Horseradish root

Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It

European kitchen-herbal traditions use freshly grated horseradish in food, vinegar and pungent seasonal mixtures. It is a sialagogue, meaning its sharp taste stimulates saliva. Herbalists value that penetrating, warming character beside garlic and peppers.

What Modern Research Has Found

Chemical studies show that disrupting horseradish root releases allyl isothiocyanate from glucosinolate precursors, producing its sharp aroma. Laboratory work investigates these compounds' antimicrobial activity; human studies of the root alone remain limited.

Plant Part, Preparation & Natural Constituents

Sinigrin in disrupted root tissue can yield allyl isothiocyanate, the source of much of its penetrating aroma.

Horseradish in Formulae

Super Tonic Drops pair horseradish with other pungent kitchen botanicals; its sharp warming character is especially natural in that style of seasonal formula.

Products Containing This Ingredient

• Super Tonic (2 fl oz)

Sources & Further Reading

• Kew Armoracia rusticana >
• Horseradish root pungency chemistry >