How Horseradish and Vitamin C can Help the Immune System during Spring and Reduce Hay Fever

Horseradish (Armoracia Rusticana) is a powerful plant that has long been used for its medicinal value. The root vegetable is commonly recognised for its use as a spicy condiment in various cuisines while the roots are cultivated for its protective health properties. The health benefits include supporting immunity, weight loss, blood pressure, sinusitis, digestion, metabolism and inflammation relief.

Horseradish contains high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, dietary fibre, magnesium, zinc and the compound glucosinolate. Glucosinolate is a sulphur-containing compound found in pungent vegetables such as broccoli, kale and Brussel sprouts, although horseradish contains 10 times more glucosinolate than broccoli. When consumed in appropriate doses, the minerals and vitamins found in horseradish are believed to work together with glucosinolates to assist with many biological functions.

Horseradish was cultivated in the 1800s and early 1900s for its medicinal properties but its usage has since faded out and replaced by common pharmaceutical drugs. A home remedy used by those in the 1800s and early 1900s prone to respiratory tract infections can still be applied today and provides a natural solution to relieving sinus symptoms rather than taking antibiotic drugs. The high volume of sulphur in horseradish creates an organic antibiotic effect that can dilate the swollen nasal passengers and help clear mucus. This method involves holding half a teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish root in the mouth for several minutes until the flavour dissipates. Once the flavour dissipates, the horseradish can be swallowed to remove mucus from the back of the throat. The amount of horseradish can be increased for stronger doses and is best taken fresh.

Traditional over-the-counter nasal sprays for the treatment of common sinus dysfunctions contain phenylephrine hydrochloride, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, or xylometazoline, which may be harmful when used for extended periods. The juice and mustard oils released from the horseradish root can be used as an alternative to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. In a 1992 study, researchers trailed the effectiveness of a horseradish nasal spray on patients suffering from a range of sinus dysfunctions. Patients had been prescribed approximately 5 ml of a horseradish topical application twice daily in each nostril during the trial period. The results showed that 95% of the test subjects showed good to excellent results from the treatment, with one patient reporting his sense of smell returning after 15 years and multiple surgeries. Patients suffering from two or more sinus dysfunction categories also reported their symptoms were alleviated after the study.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble nutrient essential to the human body and can support the immune system by protecting against environmental oxidative stress and easing the symptoms of viral infections. A strong antioxidant can help boost the immune system by protecting cells from free radicals. Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as bell peppers and strawberries, can help avoid vitamin C deficiency as the human body cannot produce its own. Research has found that vitamin C deficiency can negatively impact the immune system and has been linked to longer durations of the common cold.

 Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties and can boost the immune system.

In a study published in the Journal of Food and Agriculture in 2017, researchers studied the amount of vitamin C present in the leaves and roots of horseradish and found that the residual vitamin C content is higher than that of other vegetables despite the levels decreasing depending on the processing techniques used. It is believed that 100g of fresh horseradish roots contain 29mg of vitamin C, making the plant an effective source for immune support.

Elderly people are more susceptible to infection due to their aging immune system as their white blood cells have poorer responses to antigens. In a study published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology, researchers found that incubating aging white blood cells with a vitamin C solution improved the performance levels of the cells to that of normal cells. Another study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that a vitamin C dosage daily for 16 weeks in both healthy aged women and aged women boosted the immunity cells in patients.

A 2013 Cochrane Library review of 29 randomized trials with more than 11,000 participants found that among extremely active people—such as marathon runners and skiers, taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C every day appeared to cut the risk of getting a cold in half. Taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms of the common cold. Vitamin C may provide benefits for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter.

Allergic disturbances are often related to nutritional deficiencies, primarily that of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C has been found to exert a number of effects on histamine. Histamine levels were found to increase exponentially as ascorbic acid levels in the blood decreased. Vitamin C supplementation plays a valuable role in the treatment of nasal allergy and is useful in doses ranging from a minimum of 250 mg to 750mg per day.

Horseradish and Vitamin C products are often combined together in a convenient supplement form with Garlic to help boost the immune system. The horseradish plant contains high amounts of vitamin C and can be ingested with other vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables to meet the recommended daily intake of 45mg/day. When taken together or individually, both are believed to support white blood cells' function and the immune system. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to other problems such as irritableness and slow healing wounds. Horseradish and vitamin C supplements are a viable option for adults with a busy lifestyle or those unable to meet their intake through their diet.


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Lipa has a Horseradish, Garlic + Vitamin C product in our Private Label range to assist with immunity and hay fever.