The use of nasturtium in folk medicine
The healing effect of the plant is related to its chemical composition. It has been noted that unripe nasturtium fruits contain:
- herbal antibiotics;
- essential oils;
- organic acids.
Flowers contain coloring substances and carotenoids, vitamin A, as in carrots. The leaves and stems of nasturtium contain a wide variety of bioactive substances, trace elements and rare bioactivators - isoquercitrin and gluconasturcin. The presence of special substances makes infusions and decoctions healing and prophylactic for the body.
All these components allow us to talk about the beneficial properties of nasturtium, which has the following actions:
- bactericidal;
- vasodilators;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antitussives;
- antifungal.
First of all, all parts of the plant contain large quantities of ascorbic acid and vitamin C. Therefore, all ailments associated with colds or vitamin deficiency in complex treatment use infusions and decoctions of plant origin. Patients are recommended to gargle with diluted tincture, juice, or decoction. Therefore, the use of vitamin tea with nasturtium will have a beneficial effect in cases of scurvy.
The benefits of using nasturtium decoction for colds and coughs can be judged by the presence of antibiotics that help restore the mucous membrane of the respiratory system during a deep suffocating cough.
Drinking nasturtium tea can be very useful for older people:
- improves the functioning of the heart muscle;
- slows down premature aging;
- improves the course of menopause.
Sulfur compounds contained in plant materials alleviate the condition of multiple sclerosis. Tropeolin, present in the plant, enhances the contraction of the heart muscle. Potassium is an essential element for cardiac function. Essential oil slows down the aging process. The diet of older people includes salads and seasonings with the addition of nasturtium as a preventive measure against senile dementia. Hot flashes decrease during menopause as hormone levels return to normal.
In folk medicine, nasturtium is used for irritability and depression. For inflammation of the genitourinary system, taking a decoction alleviates the patient's condition. It is used for problems with hair loss. Together with nettle, rubbing the tincture into the scalp within a week leads to improvement.
Nasturtium has already been adopted in medicine. The medical industry produces drugs whose active ingredients are extracts from nasturtium. They are used as medications for many diseases. But it should be especially noted that the effect on dangerous diseases is confirmed:
- tumors;
- coronary insufficiency;
- atherosclerosis.
The effectiveness of the medicinal plant is being studied by scientists around the world. Maybe new discoveries await us in the near future.
Like any medicinal plant, nasturtium has contraindications. You should not start taking the drug without consulting your doctors. In addition to individual intolerance to nasturtium by some people, uncontrolled consumption of tea or decoction in large quantities can also cause harm. This will cause stomach upset and vomiting. It is prohibited to use any teas or medicinal forms if you have gastritis or stomach ulcers. When using tinctures and rubbing on the skin, you need to protect your eyes, since all nasturtium preparations have a burning effect. The medicinal properties and contraindications of nasturtium, like other herbal preparations, have a blurred boundary. Therefore, treatment should be started with caution.
Health benefits of nasturtium
Here are some of the most notable benefits of nasturtium:
Good source of vitamin C
The green leaves and flowers of nasturtium are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, including vitamin C. According to some studies, the flowers contain about 130 mg of vitamin C per 3.5-ounce serving, which is about the same amount of this nutrient in parsley.
In addition, Tropaeolaceae plants are a good source of vital nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc and iron.
High in antioxidants, including lutein.
Nasturtium stands out among other flowers due to its impressively high content of an antioxidant called lutein, which is associated with protection against free radical damage and supports healthy eyes and skin. Nasturtium can contain up to 45 mg of lutein per 100 g. serving, which is considered to be one of the highest levels found in any edible plant/herb.
Evidence suggests that plants belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family also have high ORAC values and contain trace minerals and bioactive compounds “that are easily absorbed by the human body.” Flowers and other plant parts contain not only essential vitamins and minerals, but also bioflavonoids (such as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives) and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A).
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Nasturtium's antioxidant activity is due to its high content of compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols and vitamin C. This makes it useful for treating conditions affecting the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as the skin when applied topically.
Erucic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid, is another beneficial compound found in nasturtium seeds. It acts as a natural lubricant and can be used in dermatological treatments to treat skin and hair lesions as it has a moisturizing and softening effect.
