This is an easy and delicious recipe that you can prepare in the fall and use throughout the winter months. Horseradish is also easy to grow or you can get your roots at the local health food store or farmers market. Native to southeast Europe, horseradish has a long history of use as a circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, antibiotic, and for easing joint pain. It is also used for supportive treatment of urinary tract infections as well as for treatment of respiratory infections such as acute bronchitis, colds, sore throat, and sinusitis. It doesn’t take much to notice its effect: believe me, this recipe will definitely clear your sinuses! It is a wonderful herb, food, and condiment.

Recipe:

• Peel and dice your horseradish roots (I used 2 nice sized roots and ended up with 2 1/2 cups)

• Add 1/2 cup water per cup horseradish

• Blend until the root is chopped fine

• Add 1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt (or any whole salt) per cup horseradish

• Add 3 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice per cup horseradish

Adding the lemon juice right after blending will give you a milder result. For a hotter condiment, wait about three eye watering minutes before adding your lemon juice. Store it in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Your horseradish can then be refrigerated and will last about 6 months or frozen for later use.

How to Use it:

• Add a tablespoon to hot soup.

• Spread some on a cracker.

• Use it as a condiment with meats or savory dishes.

• Mix it into a salad dressing.

• Mix it in a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey and a lemon wedge.

© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)