HERB PROFILE · EDUCATIONAL REFERENCE

Horseradish

Botanical nameArmoracia rusticana

Plant part usedFresh root

Important safety information: Can irritate the mouth, stomach, kidneys and urinary tract; large doses may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and severe gastrointestinal inflammation. Avoid with gastric or intestinal ulceration, kidney inflammation, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, breastfeeding and in young children. External preparations can blister skin if left on too long.

Herbal actions

Circulatory stimulant traditionally
Diaphoretic traditionally
Rubefacient
Diuretic traditionally
Antimicrobial activity in vitro
Vulnerary traditionally

Traditional and practitioner uses

These uses are presented for historical and educational context. They are not treatment claims.

Traditional respiratory-catarrh and digestive-stimulant use
Historical urinary use
External counterirritant use
Laboratory findings do not establish cancer treatment or prevention

Main constituents

Glucosinolates including sinigrin and gluconasturtiin, converted on crushing to allyl and phenethyl isothiocyanates; vitamin C, minerals, resin and phenolic acids

Preparation overview

Tea: Infusion of fresh root. Fresh crushed root is strongly irritating; ordinary culinary use is lower risk than medicinal dosing.

Liquid extract reference: 50% fluid extract historical Fisher reference

Preparation strengths are not interchangeable. Open the interactive guide for the complete evidence notes and sources available for this herb.

Herbilous provides educational information only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms.