Horseradish - Plant of the Week

[MaryN]

I think every prepper should have a stand of horseradish in the garden. Apart from the joy of having fresh horseradish sauce with your meat, it has so many uses, many of them helpful in minor ailments.

We all know the pain of taking an unwary mouthful of horseradish sauce, and that steaming route it has through the nose. Well, horseradish can help with sinus problems. The root grated in warm water and the steam inhaled can help to clear the sinuses, and the warmth can bring relief to a bad cold.

Horseradish is also useful in the form of a liniment or poultice to relieve aches and pains in muscles. The heat from the plant helps to reduce inflammation in rheumatism and arthritis, and it can also be used as a rub on the chest to relieve congestion.

Horseradish has long been known to have antibiotic properties, but has recently been found to have certain cancer-fighting compounds.
That fiery taste is the clue, it is caused by the enzymes that make this plant such a useful addition to the garden medical chest.

It should be in every prepper's garden.