May have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
According to a number of studies, the essential oil (flower and leaf extract) and compounds isolated from various parts of nasturtium have natural antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Research has shown that the leaves have natural antibiotic properties that can help people cope with illnesses and infections such as respiratory infections, nasal congestion, coughs, bronchitis and colds. In traditional herbal medicine, some plant species are also used to treat urinary tract infections.
In Germany, licensed physicians are even allowed to prescribe an herbal antibiotic made from nasturtium and horseradish root to treat acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis and acute urinary tract infections.
Part of the antibacterial effects of these plants are due to the presence of essential oils such as myristicin, α-terpinolene and limonene, the main components found in the stems, seeds and leaves. Research has shown that these compounds exhibit natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and appear to be able to help fight various diseases.
Proper procurement of raw materials
Plants are harvested throughout the entire flowering period. Flowers are collected when they have not begun to fade. Harvesting should occur in the morning, when the plant has dried out from the morning dew. In this case, the flowers are dried in a dark, well-ventilated room. It is ideal to dry flowers in dry, sunny weather in the attic. If drying takes place in a room, then you need to install a fan to speed up the process. After this, the raw materials are packaged in paper bags or boxes.
Green fruits are collected after flowering in about a week. They taste like capers. They can be canned, frozen or dried in the shade. Dried fruits should be removed from the shell and stored in paper bags. The shelf life of plant materials does not exceed 18 months.
Video about the beneficial properties of nasturtium
Luxurious, bright and so different nasturtiums are well known and loved by summer residents and gardeners, because these beautiful and practically maintenance-free flowers look so elegant in a flowerbed, terrace or even on a summer balcony.
The homeland of nasturtium is South and Central Africa, and the plant came to our country from Holland and took root and became so popular that it has long become “our own”. The variety of types and colors of nasturtium defies description - there are perennial and annual nasturtiums, climbing and shrubby ones, with regular, double or semi-double flowers in almost all shades of yellow, orange and red.
What are the benefits of nasturtium: medicinal properties and contraindications
Luxurious, bright and so different nasturtiums are well known and loved by summer residents and gardeners, because these beautiful and practically maintenance-free flowers look so elegant in a flowerbed, terrace or even on a summer balcony.
The homeland of nasturtium is South and Central Africa, and the plant came to our country from Holland and took root and became so popular that it has long become “our own”. The variety of types and colors of nasturtium defies description - there are perennial and annual nasturtiums, climbing and shrubby ones, with regular, double or semi-double flowers in almost all shades of yellow, orange and red.
So, when we talk about nasturtium, we all usually mean that it is an annual flower, great for decorating a vacation spot. But the fact that nasturtium has a lot of useful properties, is widely used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and is even included in original culinary recipes, will probably come as a surprise to many. Let's talk about this.
Chemical composition of nasturtium
The main reason determining the usefulness of nasturtium is its diverse vitamin composition. Ascorbic acid in capuchin is even twice as much as in black currant; all parts of nasturtium also contain retinol (vitamin A), thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2), and the leaves also contain vitamin E.
Among other useful substances included in the chemical composition of nasturtium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, potassium and iodine salts, as well as tropeolin, which is a natural antibiotic, should be highlighted.
Useful and medicinal properties of nasturtium
Thanks to such a chemical composition rich in useful substances, capuchin has bactericidal and insecticidal properties, and a large amount of vitamins is a direct reason to use the plant to maintain immunity and generally strengthen the body.
A large amount of vitamin C determines the anti-scorbutic qualities of nasturtium, and also allows the plant to be successfully used to relieve symptoms of influenza and other respiratory viral infections, as well as bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis, pneumonia, sore throat and other bacterial diseases. The expectorant properties of nasturtium allow it to be used for asthma and emphysema. Some diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, candidiasis, gingivitis) are treated by rinsing with nasturtium infusion.
In addition, nasturtium improves metabolic processes, dilates blood vessels, helps with gallstones, urolithiasis and kidney stones, constipation, and inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Women are recommended to take nasturtium during menopause, and men - when their productive function is weakened.
The diuretic properties of the plant are also known, due to which it is used for pyelonephritis, acute and chronic cystitis, and urethritis.
Capuchin also improves appetite, helps cope with depression and the effects of stress. Finally, nasturtium promotes hair growth and improves skin condition, which allows the plant to be successfully used in cosmetology.
