Horseradish
Cochlearia armoracia or Armoracia rusticana
Horseradish is a hardy perennial plant that is probably native to Central Europe, though it was known to the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks- the Delphic Oracle reportedly said that horseradish is worth its weight in gold. It has big, bold, glossy green leaves and pretty white flower heads, but its the long, white taproot that exudes caustic juices that make the eyes water when it's damaged, that gives us horsey sauce.
- Horseradish is super-hardy, will spread exponentially each year and will grow from any broken bit of root you leave behind, so make sure if you plant it, that you plant it where you want it to live forever, and leave room for the whole family.
- Some caution should be used when working with horseradish. The volatile oils can cause skin irritation and large doses taken internally can cause gastric irritation, vomiting, and painful bowel movements. Some people are allergic to horseradish and caution should be taken to determine sensitivity before using horseradish for any purpose. People with ulcers or kidney problems or who take diuretics should approach horseradish with due caution.
Horseradish has been used as an expectorant for coughs and to loosen nasal congestion and can be applied like a mustard plaster for aches and pains and inflammation. It also acts as a diuretic.
Horseradish is strong and spicy, but its heat isn't tongue tingling so much as sinus awakening. The root can be ground and mixed with vinegar to preserve the flavor and this is often mixed with mayonnaise for use on beef and other strong meats, or catsup for use on shrimp and other seafood. In Jewish Passover tradition, the leaves are served as a "bitter herb".
Magically, horseradish root can be placed at the four corners of your property as part of a warding spell. You can infuse the root into water or powder it and use it to create a barrier around doors and windows or along the property line. It can also be used as a general purification and banishing wash, although, fresh horseradish might not be comfortable for the skin, it could certainly be used for dousing sympathetic objects. The leaves and root can be added to container spells for their protective qualities as well.
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, folate, vitamin C, and dietary fiber
Correspondences
Element(s): Fire -
Planet(s): Mars -
Zodiac Sign: - -
Season: Winter
Sabbat: Midwinter
Deities:
Gender: Masculine
Exorcism, purification, banishing, empowering, warding
Recipes that contain Horseradish
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tell us about your experiments and experiences with this magical food.
