Headaches caused by sinuses can really be of annoyance. When confronted with this kind of issue, people resort to drug tablets, aspirin or ibuprofen. Sure, in a world where productivity is valued, there is no time to deal with a headache, so when a problem like this occurs, regardless of its source, the first reflex is to take some medicine and relieve the ache immediately. But if you’re willing to ease up on the drugs and try an alternative, a natural alternative, you might consider horseradish.
Nowadays, this plant is considered first-of-all as a condiment. But some generations ago, especially in the 1800s and early 1900s, horseradish was commonly used for its medicinal proprieties. Originating in Eastern Europe, it has a general bitter taste (still tastes better than your average decongestant syrup) but has been proven to be effective in issues relating to breathing. Its powerful taste is due to the high volume of sulfur and is sought as medicine for its anti-inflammatory as well as antibiotic properties. No side effects of using it have been accounted for and it is said that fresh horseradish always works better than cooked version.
The plant can be used in a variety of ways, according to the condition you suffer. For coughs, asthma and various allergies of this type, like hay fever, it is recommended you take 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish root into your mouth and hold it there for a couple of minutes. Doing this will help with cutting mucus in the sinuses and also draining down your throat. Early stages of sinus infection or colds can be treated with a technique. This involves holding your head over a bowl in which you mixed fresh or grated horseradish with several cups of hot water. With a towel over your head and your eyes closed, simply inhale the steam. You will feel the sinus congestion beginning to loosen. As for kidney stones, bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, you can mix 4 tablespoons of grated root with another beverage of your liking (to soften the flavor’s intensity). You could even add it to your wasabi or cocktail sauce for an extra nutritive kick in your dishes.
So if you’re looking for a general expectorant, to improve or eliminate any respiratory congestion or breathing difficulty you may experience, the horseradish may just be the proper answer. Turning to the garden for a natural and popular cure for your headaches will prove helpful!
Have you ever used horseradish medicinally?