In addition to medicinal properties, capuchin has other beneficial properties. Summer residents and gardeners are well aware of the ability of this plant to protect gardens and vegetable gardens from pests and diseases. This flower is completely intolerable to Colorado beetles, aphids, whiteflies, moths, cabbageweeds and many other harmful insects. Moreover, this effect persists in the soil where nasturtium grew, even during the next season. And nasturtium is a wonderful honey plant.
Beneficial properties of nasturtium and contraindications
Good day! My name is Khalisat Suleymanova - I am a herbalist. At the age of 28, I cured myself of uterine cancer with herbs (read more about my experience of recovery and why I became a herbalist here: My story). Before being treated using traditional methods described on the Internet, please consult with a specialist and your doctor! This will save your time and money, since the diseases are different, the herbs and treatment methods are different, and there are also concomitant diseases, contraindications, complications, and so on. There is nothing to add yet, but if you need help in selecting herbs and treatment methods, you can find me at my contacts:
Composition and beneficial properties
This plant material is a component of many medicinal herbal remedies that can help eliminate many ailments. The benefits of using the plant for therapeutic purposes are due to its rich composition:
- vitamins;
- herbal antibiotics;
- essential oils;
- organic acids;
- minerals;
- micro and macroelements;
- bioactivators.
They can not only help the body cope with diseases, but also increase protection and act as a prophylactic agent. Most often, the medicinal properties of the plant are used for the following purposes:
- antitussive and expectorant substance;
- elimination of inflammation of the genitourinary system;
- with cholelithiasis;
- reducing the manifestation of scurvy;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- to prevent aging;
- relieving unpleasant symptoms of menopause;
- normalization of metabolic processes.
There are also benefits when using it against sclerosis. This depends on the presence of sulfur and carotene in the composition. Adding the plant to regular dishes helps increase their nutritional value. The modern pharmaceutical industry has recognized its effectiveness against some serious ailments. They have adopted it and are producing drugs that are part of an integrated approach to their treatment. Most often these include:
- tumors;
- coronary insufficiency;
- atherosclerosis.
This plant material is a component of many medicinal herbal remedies that can help eliminate many ailments.
The use of nasturtium in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of capuchin are used to treat colds, relieve inflammation and fight fungi. Traditional medicine offers several proven algorithms.
For ARVI and flu, as well as pneumonia, this infusion is beneficial.
Composition and beneficial properties of nasturtium
Few people know that in addition to its beautiful appearance, nasturtium has remarkable medicinal properties. In South America, which is the birthplace of the plant, nasturtium is used in the treatment of many diseases. European medicine does not ignore the plant either.
The use of nasturtium in folk medicine and cosmetology
Let us consider the healing and restorative properties of nasturtium in more detail.
To strengthen hair
The essential oil contained in nasturtium, which contains sulfur, is a proven remedy for strengthening hair and stimulating its growth.
To achieve results, freshly squeezed juice of the plant should be rubbed into the hair three times for two weeks (the procedure is carried out every other day), between which there is a break of 10 days. In addition to preventing baldness, this course also helps get rid of dandruff.
Along with external use, it is good to drink 2-3 tablespoons a day before meals, an infusion of nasturtium leaves and flowers. To prepare it, you need to pour 25 g of herb with a glass of boiling water, boil for five minutes, let it brew until it cools completely and strain.
To combat baldness and brittle hair, you can rinse your hair with the following mixture: cinquefoil roots and nasturtium leaves in a 1:1 ratio are passed through a meat grinder or crushed in a blender, the juice is squeezed out of the resulting pulp, which is mixed with the amount of boiled water required for the procedure.
To prevent hair loss, to strengthen the hair follicle and improve the quality of the scalp, it is recommended to rub a specially prepared lotion into it with a stiff brush: nasturtium (seeds, flowers or leaves), fresh nettle and boxwood leaves, 100 g each, mixed, poured with 0.5 liters of alcohol and infuse for two weeks. Then you need to strain the lotion, add a few drops of essential oil and use it as directed.
Uses of nasturtium juice
Nasturtium juice is used externally and internally. In the first case, the juice is applied as compresses for burns, warts and polyps, and also rubbed into the hair to improve hair growth, combat hair loss and fragility, and against dandruff.
The juice is taken orally to dilate blood vessels, for rheumatism, gout, anemia, liver and thyroid diseases, as well as coronary heart disease.
