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Horseradish has been used, without proven effectiveness, for a variety of other conditions. In folk medicine, it has been taken for influenza, digestive problems, gout, rheumatism, liver disease, and gallbladder disorders. Homeopathic practitioners use it for stomach cramps and all types of respiratory problems. Horseradish is one of the five bitter herbs of the Jewish Passover feast. In ancient Rome, according to the historian Pliny, it was considered a medicine rather than a food. By the Middle Ages, however, it was widely used both medicinally and in cooking. Today it's prized primarily for the extra zing it lends to cooking. A perennial plant that grows almost 4 feet high, Horseradish originated in the Volga-Don region of Russia, but has now spread throughout the world. Researchers have found that Horseradish discourages the growth of certain bacteria, improves circulation when applied to the skin, and restrains the growth of tumors. In animal tests it has been shown to relieve spasms.
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