Nasturtium for coughs, colds, flu and hair loss
The nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus, occasionally called Indian cress, is a very popular and cottagy plant, found in many gardens – but not generally thought of as a herb. It’s a half-hardy perennial climber or trailer, a native of South America.
Nasturtium is the name most people know this plant by, and this is a little confusing, because the plant which bears the latin name Nasturtium is watercress. The two are not related at all. Although it is sometimes called Indian cress, as already mentioned, it is not related to any of the other cresses, which are mostly Brassicas (members of the plant family Cruciferae to which cabbages also belong).
Nasturtium’s more or less trumpet-shaped flowers in shades from red to yellow and all combinations and shades in between, as well as the large almost coin-shaped leaves can be added to the salad bowl for a spicy surprise. The large seeds can also be eaten, although they are very hot, so much so that some people dry them and grind them to use as a substitute for pepper. Others pickle unripe seeds as a hotter substitute for capers.
Medicinally, nasturtium is surprisingly useful but it is not suitable for pregnant women or those trying for a baby, as it is used to promote menstruation, and can induce abortion in the early stages of pregnancy.
Nasturtium’s main uses are as a treatment for respiratory infections, including coughs, colds and flu. It is an expectorant as well as an antibiotic, antiseptic and antifungal. Make a standard infusion using 1-2 teaspoonfuls of fresh leaves to 250ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) boiling water. Allow to stand for at least 10 minutes, then strain before use. Take 75ml (1/3 US cup, 3 fl oz) up to 3 times a day for the purposes listed, and to treat scurvy and disorders of the genito-urinary system. It can also be used externally to treat baldness and other hair conditions, rashes, skin conditions, cuts and grazes.
As with all herbs grown for use medicinally, nasturtiums must be grown organically to ensure the purity of the active constituents. To find out more about growing organic nasturtiums visit the Gardenzone.
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March 10th, 2010 at 13:35
When I found your site was like wow. Thanks for putting your effort in making this blog.
July 14th, 2010 at 01:14
Hello
Thank you for posting this info on your site. I just wondered if it was still beneficial to use dry nasturtiums leaves or flowers for medicinal purposes.
I look forward to your response.
many thanks
Olivia
July 19th, 2010 at 19:10
Yes, dried herb should work fine, or at least I can’t find anything that says it won’t! But bear in mind that you should reduce the quantities used – by about half, since the quantities are so small in the first place, because dried herb takes up less space than fresh.