The recommended dose is 1 dessert spoon three times a day.
Infusion for colds
Dried capuchin leaves are good for coughs that accompany colds, pneumonia, and asthma. 1 tablespoon of dry herb should be poured into 0.2 liters of hot boiled water and left for half an hour. Strain the infusion and take one third of a glass three times a day.
Infusion for loss of strength, as a general tonic
When you lose strength, it is recommended to use capuchin wine tincture.
Fresh leaves collected from flowering nasturtium are placed tightly in a glass jar and filled with dry white wine. The leaves are infused for two weeks in the refrigerator. Then strain and drink a teaspoon three times a day immediately before eating. The minimum course is two weeks.
Tincture for chronic bronchitis
Alcohol tincture of nasturtium has an excellent expectorant effect. Any part of the plant is crushed and filled with vodka (1 glass of vodka per 2 tablespoons of herbs) and infused for two weeks in a warm place protected from light. While the liquid is infused, it is recommended to shake it occasionally. Then the infusion is filtered.
The infusion should be taken 25 drops three times a day for chronic and acute bronchitis, as well as other colds.
Decoction for kidney disease
For diseases of the kidneys and urinary system, taking a decoction of nasturtium has a good therapeutic effect. Any part of the plant is crushed and poured with boiling water at the rate of 0.5 liters of water per 1 tablespoon of raw material. The broth should be simmered for a quarter of an hour in a water bath, then left for three quarters of an hour and strained.
During the day you need to drink a glass of this medicine three times.
Traditional recipes for treating nasturtium
Depending on what needs to be dealt with, the substance that will have the greatest benefit is selected. Since the positive effect is mostly on the blood vessels, it is not surprising that many cooking options are associated with improving the performance of this particular system.
Infusion for cardiac dysfunction
It will help cope with coronary artery disease, hypertension, tachycardia, and also calms the nervous system. To prepare the infusion you need to take:
- 1/3 spoon of dried flowers;
- 200 ml boiling water.
Fill everything with water, wrap it up and leave for half an hour. Next, pass through the filter. Drink several times throughout the day. If desired, you can add honey.
For colds and lung disease
This recipe is recognized as folk, as our great-grandmothers used it, and even today it is quite popular. To prepare this product you will need:
- 200 ml of boiled water;
- a tablespoon of crushed dried plant material.
Fill the plant with water and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After the allotted time, pass the liquid through several layers of gauze. Drink 1/3 cup three times a day.
Wine tincture to boost immunity
To strengthen the immune system and increase the body's defenses during colds and flu, prepare a nasturtium tincture with wine. Ingredients:
- plant leaves;
- dry white wine.
Place everything in a glass jar and fill it to the top with alcohol. Let sit out of direct sunlight for two weeks, shaking the contents occasionally. Next, separate the liquid from the pulp. Take a teaspoon three times a day before meals.
Decoction for diseases of the genitourinary system
The kidneys constantly pass through a large amount of fluid, which may contain harmful substances. Sometimes this can cause disruptions in the normal functioning of this organ. To eliminate such troubles, you should use the following effective recipe.
Grind the above-ground part of the plant. Separate a tablespoon of the resulting raw material and pour all 500 ml of very hot water. Next, place in a water bath and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and leave for another 45 minutes. Take a glass three times a day.
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Alcohol tincture for bronchitis
This disease is always accompanied by an unpleasant cough and chest pain. The use of this remedy will eliminate the symptoms of the disease in a short period of time. For it you need:
- 200 ml vodka;
- 1.5 tbsp. l. crushed flower buds.
Fill the nasturtium with alcohol. Keep it away from sunlight and shake it from time to time. After 14 days, strain everything. Dilute 25 drops in a small amount of water and drink 3 times a day.
Recipe for enhancing potency
In equal parts, take:
- lilac-violet aster flowers;
- common wormwood;
- nasturtium herb.
Pour 100 g of the mixture into 1 liter of Cahors and leave away from light for 3 weeks. The contents must be shaken every day. Drink 50-100 ml a couple of hours before bedtime. You can dilute it with water and honey and drink it in the evenings.
For oncology
This terrible disease requires a special approach to treatment. This substance is used as part of complex therapy for malignant tumors. To prepare the product, take the same weight ratio:
- rose petals;
- calendula flowers;
- Nasturtium plant materials.
