Horseradish leaves: use, beneficial properties and contraindications

Horseradish is a spicy plant that can be found on all household plots in different climatic regions. This plant has universal properties and is used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. Dishes, which include the sharp spice, have a refined and savory taste, and medical and beauty procedures with this plant will not only heal the body, but also prevent the occurrence of many diseases.

Unpretentiousness and undemanding of agrotechnical measures provide an opportunity to grow the plant, not only experienced gardeners, but also novice gardeners.

Horseradish is a perennial herb and belongs to the class of cabbage. All parts of this plant are used both for the preparation of a large number of healthy dishes, and for the creation of medical and cosmetic preparations. Shaded and moist areas with fertile soil - a comfortable environment for the growth and development of this plant. It can be found in all countries of the world, except for the desert and regions with permafrost. Among the main advantages it is necessary to note the resistance to low temperatures and unpretentiousness.

Botanists secrete several types of leaves:

• basal - rough and tall;
• lower - rigid and elongated;
• the upper ones are thin and tender.

Plants of the first year of growth have the following features:

• large leaves forming in the rosette, the height of which can reach more than 80 mm;
• leaf plate saturated in lint-free green with a lace edge;
• thick and large stalks;
• powerful root system extending to a depth of more than 1 m;
• a large number of root branches.

Only in plants of the second year of growth small inflorescences begin to form, which are located on a high stem. In the fall, a seed pod appears on the peduncle. Small leaves are not located in the basal rosette, but on a thick stem. Flowers have a white shade and fragrant smell, look attractive.

The great popularity and wide scope of application made the breeders to work on the breeding of new varieties of this plant. The following varieties of horseradish can be found on the agricultural market:

• "Suzdal";
• "Rostov";
• "Riga";
• "Atlant".

All varieties of horseradish have their own individual characteristics and technical characteristics.

For many decades, traditional healers have been using all parts of the plant to make medicinal preparations that help people of different ages. The main feature of the spice is the presence of a biologically active enzyme lysozyme, which destroys the protective shell of dangerous bacteria and viruses, which significantly reduces the period of the disease and has a positive effect on the health of the patient. The maximum amount of vitamins and minerals is in a strong and strong root system. The leaves have less pronounced healing properties and have a milder effect on the body. Laboratory studies have found the content of vitamin C in the green mass on a level with citrus and currants.

The aboveground part of the plant is rich in proteins, vegetable fats, carbohydrates, carotene, vitamin B, nicotinic acid, potassium, iron, phosphoric acid, magnesium, sulfur, copper, amino acids and a large amount of dietary fiber.

Phytoncides that are part of horseradish are a natural analogue of medicines with antibiotics. Mustard oil provides sharpness and savory taste.

The principle of the therapeutic properties of horseradish is based on the irritating effect of the plant on the skin and mucous membrane of all internal organs, as a result of which the blood circulation increases and the rate of penetration of nutrients into the body increases. A huge number of useful components will prevent the emergence of beriberi and improve immunity.

Among the main therapeutic advantages of horseradish leaves it is necessary to highlight the following:

• destructive effect on dangerous bacteria and viruses both inside the body and on the skin;
• removal of hazardous and toxic substances that have a negative effect on all internal organs of the person and provoke the development of inflammation and tumors;
• restoration of cartilage and muscle tone;
• increased appetite and revitalization of the entire digestive system;
• regulation of all metabolic processes in the body;
• fat burning;
• treatment of respiratory organs, oral cavity of the nasopharynx;
• reduction of pain in neurological diseases of different origin, arthritis and radiculitis;
• strengthening immunity and increasing the body's resistance to colds and viral infections in the winter;
• treatment of the kidneys and the entire urinary system;
• preventing the development of heart disease and circulatory system;
• restoration of liver cells in the field of transferred hepatitis and cirrhosis;
• restoration of the reproductive functions of the female and male body;
• restoring the structure of hair and nail plates;
• reduction of inflammation after injuries and bruises.

For more information about the amazing properties of the leaves of horseradish, see the following video.

As with any medicinal plant, horseradish has a number of contraindications, which must be considered before the start of the treatment of the composition and adding to the daily diet:

• gastritis and gastric ulcer;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• intestinal inflammation;
• colitis, enterocolitis;
• inflammation of adenoma and prostate;
• children up to 6 years;
• childbearing and breastfeeding;
• diseases of the liver and kidneys.

Uncontrolled intake of a large number of plants can cause an allergic reaction and severe burns of the mucous membrane.

Before starting a course of treatment, it is necessary to get advice and detailed recommendations on the use of drugs from medical professionals. Strict adherence to the dosage and rules of administration is a prerequisite for safe treatment of any type of disease. In the event of side effects, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the composition and immediately contact the nearest medical facility.

In collections with traditional medical recipes, you can find a large number of compositions for the treatment and prevention of various types of diseases. Non-traditional medicine drugs treat not only adults but also children.

