Horseradish by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Horseradish
2. Folk Name(s): Redcole, Mountain Radish, Pepperroot, Stingnose
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Armoracia rusticana (syn. Cochlearia armoracia)
4. Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
5. Plant Type: Hardy perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Large, coarse leaves arise from a rosette; roots are thick, fleshy, and tapered with pungent, sulfurous aroma when cut. Small, four-petaled white flowers bloom in clusters on erect stalks in late spring.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 3–9
8. Best Zones for Growth: Temperate climates with cold winters (improves flavor intensity)
9. Habitat & Range: Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia; now naturalized worldwide; thrives in gardens, disturbed soils, and moist, fertile land

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers deep, rich, loamy soil; moist but well-drained; full sun to partial shade
2. Propagation: Easily propagated by root cuttings (“sets”); invasive if not contained
3. Companion Planting: Pairs well with potatoes, fruit trees, and grapevines; said to deter pests
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Roots harvested in late fall or early spring when dormant; leaves harvested young for mild flavor
5. Drying/Preservation: Roots best used fresh; can be grated and preserved in vinegar, or dried and powdered; leaves can be dried but lose pungency

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Used since antiquity by Greeks and Romans as both food and medicine; considered one of the “bitter herbs” of Passover in Jewish tradition
2. Traditional Medicine: Applied as a poultice for respiratory congestion, muscle aches, and rheumatism; taken internally for digestion and urinary infections
3. Symbolism: Represents purification, strength, and fiery vitality

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Glucosinolates (sinigrin), volatile oils (allyl isothiocyanate), vitamin C, minerals
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Stimulant for digestion and appetite
4. Expectorant for coughs, colds, sinus congestion
5. Diuretic, used for urinary infections
6. Topical rubefacient (increases circulation to skin/joints)
7. Antimicrobial action
   
8. Preparation Methods: Freshly grated root as condiment or poultice; infusion or syrup for respiratory health; tincture in vinegar
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Condiment: 1–2 tsp grated root as food
11. Tea: ½–1 tsp dried root per cup boiling water, up to twice daily
12. Poultice: Freshly grated root applied externally for 10–15 min (remove if burning)
    
13. Safety/Precautions: Strong irritant; may blister skin if left on too long. Avoid in large doses (can irritate stomach/kidneys). Not recommended during pregnancy or for children.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mars; associated with fiery gods and protective spirits
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, strength, purification, breaking hexes, courage
4. Ritual Use: Used in protective charms or sprinkled around thresholds; eaten during seasonal rites for purification and vitality; grated root sometimes included in banishing rituals
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Suggests the need for strength, boldness, or a fiery cleansing of one’s life; may also point to irritation or conflict requiring resolution

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
2. Wildlife Uses: Leaves occasionally browsed by herbivores, though sharp flavor discourages much grazing
3. Culinary Uses: Classic condiment with meats and fish; used in sauces, pickles, and relishes; base for wasabi substitutes; leaves edible when young in salads or cooked like greens

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Grated root as a cold remedy, pest deterrent in the garden, fiery kitchen spice
2. Notable Traits: Can be invasive—spreads aggressively by roots; pungent aroma clears sinuses almost instantly
3. Special Notes: Considered both a food and a medicine—one of the classic “kitchen witch” herbs combining healing and flavor

Supporting Notes

1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
2. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (2016)
3. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2002)
4. Kapoor, L.D. Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants (2001)
5. Foster, Steven & Duke, James A. Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs