Application
Horseradish was used by the Vikings as a strengthening and invigorating agent. Some historians have described Horseradish as the Vikings' ginseng.
Horseradish has a high content of vitamin C and has therefore been used against scurvy.
Horseradish contains mustard oil and asparagine. Together, it provides a diuretic and disinfectant effect, which can help with cystitis. In smaller quantities, Horseradish is effective against gout and rheumatism. Compresses of crushed fresh horseradish increase blood flow in the skin and are therefore effective against frostbite and bruises.
Horseradish stimulates digestion, which is why grated horseradish is a good accompaniment to dishes that are difficult to digest. Horseradish cannot tolerate heating as it causes the flavors to evaporate.
Horseradish can also be used as a preservative in pickled beets and asiatics.
Ingredients
Mustard oil, sinigrin, asparagine, resin and vitamin C
Armoracia rusticana G.,M.& Sch.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
