Synopsis

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

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) has a long history of traditional use for treating respiratory congestion and related ailments. In folk medicine, particularly in Europe, horseradish root has been used as a natural remedy to help clear nasal passages and relieve symptoms of sinusitis, bronchitis, and the common cold. The rationale behind this traditional use lies in the pungent compounds found in horseradish, particularly allyl isothiocyanate, which can act as irritants to the mucous membranes, stimulating the production of mucus and potentially helping to expel it from the respiratory tract.

While there is some preliminary scientific support for these effects, robust clinical studies are limited. Some small in vitro and animal studies suggest that horseradish extracts may have mild antimicrobial properties and can stimulate secretions in the respiratory tract. However, high-quality human trials are lacking. One herbal combination product containing horseradish and nasturtium has shown promise in small clinical trials for reducing symptoms of acute sinusitis and bronchitis, but it is difficult to isolate the specific contribution of horseradish from these studies.

Overall, the use of horseradish for congestion is rooted mainly in traditional herbal practice, with only limited scientific evidence at this time. Individuals interested in trying horseradish for congestion should do so cautiously, as it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals and interact with certain medications.

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Other ingredients used for Congestion

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Metagenics Golden Fusion®