that stimulate digestion, regulate bowel movement, and reduce constipation. Horseradish is a species that is vastly underexploited for its abilities as a medicinal plant species for improving human health.”  

Horseradish is known for its antibacterial properties, giving it potential as an antibiotic. Popularly recommended for sinus and respiratory problems, consuming horseradish can increase mucus that helps to flush out sinuses, and infection. Sometimes just the smell of horseradish can start the flow of sinus fluids moving out of the nasal cavity.

Although horseradish is generally known to be safe, as always one should consult a healthcare professional. Those who have intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel problems, or digestive problems may say no to horseradish as it can cause irritation. Those who are new to horseradish my prefer to start slowly and see how they react.