Horseradish has been cultivated for about 2,000 years. Early settlers brought the plant to America. Early uses included reducing sciatic nerve pain, expelling afterbirth, relieving colic, increasing urination, and killing intestinal worms. Horseradish is one the "five bitter herbs" of Passover.

Topically, the mustard content irritates the skin and stimulates local blood flow, giving relief to minor muscle aches and inflamed joints or tissues. Both the mustard oil and the glucosinolate composition give the root its characteristic pungency, helping to decrease congestion and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Horseradish may also have some antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Horseradish is available as fresh or dried root, ointment with 2% mustard oil from pressed root, and tincture.