Nasturtium officinale

Nasturtium officinale
Family:Nasturtium officinale; Antiscorbutic; Depurative; Diuretic; Expectorant; Hypoglycaemic; Odontalgic; Purgative; Stimulant; Stomachic; TB.
Common name:Watercress
Watercress is very rich in vitamins and minerals and has long been valued as a food and medicinal plant. Considered a cleansing herb its high content of vitamin C makes it a remedy that is particularly valuable for chronic illnesses. The leaves are antiscorbutic depurative diuretic expectorant purgative hypoglycaemic odontalgic stimulant and stomachic. The plant has been used as a specific in the treatment of TB. The freshly pressed juice has been used internally and externally in the treatment of chest and kidney complaints chronic irritations and inflammations of the skin etc. Applied externally it has a long-standing reputation as an effective hair tonic helping to promote the growth of thick hair. A poultice of the leaves is said to be an effective treatment for healing glandular tumours or lymphatic swellings. Some caution is advised excessive use of the plant can lead to stomach upsets. The leaves can be harvested almost throughout the year and are used fresh.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:38 []