horseradish

Horseradish is an aromatic plant, Armoracia rusticana, whose roots and leaves are commonly used as a condiment because of its pungent flavor and taste.

Horseradish root has been traditionally used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, muscle aches, joint inflammation and pain, and many other conditions. Horseradish for medicinal use is available over the counter (OTC) as dried roots, capsules, or as topical applications.

Horseradish contains minerals and nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and folate. In addition, horseradish also has chemicals that have therapeutic effects, including flavonoids, peroxidase, and volatile oils that are similar to mustard, including sinigrin which gives horseradish its unique taste and flavor. Although horseradish is commonly used for many conditions, scientific studies are inadequate to support many of its uses.

Suggested uses of horseradish include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney stones
• Upper respiratory tract infections including:
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
• Gallbladder disorders
• Colic
• Gout
• Rheumatism
• Sciatica
• Inflammation of joints or tissues
• Minor muscle aches

• Do not use horseradish if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the product.
• Do not use horseradish if you have any of the following conditions:
  • Gastric inflammation or ulcers
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Kidney disorders
• Do not give horseradish to children under 4 years of age.
• Do not take horseradish if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common side effects of horseradish include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bloody vomiting
• Irritation of the lining of nose, mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract
• Irritation of the urinary tract
• Skin irritation and burning from topical use
• Heavy sweating
• Allergic reactions

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There is inadequate scientific information on what might be an appropriate dose of horseradish. Suggested dosing:

• Root: 6-20 g orally once daily
• Capsule: 500-1500 mg orally thrice daily with water at mealtime
• Topical: Topical: apply as a poultice until a burning sensation occurs

Overdose

• Horseradish overdose can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and bloody vomiting. Symptoms should resolve with discontinuation of horseradish.
• Persistent symptoms may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Horseradish has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.

• Mild Interactions of horseradish include:
  • warfarin

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Do not take horseradish if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Never take any dietary supplement without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Small amounts of horseradish consumed in food is possibly safe for most adults.
• Medicinal use of horseradish supplements for up to 12 weeks is probably safe. For topical application, products containing 2% or less mustard oil are less likely to irritate the skin. 
• Use horseradish supplements exactly as per label instructions.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement, including horseradish products.
• Dietary supplements often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the horseradish product you choose.
• Horseradish is marketed as a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store horseradish safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.