Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) has been used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for supporting the health of the respiratory tract and mucus membranes. Folk remedies often recommend horseradish root for conditions involving excess mucus, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and colds. The rationale is that the pungent compounds in horseradish, mainly glucosinolates and their breakdown products (like allyl isothiocyanate), can act as mild irritants to the mucus membranes, stimulating increased secretions and facilitating the clearance of mucus. This expectorant effect is why horseradish preparations have historically been used to "clear the sinuses" and relieve congestion.

However, scientific validation for these effects remains limited. While in vitro and animal studies have shown some antimicrobial and mild anti-inflammatory actions of horseradish constituents, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most evidence supporting its use for mucus membrane health is anecdotal or based on traditional herbal texts. Therefore, while horseradish has a long history of traditional use for supporting mucus membrane health, particularly in the upper respiratory tract, scientific support for these claims is modest and not well established.

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