Horseradish leaves: composition, useful properties, application and contraindications
Horseradish grows everywhere in various territories of Europe and Asia. The only place where there is no bush is in the arctic regions. This shrub is used to roll food for the winter, and also as a spice as a flavor enhancer in a dish.
Using a horseradish-based remedy, various ailments can be treated as a secondary aid. But horseradish leaves have not only useful properties, but also contraindications, which you must definitely familiarize yourself with before using. After all, improper use brings serious consequences and harm to the whole organism.
Content:
- Composition and properties of horseradish leaves
- The use of horseradish leaves in medicine
- The use of horseradish leaves in cooking
- How to make horseradish leaf tincture?
- To whom and when are horseradish leaves contraindicated?
- Procurement and storage
Composition and properties of horseradish leaves
Deciduous horseradish plates have an oblong structure and pronounced veins. The leaf in favorable conditions reaches 50 cm in length. Due to its composition and rich smell, from which it got its name, the shrub is quite common among the population. The plant, in terms of its developmental structure and structure, belongs to the Cabbage family tree.
The foliage of the plant contains a large amount of ascorbic acid. Its content is even greater than in lemon. In addition, foliage includes the following trace elements:
- Magnesium
- Phosphoric acid
- Iron
- Amino acids
- A nicotinic acid
- Carotene
- Vitamin B
- Potassium
- Copper
- Sulfur
- Alimentary fiber
Additionally, proteins, carbohydrates and fats are detected in the composition of the leaf plate. Due to its rich nutrient content, horseradish acts as a natural antibiotic that neutralizes various pathogenic bacteria and prevents the appearance of mold.
There are the following beneficial properties that horseradish has when it affects the body:
- The body is cleansed of accumulated toxins.
- Blocks the possibility of salt deposition in various organs.
- Eliminates painful sensations in the joints.
- Regular use of the product leads to a slow regeneration of the cellular structure of the cartilage compounds.
- Foliage has a beneficial effect on the appearance of appetite and improves the digestion process.
- The use of foliage in inflammatory processes of the respiratory system leads to the fastest cure. The remedy is a quality expectorant.
- With the development of sore throat based on horseradish leaves, a solution is insisted that has a positive effect on the throat when rinsing.
- With the development of a cough, a diluted remedy in half with honey eliminates the cough reflex by using 1 tsp. inside.
- For the treatment of sinusitis, alcohol tincture is used.
Additionally, the remedy helps to recover from a whole list of pathological situations. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the natural antibiotic and using it when the prerequisites for the development of the disease arise.
The use of horseradish leaves in medicine
Horseradish has a significant therapeutic effect in the formation of certain diseases. A product made on the basis of horseradish and its components is used in the fields of medicine.
Alcohol tincture on the leaves of the plant is used as a treatment:
- With osteoporosis.
- With identified hepatitis.
- For the treatment of metabolic disorders.
- When fixing osteochondrosis and atherosclerosis.
As a result of the appearance of osteochondrosis, pain develops due to the occurrence of restriction of the mobility of various parts: thoracic, dorsal or cervical. The phytoncidal substances and essential oils contained in the foliage can reduce soreness or completely eliminate it. The most commonly used treatment in the manifestation of such a situation is compresses and alcoholic tinctures on horseradish leaves.
In addition, the alcohol tincture made allows you to get rid of stagnant sinusitis in a short time, and also significantly increase the protective function of the body. For external use, the tincture is used to relieve back or muscle pain.
With the development of infectious diseases, horseradish does an excellent job with the task, preventing the inflammatory process, both in the respiratory organs and in the oral cavity. When using a plant-based product, the process of tearing increases and the level of internal mucus increases, which does not stagnate, but comes out of the nasal passages.
Due to the existing antibacterial effect, the root vegetable of the plant helps in the treatment of the urinary system, as well as for the normalization of the functioning of the liver. When introduced into the body, it has a strong diuretic effect, thereby preventing the formation of edema.
When treating the body, I have a beneficial effect on nutrients in the composition of leaf plates:
- Potassium affects the cardiovascular system, improving its performance.
- Calcium is aimed at strengthening the skeletal system, which significantly reduces the possibility of osteoporosis formation.
