Horseradish is a perennial herb of the Col family, with a powerful and fleshy root. Its stem is erect, branched at the apex, up to 120 cm high, hollow, striated. The lower leaves are large, elongated or oval, serrated around the edge, with a heart-shaped base. The leaves of the inferior stem are separated pinnadamente, the superior leaves are oblong-lanceoladas or linear, whole.
The flowers are bisexual, regular, white, in clusters of many flowers, gathered in paniculate inflorescences. Blooms horseradish in May and June. Fruit - elongated, oval and swollen pod. Many varieties of cultural horseradish have been developed; The lovers cultivate it in garden plots.
It is necessary to take into account, however, the tendency of horseradish to rapid growth, which is why it is usually placed on the periphery of the plots. His relatives are mustard, watercress, radish. There are different opinions about the origin of horseradish. It was known to the ancient Romans and the Greeks, the Egyptians. A plant that spreads easily and is now found in many countries in nature. Most botanists consider horseradish native Russian aromatic plant. From 1500 BC It was used by the Greeks as a dish and seasoning, one of the most bitter and spicy. It was believed that horseradish not only opens the appetite, but also activates vitality. An ointment was made for the treatment of rheumatism. For therapeutic purposes, use horseradish roots, harvested in the fall.
To prevent them from drying, they are stored in cellars, in boxes of wet sand. The roots of the plant are included in the Pharmacopoeia of many foreign countries, in particular France, Switzerland, Brazil and some others. Horseradish is harvested in late fall before the onset of frost or in the spring. It is recommended to store at a temperature of -1 to +1 degrees, splashed with dry sand. Horseradish is used as a condiment for meat and fish dishes, sausages. The leaves are used for pickling and salting vegetables. Traditional russian spices - grated horseradish. It improves the flavor of the dishes and stimulates the appetite.
Horseradish contains fiber, essential oils, volatile production, a large amount of vitamin C, as well as vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, E, folic acid, as well as macro and trace elements such as: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and arsenic, also horseradish root, contain sugar, various amino acids, bactericidal protein substance, lysozyme and organic compounds. Vitamin C in horseradish contains five times more than in oranges and lemons.
The ascorbic acid content of the horseradish is not inferior to the fruits of the blackcurrant, and only in the ripe red pepper is higher. Volatile substances contained in phytocides - phytomids capable of killing pathogenic microbes give bactericidal properties of horseradish. The glucoside, sinigrin, was found in the roots, whose cleavage produces allyl mustard oil and lysozyme, which has a bactericidal effect.
Allyl mustard oil causes a strong smell and taste of horseradish, has a pronounced local effect, causes reddening of the skin and burning pain, and prolonged action can cause burns and gangrene. Couples cause their strong coughing and tearing. Taken orally in small doses, increases the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates the appetite. In large doses, it can cause severe gastroenteritis. Ascorbic acid, the myrozin enzyme and the allyl mustard essential oil have been found in the leaves and roots. The healing properties of horseradish have been known for a long time. Horseradish improves intestinal activity, has choleretic, expectorant, antiscorbutic properties. It is prescribed for colds, various inflammatory processes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases, gout, rheumatism, bladder, skin diseases.
In folk medicine, radiculitis has been treated for a long time with horseradish. To do this, she spread freshly grated horseradish porridge on a cloth and applied it to a painful spot like a mustard plaster. Horseradish is very useful in foods to prevent acute respiratory diseases. When it comes to hypothermia to prevent colds, it is recommended to make poultices of horseradish to the feet and ankles. As a cough medicine, healers recommend using horseradish with honey: finely grated horseradish should be mixed with honey in equal proportions and given to a patient 2 to 3 times a day with a full teaspoon.
In the book "Dr. Luskin's Diet Against Cancer", horseradish pairs are known as a means and prevention of metastasis. The doctor advises rubbing the horseradish root with a fine grater and breathing the horseradish vapors a few times a day for 5 to 15 minutes. Fresh root juice has long been used as a diuretic, especially in India, and also as a distraction for inflammation of the sciatic nerve. If you have a discharge or inflammation of the gums, take 1 teaspoon. Freshly grated horseradish, pour 1 glass of water (can serve a glass of wine) and let infuse for 4 hours. Then strain the infusion and rinse your mouth every 30 minutes. The flow will pass quickly. Horseradish juice diluted with sugar or honey is used to rinse the mouth and throat in inflammatory processes and sore throats. The root sap is buried in the ears for inflammation and purulent secretion, and for the treatment of purulent wounds, the porridge in the form of a compress is used as a local irritant and distractor. While we eat horseradish with muscular strength, we treat our various sores with roots, in the USA. UU
Scientists put horseradish into the category of strategically important products for the medicine, defense and space industry. Studies conducted by Japanese scientists have shown that substances contained in horseradish rhizomes actively prevent the occurrence of caries. Horseradish contains substances that prevent the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. Currently, Japanese scientists are working to create a new toothpaste based on the horseradish rhizome. There is only one problem: scientists still do not know how to neutralize the "taste" of horseradish, which is not typical of toothpaste.
Horseradish irritates mucous membranes and skin and can cause burns if abused. In addition, it should be used with caution in some diseases of the digestive tract, kidneys and liver, including chronic gastritis, ulcers and colitis of different origin. It is considered a contraindication to the use of horseradish and childhood. Also, do not eat horseradish for acute inflammation in internal organs, during pregnancy and in cases of individual intolerance. It is recommended to limit horseradish, as it can increase blood pressure in large doses and cause lateral bleeding. It is not even recommended for use in women with heavy periods, as it contributes to increased bleeding. In addition, doctors do not recommend people who use horseradish using levomycetin medications, because the antimicrobial components contained in the product interfere with the effect of the medication.
