Horseradish powder is one of the best known ingredients to add spice to food. There are a variety of ways to introduce it into your life, let me enlighten you about some of the uses and benefits of this spice.

Uses of Horseradish Powder

It contains certain ‘allyl isothiocynate’ which not only give it a special taste and aroma, but also improve its therapeutic utility. It is because of this compound that dried horseradish should be powdered without delay, otherwise the chemical begins to degrade and may produce a bitter rather than a hot taste.
 

1. Culinary

This hot, spicy powder is used to flavor cream or egg based sauces like mayonnaise, sour cream or crème fraiche. It is also used to make spreads and dipping sauces. Normally, horseradish powder is used in the preparation of sauces that do not require cooking, as heating the powder evaporates the volatile oils and reduces the bite.
 

2. Medicinal

Horsradish powder is a rich source of vitamins (B and C), and minerals (calcium, iron, and potassium). It is a strong antibiotic, antibacterial, and antiparasitic. It is also an expectorant, bronchodilatator (dilates bronchioles), and coronary vasodilatator (dilates blood vessels). Being an antioxidant it body's immune system. It improves the digestive system and acts as a diuretic too. Horseradish is known to possess aphrodisiacal properties. 

Health Benefits of Horseradish Powder

It is known to benefit multiple systems of the body simultaneously, this is how it works.

• Cures respiratory problems like cold, sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, flu, lung congestions, asthma, and breathing disorders
• Natural cure for scurvy
• Relives pain especially rheumatic pain
• Active compounds present in the powder increase liver ability to detoxify and eliminate carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances – prevents cancer
• Prevents hay fever
• Increases production of digestive juices – promotes appetite and digestion
• Improves bowels
• Prevents urinary infection as it is a diuretic
• Cardiotonic in nature – recommended for hypertensives
• Used to treat facial paralysis

However, people suffering from peptic ulcers, hyper acid gastritis, and hypothyroidism should avoid use of horseradish powder. 

Another popular type of horseradish is Wasabi, a common Japanese seasoning; learn more about Wasabi Powder – Usage and Benefits in our article.

Image credits: herbco.com