Health Benefits of Horseradish... yes, Horseradish!
Looking at this picture, many people may not ever realize that this is horseradish in its natural state! Yes, horseradish is a root, similar to tumeric and ginger. It is a root vegetable that is part of the Brassicaceae family which also includes wasabi, mustard, broccoli and cabbage. It is a powerful and pungent plant which also has many health benefits. This is why it is a key ingredient in my Fire Cider. The powerful aroma that affects our sinuses is why horseradish is more commonly used as a condiment, rather than as a vegetable itself. Here are some of the many health benefits:
- Boosts Immunity. Horseradish is filled with nutrients, phytochemicals and Vitamin C. Together these have antioxidant properties that stimulate white blood cell production, our body's main line of defense.
- Improves Respiratory Conditions: This may come as no surprise. Similar to wasabi, horseradish has a strong pungent odor that can make our eyes water and clear the sinuses. Just taking a strong sniff of the horseradish root can help to clear the mucous secretions in the sinus and respiratory tract due to colds and alleries.
- Antibacterial: Horseradish can be great to help fight microbes and bacterial infections.
Other health benefits include: Weight loss/metabolism, Lowers Blood Pressure, and Improves Digestion.
The easiest way to prepare horseradish is to peel away the brown skin of the root and shred the white part to add to food and makes a great infusion with vodka if you like a spicy bloody mary. Enjoy!
Cold and Flu Season: When to see a doctor
This flu season has proven to one of the worst we have seen in quite some time. Hospitals have set up tent triage units just to accommodate the number of people affected by the virus this year. Almost every single one of my patents has come in and been affected by sickness this season. Whether it be cold and sinus or the flu.
I usually pride myself on being able to stay healthy. I have a everything at my fingertips to fight sickness when it strikes me. But then it happened to me. I got sick this season. Shortly after Christmas I caught the cold. I never had a cough, but it attacked my sinuses. I could not breathe for days. Everything under my power, which normally works for me, did not seem to help me this time around. I took my Wellness Formula, which is my #1 one go to when feeling sick, did not work. I made Elderberry syrup, did not help. I drank my homemade Fire Cider like water, did not help. The neti pot only gave me temporary relief. I sprayed colloidal silver in my sinuses, only temporary relief.
After a few days, I began to feel better. I started to notice that I could not stop blowing my nose. After a few more days and started waking with sinus pain and pressure on my left side. I finally called my doctor. Then got me in that same day and I was given antibiotics for a sinus infection. I have never had a sinus infection in my life! I am happy to say, I am finally out of the woods, but all in all I was not 100% for about two weeks.
As much as we try to stay healthy and use natural remedies to fight off sickness and stay well, we must also be aware of when it is time to go to the doctor or even the ER. We have to remind ourselves that it is ok. It is ok to seek medical attention when your holistic ways just are not enough. It is ok to take antibiotics or prescription medications when needed. In these instances, don't stop taking your herbs. Don't stop doing whatever natural healing it is that you choose for yourself. In these instances, your holistic approach becomes complimentary to western medicine. Your results will be that much quicker.
Herb- Drug Interactions
One of the most common misconceptions about herbs and supplements is the thought: "These are all natural, so I can take what I want and how much I want." This is definitely not the case. I have always told my patients, you can probably do more damage with herbs than you can with acupuncture. Herbs are a powerful medicine and it is important to always inform your provider what medications you are taking. One of the most common interactions is that of Chinese herbs affecting a patient taking blood thinners. Many herbs can enhance or inhibit the actions of these drugs.
More and more research is showing how supplements are interfering with cancer drugs and chemotherapy. As in the video link below, Shelly started loading up on "Immune Enhancing" supplements while undergoing cancer treatment. She was even taking up to 60 pills per day! This actually had a counter affect and made her white blood cell level drop, causing her to delay her chemotherapy treatments for weeks.
All in all, most herbs and supplements are safe to take. You should always tell your healthcare provider what prescription drugs as well as what herbs and supplements you are taking.