- Some doctors recommend to treat potency in men with horseradish. For this, it is recommended to use a tincture with honey. In some situations, treatment with horseradish of the facial nerve is recommended.
The combination of horseradish with apple gruel allows you to increase vitality after long-term treatment. With its qualities, a horseradish-based product normalizes blood pressure and keeps it at an optimal level. Helps to lower blood cholesterol when used consistently.
The use of horseradish leaves in cooking
Deciduous shrub plates are used not only as a good remedy for the treatment of diseases, but also as a spice of an acute nature for the preparation of various culinary delights:
- In most cases, foliage is used to add flavor and richness to the preparation of blanks for the winter. In addition, the main qualities due to which foliage is laid in the marinade: the presence of bactericidal and antibacterial properties.
- If you eat fresh horseradish leaves, then its taste resembles a mixture white cabbage and arugula. Foliage has a peculiarity compared to root system - it is used both raw and during heat treatment.
- Young shoots are suitable for raw consumption. They have a bitter-peppery hue. Also, foliage is often used to make rolls or sushi. This option is ideal for replacing algae if they are absent or spoiled.
- Whole leaf plates are great for making cabbage rolls if you don't have cabbage on hand. When making hamburgers, horseradish leaves are an excellent substitute for lettuce leaves, giving the dish an interesting rich taste.
- If you simultaneously introduce horseradish into the dish, and basil, then culinary dishes acquire a special piquancy and sophistication.
In some cases, deciduous plates can be prepared as an independent dish or supplemented with other vegetables. When heat-treated, the plant can be fried or even evaporated in a steam bath. In each case, the taste of horseradish will differ significantly, but not lose its originality and richness.
It is better not to use old sheet plates as fresh serving. They are more suitable for serving as part of soup or borscht, while the leaves should be finely chopped. This is due to the fact that the structure of the leaf becomes coarser, harder and richer with a pungent taste over time.
How to make horseradish leaf tincture?
Horseradish tincture can be made from both roots and leaf plates. When using the root, it should be quickly ground and applied, otherwise prolonged aging in the fresh air provokes a loss of the medicinal qualities of the product. At home, in order to prolong the possibility of using the product, citric acid is added to the gruel. A pinch of acid is introduced into grated horseradish, in a volume of 1 cup and left in this state.
Tinctures of horseradish rhizome gruel successfully fight against diseases of the oral cavity, such as tonsillitis and stomatitis, as well as for treating the skin at various degrees of injury: cuts, wounds or deep suppuration of varying intensity. It is recommended to rinse the hair or wash the skin with developing seborrhea with an aqueous tincture of this type, and also use the agent as a cosmetic hair care for dandruff.
For the preparation of tincture from the horseradish measles system 1 tbsp. prepared raw materials. This volume is poured with 2 cups of boiling water and left to infuse for 1 hour. After the elapsed period of time, the liquid is filtered, and the gruel is squeezed out. To obtain a remedy that has a diuretic effect and stimulates the improved functioning of the digestive organs, as well as a choleretic substance, the horseradish root system should be passed through the knives of a meat grinder or simply grate the root with fine divisions.
You will need 10 grams. ground product, which is equal to about 2 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon. The volume must be filled with 250 ml. boiling water. After that, the essence should be insisted for 2 hours. Subsequently, strain and use 1 tablespoon each. up to 4 times a day.
To lighten age spots on the face or other irregularities, you can use the following tool:
- Sheet plates in the amount of 50 gr. crushed into gruel.
- The essence of table vinegar (3%) is introduced. You can also apply the grape or apple look.
- Placed in a dish with a tight-fitting lid and placed in a dark room for 2 weeks.
- Having stood the set period, the resulting consistency should be filtered and diluted with chilled water in a volume of 1.5 liters.
The resulting liquid perfectly tones the skin that is starting to fade, and is also used as a lotion. The product is applied to the skin 2 times a day - in the morning and before going to bed.
Alcohol tincture is also used:
- For this, the glass jar is completely filled with crushed leaf plates, which are filled with vodka in a volume of 0.5 liters. Foliage, preferably young.
- After the procedure, the container is well sealed and set in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- After the elapsed period of time, lemon juice is additionally introduced into the liquid, obtained from 1 whole squeezed lemon and 3 tbsp. liquid honey.