Grind everything into powder and separate 2 tablespoons. Top with a glass of fresh or baked milk. Leave for 10 minutes. Drink 200 ml of the drink along with the sediment three times a day before meals.
Against oral thrush
For the most part, this is a manifestation of changes that occur in the body under the influence of a certain influence. There are reports that it can also affect children. To prepare a miracle remedy, take:
How to use nasturtium in cooking
leaves, buds and seeds are widely used in cooking. The popularity of the plant among chefs from different countries is explained by its spicy, bitter taste and pungent aroma.
Today, nasturtium leaves and flowers are used in the preparation of vitamin salads, vinaigrettes and other appetizers (these leaves taste like watercress, hence the alternative names of the plant - Spanish cress, Indian cress), soups, sauces and marinades, as well as side dishes - purees and minced meat.
The lower leaves of the plant are used to make sauces, as they have a strong peppery taste.
Pickled fruits and seeds are good as a seasoning for meat, fish and vegetable salads.
Capuchin flowers are used to decorate creamed soups, sandwiches and cocktails.
Cooks use the fruits and unripe seeds of nasturtium as a spice instead of mustard. They taste like capers.
Armenians use nasturtium to make pies and other dough dishes.
Folk recipes
- To prepare a tonic decoction
You will need dried nasturtium leaves and flowers. One tablespoon of the mixture is poured into a glass of water and placed in a water bath. The broth will be ready in a quarter of an hour. It is cooled and filtered. Use 2 tablespoons no more than four times a day.
- To improve vitality
Collect fresh nasturtium leaves and wash under running water. The jar is filled halfway with leaves and filled with white wine. Leave in a dark place for two weeks. Use a teaspoon 3 times a day.
leaves, flowers and seeds are used. It is best to make an infusion from fresh ingredients, although dried ingredients are also suitable. Pour the mixture with vodka and leave for 14 days, putting the container in the dark. It is recommended to use 20 drops three times a day.
Capuchins are used not only in folk medicine. The flower also attracts culinary specialists from different countries. In Russia, little is known yet about nasturtium as a plant from which various dishes can be prepared.
I would like Russian housewives to pay attention to the decorative flower and appreciate its beneficial properties properly, as, for example, in France.
The fact is that on the European continent it was the French who were the first to introduce the flower into their diet. Petals were used to decorate salads and sandwiches, and spicy leaves and seeds were added to dishes to increase appetite.
If you look at ancient collections of recipes, you can see that seeds were added when pickling vegetables, and various drinks were prepared from flowers and leaves. Healthy recipes are still used by gourmets today. The use of nasturtium, according to experts and culinary specialists, is a step towards rejuvenation and health.
Features of the use of nasturtium
Nutritionists and culinary specialists around the world highly appreciate the beneficial and medicinal properties of nasturtium.
There are many recipes where this ingredient is used:
- The flowers of the plant are an excellent spice and give the dish an unusual taste.
- If you have nasturtiums with large buds, at least 5 cm in size, then they can be stuffed with fish, mushrooms, and cottage cheese.
- Capuchin jam can surprise the most sophisticated gourmets.
- Add dried nasturtium flowers or seeds to homemade tea or wine to create a unique, spicy drink.
- If you grind the petals with garlic and season with mayonnaise, you can grease sandwiches with it. Both original and tasty.
- Spring salad of eggs, potatoes, young nettle leaves and green peas with capuchin flowers is not only an original, but also a healthy dish.
- When pickling tomatoes and cucumbers, unopened buds are added for aromatization and spicy taste.
Preparation and storage of nasturtium raw materials
For medicinal and culinary purposes, you can use all above-ground organs of nasturtium - leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and fruits.
You can collect material all summer, but the specific timing depends on how the plant will be used.
The plant can be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes immediately after collection, but if necessary, the raw material can be easily prepared; it can either be frozen or dried.
The whole nasturtium needs to be cut, along with the stem and flowers. To freeze, the material is carefully laid out on a tray, placed in the freezer for a day, and after a while is placed in special containers that can be stored in the freezer until spring. To dry, the material is also carefully laid out in one layer on a horizontal surface and placed in a well-ventilated place protected from wind and direct sunlight until completely dry.
