Medicinal Monday- Horseradish History!

Horseradish has been cultivated since antiquity and is thought to be indigenous to temperate Eastern Europe. It was introduced to the United States during the European colonialization and, both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson mention this plant in their garden notes.  This plant was common in the Northeast by 1806 and, it grew wild near Boston by 1840.  Long before horseradish gained popularity as a culinary herb, it was used medicinally. Native Americans used the leaves and roots of this plant for a variety of ailments from respiratory problems and sore throats to toothaches. 

About Horseradish 

Horseradish is a hardy perennial that has a long growing season.  The first frost in autumn kills the leaves and the roots are dug up and divided. The main root is usually harvested for food or medicinal purposes and the offshoots of the root are replanted to produce next years crop.  If the roots are left undisturbed, they spread and can become invasive.  Older roots are not considered to be useful for cooking, however, these roots can be used for medicinal purposes or divided to start new plants.  The leaves of horseradish have a distinct asymmetric spiky look before they develop into flat leaves that are broad.

Medicinal Uses

The Cherokee had several uses for this plant including using an infusion of leaves that they would gargle with for a sore throat. It was also used to aid digestion and as a cold remedy. The tonic made from leaves and roots were used as an expectorant for coughs. The Delaware of Ontario made a poultice of leaves that they would apply to the skin to help with neuralgia.  The Iroquois would smash the roots and make an infusion of them that would be taken to strengthen the blood. The Mohegans would remove the midrib of the leaves and make a poultice and bind it to their cheeks for a toothache.  Many Native American communities also used horseradish for menstrual cramps.

Did You Know...

Horseradish was found in a mural in Pompeii.

The root and leaves were used as a medicine in the Middle Ages and the root was used as a condiment on meats in Germany, Scandinavia, and Britain.

In Greek mythology, the Oracle of Delphi told Apollo that horseradish was worth its weight in gold. ("The radish worth its weight in lead, the beet its weight in silver, the horseradish its weight in gold.")

It is used at Passover as a bitter herb.

Today approximately six million gallons of prepared horseradish is prepared annually in the United States.

Most horseradish is grown in areas surrounding Collinsville, Illinois.  They hold a festival to celebrate this plant.

The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.