- Mix the whole product and take 1 dessert spoon half an hour before meals, in the morning and at the moment before going to bed.
- The duration of the course of treatment is 3 months.
Such a remedy effectively helps in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, cough, hepatitis, sinusitis, as well as colds and infectious diseases.The tincture qualitatively helps with various problems of the genitourinary system in men and women.
To whom and when are horseradish leaves contraindicated?
Before you start preparing a tincture on horseradish leaves or introducing it when preparing culinary dishes, you should carefully read the contraindications and possible side effects. There are practically no bans on the use of horseradish in medicine or in cooking.
The following points are highlighted when treatment is prohibited:
- If the patient has an increased level of acidity in the stomach, after the person consumes the preparation in the form of a sauce or seasoning.
- With the development of diseases of the digestive tract of an acute type or of a long-term nature.
- When fixing an ulcer of the duodenum or stomach, with the formation of colitis.
- Some inflammatory processes of the liver and kidneys.
- With the development of gastritis with the identification of hypersecretory function.
- When feeding a newborn baby naturally with breast milk, as well as during gestation during the entire trimester of pregnancy.
- Not for use in children under 12 years of age.
If you find an individual intolerance to the drug, you should not continue taking the drug as a therapeutic treatment. It is worth remembering that any exposure to the plant does not replace the therapeutic effect prescribed by the observing doctor.
Frequent use of horseradish in food in significant volumes leads to a violation of the internal microflora of the patient's stomach.
As a result of the ongoing processes, the development of internal bleeding and an increase in blood pressure are stimulated, which leads to the formation of hypertension.
It is strictly forbidden to use horseradish in any form if the patient reveals negative consequences after its introduction. This condition will not bring the desired positive effect, but only harm the patient.
Procurement and storage
With proper storage, grated gruel from horseradish rhizomes can be stored for 10-15 days from the moment of preparation. After the expiration date, horseradish loses all its medicinal properties, becoming just a hot seasoning.
Due to the healing effect, many people seek to make their own condiments, sauces and marinades to obtain medicinal properties. The seasoning is spicy enough and minimally consumed, so it should not be harvested in significant volumes. To make a sauce for a week, you will need only 0.5 tbsp. grated gruel from the leaf plates of the bush. Storing the grated essence should be done in the refrigerator, on the lower shelf, where there is a positive temperature. Be sure to close the container with the sauce tightly.
Horseradish is usually harvested in September, until the last days of October.
Leaves must be cut and dried under a canopy, but in a well-ventilated area. For storage, placed in a glass jar and tightly closed with a lid. If you need to prepare the root system, then the procedure is performed in several ways. It is necessary to dig out of the ground at a time when the earth is completely dry. The soil is shaken off from the rhizomes, placed neatly in a wooden box and sprinkled with river sand. In this form, the product will not deteriorate and will not lose all its nutritional qualities.
The roots extracted from the soil are carefully rubbed on a grater, the resulting thickened is dried in an oven at a moderate temperature. After that, the substance is ground in a coffee grinder to a fine powder. Further storage of the received funds is carried out in a glass jar.
Thus, the foliage of horseradish, as well as its rhizomes, act as a useful plant that helps to cope with various diseases. In addition, leaf plates are used as a hot seasoning to create culinary masterpieces.If the substance is used correctly and in the proper amount, then there is an opportunity to provoke a positive result and improve the general condition of the patient.
More information can be found in the video:
We always use horseradish leaves when we start canning tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables, which are usually harvested for the winter. I didn’t know that this plant could be used in medicine.
We also use horseradish leaves in preparations for the winter, and even the grandfather in the village made a tincture on these leaves. To be honest, I didn't really like it. I like liqueurs / liqueurs on berries more.
I didn't even think that horseradish is so useful and so widely used. I use mainly for the preservation of cucumbers, zucchini. It gives a special aroma and tangy flavor. It grows in my garden, does not need special care.
In the autumn-winter period, we almost constantly eat grated horseradish rhizomes with lemon juice. I have long known that it promotes the removal of mucus from the body. I did not know about the healing properties of the leaves, I took note.