It is recommended to turn the plants over periodically so that drying occurs evenly and does not rot. Seeds, on the contrary, need to be dried in bright sun or in a slightly open oven heated to a temperature of 40 degrees.
The dried material is stored in woven bags or cardboard envelopes (boxes). In this case, the plant retains its beneficial properties for two years.
Nasturtium in cosmetology
The plant and its beneficial composition and properties can be used to strengthen and grow hair, for baldness and to eliminate dandruff.
Hair loss lotion
If your hair is falling out a lot, you can make a lotion from capuchin leaves, boxwood and nettle and rub it into your scalp.
Recipe:
- You need to take one hundred grams of all the above components and fill them with half a liter of alcohol;
- the lotion is infused for two weeks;
- A few drops of any essential oil are added to the strained medicinal product.
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When using lotion, you need to be careful and make sure that it does not get into your eyes.
Recipe for baldness
Freshly squeezed juice from nasturtium leaves and cinquefoil roots is rubbed into the scalp. Juice can be easily obtained by first grinding the raw materials in a meat grinder.
Treatment of dandruff with folk remedies
You can get rid of dandruff with the help of juice, which is obtained from nasturtium leaves. It is rubbed into the scalp for fifteen days. After a ten-day break, the course should be repeated. A positive result can be seen after three courses. Use the juice carefully, avoiding it getting into your eyes.
For the best effect, you can drink an infusion of capuchin, which is very easy to prepare:
- pour twenty grams of fresh raw materials with a glass of boiling water;
- boil for five minutes;
- let the broth brew for one hour and strain.
Take two to three tablespoons before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Contraindications and harm from nasturtium
Like any medicinal plant, nasturtium, in addition to its medicinal properties, also has certain contraindications.
These primarily include stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as gastritis. We mentioned above that nasturtium is indicated for constipation, but it is precisely this beneficial quality that, if the permissible dose is exceeded, can cause diarrhea, indigestion and even vomiting.
There are also manifestations of individual intolerance to the substances that make up the plant, as well as allergic reactions (however, this is observed quite rarely).
Thus, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, before any use of nasturtium as a medicine, it is recommended to consult with your doctor regarding possible contraindications.
All gardeners love nasturtium. From June to October, it pleases the aesthetic taste of connoisseurs of beauty and gives chefs the opportunity to diversify their dishes. The leaves, sprouts, buds and unripe fruits of the plant have a sweetish-spicy taste, and in addition to nutritional value, are endowed with many medicinal properties.
Contraindications to the use of nasturtium
It is not recommended to use the plant for stomach ulcers and gastritis with high acidity. This is explained by the fact that flowers, leaves and stems contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is contraindicated in these pathologies.
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In some cases, allergic reactions may occur to decoctions and infusions of medicinal capuchin, which can be triggered by some components of the flower.
Therefore, folk recipes from nasturtium and any other plant should be taken only after consultation with your therapist.
Compound
Nasturtium (capuchin) is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant of the Nasturtium family, including more than 100 varieties and shades. The fleshy and highly branched stem reaches a length of up to 1 meter. Some varieties have the appearance of vines with a stem length of up to 2 meters.
In June, single pleasant-smelling bell flowers bloom, consisting of 5 petals and a long funnel-shaped tube with nectar. The predominant colors of flowers: orange, yellow, red. But there are also rare selection shades: pale pink, velvety burgundy, purple and violet. South America is considered the birthplace of the flower, but it is cultivated in Europe and western Asia.
Medicinal raw materials are considered to be the entire above-ground part of nasturtium (leaves, sprouts, buds and seeds), which contain:
- carotene;
- essential oil;
- vitamin C in high concentrations (up to 45%), B vitamins;
- antibiotics of plant origin;
- bioactivators;
- sulfur compounds;
- trace elements: iodine, potassium, phosphorus;
- phytoncides;
- mustard glycosides;
- coloring matter.
Calorie content of fresh seeds is 22 cal, young leaves are 12 kcal per 100 g.
Plant composition
Capuchins are a real storehouse of vitamins:
- Antioxidant vitamin C stimulates the immune system. Moreover, its content is 10 times higher than in green salad.
- Leaves and flowers are rich in carotene, which delays human aging. This vitamin is one of the main participants in redox reactions.
- B vitamins.