Broths and infusions are used for viral diseases, male and female pathologies, diseases of the digestive system, heart, kidneys and circulatory system, to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, to eliminate dermatitis.

Horseradish root - a traditional spicy seasoning, which is popular in many countries around the world. Traditional healers and professional chefs recommend not to forget about the aboveground part of the plant, which is no less useful. In order to enrich the body with vitamins, and prevent the development of dangerous diseases, it is not necessary to buy expensive dietary supplements and imported drugs.

Unpretentious plant, which can be found on every household plot, will become a source of vitamins and minerals. Introduction to the diet of burning seasoning will help to diversify the meager winter diet and help create new and delicious dishes.

To prepare the tincture it is necessary to collect the leaves during the flowering of the plant.The collected green mass must be washed, crushed, folded in a glass jar and pour a high-quality alcohol-containing liquid. Traditional healers recommend insisting the components in a dark and cool place for at least 10 days, after which the composition is drained and poured into an opaque glass container. This drug is used as a rubbing for arthritis, rheumatic diseases, as well as for the treatment of legs and back. The composition reduces pain in osteochondrosis, radiculitis and neurological diseases. Internal use is appropriate for diabetes mellitus and various pathologies of the heart and circulatory system.

For external use of freshly picked greens in the form of a compress, you need to scald several large, intact leaves and immediately put them on the problem area. Leaves should be applied warm side to the problem area. Leave the compress for at least 12 hours, after covering it with a thick towel.

Healing decoction must be done immediately before use, pouring one tablespoon of crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water and infusing for 60 minutes.

Regular application of fresh juice from the aerial parts of horseradish to the problem areas of the face will help get rid of unaesthetic disorders of the skin, and wiping the mouth cavity from unpleasant dental problems.

To get the maximum benefit from the healing procedures, it is necessary to prepare the drugs immediately before the start of treatment. With long-term storage of finished compositions, their therapeutic properties are reduced, and they will not have the expected positive effects on the body.

All recipes have a simple composition and their preparation can be done at home without the involvement of special devices and medical devices.

Horseradish is a unique plant that has a wide range of applications not only in medicine and cosmetology, but also in cooking. This plant is added to summer salads and marinades for winter harvesting. Meat and fish dishes with horseradish leaves will acquire a unique taste and savory spiciness, and tomato and mushroom sauces will become not only fragrant, but will also acquire bright flavoring notes of an exquisite dish.

Large and powerful horseradish leaves become a unique material for the aesthetic design of salads, cold cuts and other festive events.

Many housewives use for cabbage or grape leaves for meat or vegetable cabbage, but young and juicy horseradish greens. Such a dish will surprise you with the taste characteristics of our guests and will decorate any holiday. Marinated leaves with salt and vinegar will allow you to cook even in winter borscht, vegetable soups and cabbage rolls.

For harvesting leaves for future use, you can apply the method of drying. Juicy and healthy leaves without mechanical damage should be carefully cut off, rinse under cold running water and let drip from the leaf plates. Chop the prepared greens and place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment. The period of drying the leaves in the oven at a temperature of 40 degrees does not exceed 120 minutes. Dry leaves should be folded in clean glass containers.

Experienced housewives recommend drying not only in ovens, but also in the open air. Prepared greens should be laid out in a thin layer in a ventilated room, protected from direct sunlight. Drying period not more than 15 hours.

Frozen horseradish greens are a universal seasoning for cooking in the winter. To freeze, take fresh leaves, remove rough parts of petioles, wash, finely chop and dry. Prepared raw materials decomposed in small portions in plastic bags and placed in the freezer.You can use hot seasoning throughout the winter period.

Fresh adzhika, which includes not only tomatoes, garlic, hot pepper, salt and sugar, but also fresh leaves of this plant, is useful and nutritious. The technology of cooking fresh adzhika will not bring difficulties even to beginner culinary specialists, and the aromatic flavor characteristics will make it a favorite addition to the first and second courses. To prepare this seasoning, you need to wash all the ingredients, remove all rough places and scroll everything in the meat grinder. This dish can not cook and store under the capron caps in the refrigerator. Leaves of horseradish will not allow mold to appear and will become an obstacle to the reproduction of dangerous microorganisms.

Greens of a sharp plant are perfectly combined not only with tomatoes, but also with beetroot, plums and apples. In the culinary books you can find a huge number of different spicy sauces and seasonings.

Horseradish greens are perfectly stored for six months on the shelves of the refrigerator in a closed plastic bag.

Horseradish root - a traditional spicy seasoning, which is popular in many countries around the world. Traditional healers and professional chefs recommend not to forget about the aboveground part of the plant, which is no less useful. In order to enrich the body with vitamins, and prevent the development of dangerous diseases, it is not necessary to buy expensive dietary supplements and imported drugs.

Unpretentious plant, which can be found on every household plot, will become a source of vitamins and minerals. Introduction to the diet of burning seasoning will help to diversify the meager winter diet and help create new and delicious dishes.