The amazing healing powers of horseradish: A natural antibiotic from Germany used to treat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.

The amazing healing powers of horseradish: A natural antibiotic from Germany used to treat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.

The Roots of Horseradish: A Natural Antibiotic Medicine

Horseradish, although well known for American cuisine, has roots that extend far beyond North American territory. Remarkably, an impressive 85% of the world's horseradish crop grows in the United States, and Americans enjoy approximately six million gallons of this fiery spice annually. With its origins in the Mediterranean, horseradish had already gained a foothold in Britain in the 15th century and was celebrated for its robust and distinctive properties. What's fascinating about this root is its deceptive appearance; If left untouched, it remains odorless. But when you cut it open, you're greeted by a pungent aroma that's strong enough to combat even the worst allergy outbreaks.

Not surprisingly, their earliest uses were more medicinal than culinary. Ancient healers recognized its therapeutic potential and used horseradish to treat ailments ranging from common colds and coughs to kidney stones and, fittingly, hoarseness.

Germany's recognition of horseradish: A natural antibiotic

Although horseradish is known to be rich in therapeutic phytho-nutrients, extensive scientific research to validate its healing potential is still evolving. In particular, the renowned German Commission E-Monographs, which provides guidance to healthcare professionals in Germany on the medicinal use of herbs, has recommended horseradish due to its effectiveness in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

In Germany, a widely used natural remedy called Angocin Anti-Infekt N, which contains horseradish root and the herb watercress, is used. Since its market launch, numerous laboratory tests and clinical studies have shown that it has comparable effectiveness to antibiotics in the following diseases:

• Bronchitis
• Ohrenentzündungen
• Lebensmittelbedingte Erkrankungen durch E. coli und Staphylococcus aureus
• Haemophilus influenza, vor allem bei Kindern unter fünf Jahren
• Lungenentzündung
• Nasennebenhöhlenentzündung
• Durch die Bakterien Streptococcus pyogenes verursachte Erkrankungen wie Mandelentzündung, Cellulitis, Impetigo und Scharlach
• Harnwegsinfektionen

In a remarkable study involving 858 children and adolescents from 65 German treatment facilities, the effectiveness of Angocin Anti-Infekt N was compared to an antibiotic in the treatment of bronchitis and urinary tract infections. The study used parameters such as symptom relief and speed of recovery for infections and found that the horseradish-infused drug was remarkably effective. As the researchers noted, the results provide a “rational basis for the treatment of urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections with this drug.”

Further research in Germany evaluated the horseradish formula compared to antibiotics in 536 people with sinusitis, 634 with bronchitis and 479 with urinary tract infections. Here too, the herbal remedy showed similar results to the antibiotics.

Additionally, the horseradish-based medicine has shown potential for infection prevention. A study of 219 people aged 18 to 75 aimed to measure the effectiveness of this herbal remedy in controlling recurrent urinary tract infections. At the beginning, all participants were symptom-free. While half received a daily dose of the horseradish supplement, the other half received a placebo. After three months, the relapse rate for those who took the horseradish remedy was only half that of those who took the placebo. Similar results were observed in another study of children prone to recurrent urinary tract infections.

The Secret to Horseradish's Powerful Benefits

This is where sinigrin comes into play, a volatile oil that converts into allyl isothiocyanate, a powerful natural antibiotic. This ingredient is likely the driving force behind horseradish's effectiveness in relieving upper respiratory problems.

Sinigrin is one of the main glucosinolates found in horseradish and some other cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli. When a plant's cells containing sinigrin are damaged (for example, by chewing, crushing, or chopping), sinigrin is broken down by the enzyme myrosinase into various products, the most notable of which is allyl isothiocyanate (AITC).

Aside from its culinary contributions, AITC has been investigated in numerous studies for its potential health benefits, particularly its antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties.

Interesting results from the University of Illinois show that horseradish is a significant source of glucosinolates, surpassing even broccoli, often referred to as the crown jewel of the cruciferous family.

Michigan State University has delved into the cancer-fighting abilities of horseradish and conducted a study on the impact of ITCs on colon and lung cancer cells. The results were promising. As the concentration of ITCs increased, the malignant tendencies of the cancer cells decreased significantly - between 30 and 68 percent for colon cancer and between 30 and 71 percent for lung cells.

Compared to other spices, horseradish shows a leadership role with its variety of active medicinal compounds that offer a wide range of benefits - from relieving congestion and fighting inflammation to warding off bacteria, viruses and even promising cancer prevention. This makes horseradish more than just a spice, but an exceptional natural remedy.

How to use horseradish for urinary tract infections

To harness horseradish's potential for urinary tract infections (UTIs), it's important to know proper preparation methods, determine appropriate dosages, and be aware of potential side effects. Here's how to harness the power of this powerful root:

Correct preparation and dosage:

Fresh Horseradish Root: Start by selecting a fresh, firm horseradish root. Peel off the outer layer and grate the meat with a fine grater.

Dosage: For UTIs, mix one teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish root with a glass of water or juice. Consume this mixture up to two times daily, preferably with meals, to minimize possible stomach problems. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting any natural remedy to ensure it is right for your specific situation.

Recommendations: Fresh vs. Processed, Duration

Fresh vs. Processed: Fresh horseradish root is generally preferred due to its powerful therapeutic properties. Processed horseradish, especially when pickled in vinegar, may lose some of its medicinal value. Make sure that any preparations you purchase specifically state that they are suitable for medicinal purposes and do not contain harmful additives.

Duration: For UTIs, it is recommended to use horseradish for up to a week. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical advice. Prolonged use without medical supervision is not recommended due to possible side effects.

Other Tips: Combining horseradish with cranberry juice could increase its anti-UTI effects, as cranberries are known to prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls.

The future of natural antibiotics

In the shadow of increasing antibiotics