Nasturtium is rich in the following minerals:
- potassium;
- iodine;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium
Widespread use in medicine is facilitated by the presence of the following components in large quantities in the plant:
- phytoncides and tropeolin;
- essential oil and mustard glycosides;
- flavonoids.
All parts of nasturtium - flowers, stems, leaves and seeds - have beneficial properties. Some recipes for using the plant will be given below.
The medicinal properties of capuchins continue to be studied to this day, and many interesting things are found. But today we can say that this is an excellent antiseptic, diuretic, antiscorbutic agent. Teas with nasturtium have long been used for general strengthening of the body, especially since it contains antibiotics.
Beneficial features
Nasturtium is an excellent healing agent:
- Young leaves contain a truly killer dose of vitamin C, 2 times higher than the dose of this vitamin in a similar portion of black currant. Ascorbic acid participates in all regenerative and metabolic processes of the body, helps restore skin collagen fibers, fights free radicals, helps iron absorption, and strengthens the immune system.
- Mustard glycosides help improve digestion, help maintain optimal hormone balance, and improve the function of the endocrine and nervous systems.
- Rare bioactivators isoquercitrin and gluconasturcin increase the body's resistance to infections, exhibiting antibiotic activity.
- Flowers contain carotenoids, the concentration of which is higher than in the same serving of carrots. Carotenoids are known primarily as antioxidants. They protect the body's cells from poor quality degeneration. Obviously, they are also beneficial for the heart, as they reduce the likelihood of a heart attack. They are also considered an effective aid in the prevention of prostate diseases.
- Due to the content of sulfur and carotene, this flower is very useful for people of mature age, because these substances are a preventative against multiple sclerosis. Sulfur is found in the hormone insulin and in protein, which is responsible for the good condition of nails and hair. It is also an integral part of the vitamin complex, which is responsible for the preservation of nerve cells and proper energy metabolism.
The medicinal properties of nasturtium are manifested by their effects on the body:
- immunomodulatory;
- accelerating metabolism;
- vasodilator;
- diuretic;
- bactericidal;
- antitussive;
- antifungal;
- anti-inflammatory;
- uroseptic;
- blood purifying.
Useful properties of nasturtium flowers
Traditional healers were the first to notice the healing effect of nasturtium flowers.
Benefits of the plant for the body:
- Increases immunity, prevents colds and inhibits viruses, and has a bactericidal effect.
Improves the functioning of the hematopoietic system, prevents the development of anemia and varicose veins.
Dissolves harmful cholesterol and lipid deposits and removes them from the body naturally.
Increases the production of digestive enzymes, stimulating the functioning of the stomach, pancreas and gallbladder.
Has a tonic effect.
Supports the functions of the respiratory system, stimulates the regenerative properties of the oral mucosa.
Normalizes myocardial function and impulse conductivity, improves the function of assimilation of information and memory.
Strengthens the optic nerve, improves twilight vision.
It helps women endure menopause easier and eliminates painful symptoms - nausea, dizziness, hot flashes.
Has a mild diuretic and choleretic effect.
Prevents age-related changes, delays the formation of wrinkles, improves the quality of skin and hair.
Nasturtium flowers support a good mood not only due to their original piquant taste, which pleases the receptors of the tongue, but also due to their healing properties. Introducing it into the daily menu normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, thereby preventing the development of depression. In addition, women who introduce inflorescences into cosmetic products - masks, can boast of smooth, healthy skin.
Contraindications
If everything is clear about the beneficial properties of nasturtium, you need to remember about the contraindications to its use. The use of drugs from this plant can be irritating to the intestinal mucosa . Therefore, they should not be used by people with gastritis, ulcers, or those with a tendency to frequent intestinal disorders, which are accompanied by loose stools.
When using the juice externally, avoid contact with the eyes. The juice has a burning effect and can cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes and even temporary blurred vision.
The use of plant preparations is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 3 years of age and people prone to allergic reactions. In any case, therapeutic or prophylactic use must be agreed with a doctor .
Helpful information
In cosmetology
Thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial and regenerating properties, nasturtium is widely used in cosmetology:
- essential oils made from flowers are added to masks to get rid of acne and heal minor wounds.
- extract of leaves and buds is included in anti-aging cosmetics, and is also actively used in salons for whitening SPA treatments.
- Fresh juice of the shoots treats dandruff.
