Nasturtium officinale commonly known as watercress is a very succulent aquatic, perennial plant with stems that can reach up to 50cm in length. It is a very nutritious plant often gathered from the wild but also grown commercially and sold in markets. Water cress is mainly used as a garnish or as an addition to salads, the flavour is strong with a characteristic hotness. It has a reputation as a spring tonic, and this is its main season of use. The leaves of this plant are exceptionally rich in vitamins and minerals and has long been valued as a food and medicinal plant.
Nasturtium Officinale Medicinal Uses
Nasturtium officinale Is a Rich Source of Antioxidants
Nasturtium officinale has a high vitamin C content. As an electron donor, vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant in humans. Antioxidant effects of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many experiments in vitro. Human diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer might occur in part from oxidant damage to tissues. Studies have shown that consuming more vitamin C increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body’s immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. The leaves are also antiscorbutic (having the effect of preventing or curing scurvy) due to vitamin C content.
Nasturtium officinale is a Good Detox Agent
Water crest is a depurative herb which are considered to have purifying and detoxifying effects. A study which extensively investigated the detoxification properties of Nasturtium officinale published in the European journal of nutrition concluded that the plant is able to modulate the enzymes in blood cells in vitro and in vivo, expressing the capacity to induce detoxification.
Hypertension and Kidney disease
Nasturtium officinale is a very good diuretic. Diuretics are used to rid the body of extra fluid or salt. People with high blood pressure, heart failure, swollen tissues, and kidney disease often use diuretics to treat these conditions. Water crest work on your kidneys by increasing the amount of salt and water that comes out through your urine. Too much salt can cause extra fluid to build up in your blood vessels, raising your blood pressure. Extra fluid in the body makes it hard for the heart to work properly and can make breathing difficult.
Nasturtium officinale is a Natural Cough Medication
Nasturtium officinale is a natural expectorant and can help in the treatment of cough. It acts by loosening mucus so you can cough it up. It does this by increasing the water content of the mucus, thinning it out, and making your cough more productive.
Nasturtium officinale Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart diseases and stroke, account for one-third of deaths throughout the world, according to a new scientific study that examined every country over the past 25 years. Studies have consistently shown that coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is correlated closely with low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The lower the LDL cholesterol, the lower the cardiovascular (CV) risk; recent studies have confirmed that N. officinale has a high hypolipidaemic activity and this may be attributed to its antioxidative potential. In addition, Hyperlipidemia is a known complication of diabetes mellitus and predisposes to coronary heart disease. The lowering of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol help to reduce the incidence of coronary disease.
Nasturtium officinale Useful for Diabetics
Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment and management of diabetic mellitus (DM). The hypoglycemic property of the Nasturtium officinale help regulate blood sugar. A study on the effect of Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) Leaves on Serum Glucose and Lipid Levels concluded that the consumption of watercress leaves can be helpful in reducing the complications of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia associated with diabetes.
Nasturtium officinale Relive Pain and Aid Digestion
Water Crest can help relieve pain felt in the area from which a tooth has been extracted ( Odontalgic). It has also been found to be useful in producing stomachic effects that serves to tone the stomach, improving its function and increasing appetite.
