So you have ordered the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and you can worry about the cholesterol in the shrimp but what about the cocktail sauce?  Did you know that the horseradish in the cocktail sauce is actually good for you?  Horseradish is useful as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory herb and is believed by some to be an aphrodisiac.  I guess people believe horseradish is an aphrodisiac because it increases body temperature.  Horseradish is a strong antibiotic and antibacterial agent.  It is a very good diuretic and helps stimulate the body’s immune system and can serve as a very good expectorant to clear phlegm out of your bronchial tubes. If you have ever taken a good whiff out of a jar of horseradish you know that it can clear your sinuses pretty fast.

Horseradish also helps the body to excrete urine so that the toxins in your body will be flushed out of your urinary tract quickly.  Horseradish has been used to treat such ailments as bronchitis, sinusitis, lung congestion, rheumatism, anemia and the flu.  It also can serve as an effective appetite stimulant and anti inflammatory agent. It can increase blood flow to infected areas therefore reducing infections. This is good for people with urinary tract infections and sore throats.

For those who suffer from gum disease, chewing on horseradish mixed with carrots may be an effective treatment to kill bacteria related to gum disease. American Indians used to chew horseradish to relieve toothaches and to treat scurvy.  The raw leaves of the plant can be held to the forehead to relieve headaches.

Horseradish contains a high amount of vitamin C and B complex as well as minerals like potassium, calcium and iron.  It also contains powerful antioxidants and may be very helpful to people to people suffering from aching joints.  Horseradish contains an enzyme which helps break down glucosinolates, a cancer-fighting compound, which helps the liver to detoxify carcinogens and limit the growth of tumors in the body. Horseradish should not be given to children under the age of four years old or to people suffering from gastric ulcers or renal problems.