In cooking
The entire above-ground part of nasturtium is edible :
- Fresh leaves are added to salads, vitamin cocktails, and smoothies.
- Slightly unripe fruits resemble chickpeas in appearance, but taste similar to capers. Cooks marinate the fruits and add them to spicy spicy dishes and meat soup.
- Housewives use green fruits as a seasoning when preserving cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, squash and zucchini.
- Dried flowers are ground into powder and added to dishes as a seasoning.
- Crushed fresh flowers and leaves are mixed with butter to create a savory sandwich spread.
- An extract is made from the seeds to obtain an edible oil similar to mustard oil.
- Unopened buds are pickled or freshly fried in oil and served as a side dish for poultry, rabbit, and fish.
- Fresh or candied flowers decorate prepared dishes and desserts.
In gardening
Nasturtium blooms with unusually bright flowers that form a sunny pattern on a carpet of bright round leaves. This heat-loving plant is often planted in flower beds and in hanging flowerpots on balconies and verandas. With proper care, it pleases gardeners with abundant flowering for 3-4 months.
In addition, nasturtium repels pests from the garden and vegetable garden, and, as it grows, it protects the soil from weeds. It protects other plants from cabbage grass, earth flies and aphids, and inhibits the development of fungal parasites. In addition, with its root system, this flower loosens and enriches the soil, so it is often grown in rows in the garden to improve the sanitary condition of the beds.
Traditional medicine recipes with nasturtium
Decoction of dried leaves and flowers
Decoction of nasturtium leaves and flowers
1 tbsp. wash down a spoonful of raw materials with 1 glass of boiling water and place in a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool and strain, take 2 tbsp. spoons 3-4 times a day. Use to strengthen the body's protective properties during exacerbation of seasonal viral diseases.
Vodka tincture made from fresh leaves, flowers and seeds
Fill a 1 liter jar with freshly collected raw materials, without compacting it, add vodka and leave for 14 days, putting the container in a dark room. Take 20 drops, diluting them in water, 3 times a day to improve the hormonal levels of women during menopause.
White wine tincture made from fresh leaves
Nasturtium flower has medicinal properties. Nasturtium leaves are collected and washed under running water. Fill a 1 liter jar halfway with leaves and add white wine. Leave in a dark place for 2 weeks. Use 1 teaspoon 3 times a day to improve vitality.
Alcohol tincture for cough treatment
Alcohol tincture of nasturtium flowers
You can use all parts of nasturtium. Grind the leaves, seeds and flowers of dry or fresh nasturtium. 2 tbsp. spoons of raw materials pour 250 ml of vodka. Leave for 2 weeks at room temperature, but in a dark place, shaking occasionally.
Filter and drink 25 drops diluted in water 3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. Take a break and repeat the course.
Decoction of nasturtium stems
1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of dried, crushed nasturtium stems and keep on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain the broth and cool. Use boiled water to bring the volume to the original volume.
Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals. The decoction improves blood circulation, dilates blood vessels, and is also used for asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.
Infusion of nasturtium flowers
Pour 20 g of dry or 4-5 fresh nasturtium flowers with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Use 2-3 tbsp. spoons 3-4 times a day for diseases of the nervous system.
Tincture of fresh nasturtium flowers
Place 120 half-bloomed nasturtium flowers in a glass jar and fill with vodka. Leave for 2 weeks, strain. Take 1 teaspoon 1 time per day with a small amount of water for heart pain, stomach discomfort, dandruff, hair loss.
Decoction of dried nasturtium flowers
1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of flowers, keep in a water bath for 20 minutes, strain, and cool. Bring the volume to the original volume with boiled water. Rinse your mouth with the decoction 3-4 times a day for fungal infections of the oral mucosa.
Fresh nasturtium juice
Collect leaves, stems and flowers of nasturtium, squeeze out the juice and take 2 teaspoons per day for thyroid diseases, anemia, hepatitis, bronchitis or rheumatism. For hair growth and improved skin condition, it is recommended to rub this juice into the scalp. Read how to use nasturtium juice for hair loss here.
Lotion made from fresh nettle and nasturtium leaves
Take 100 g of nasturtium and nettle leaves, add, if possible, 10 g of crushed cinquefoil rhizome. Pour the mixture with 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka.
Leave for 15 days, shaking occasionally. Apply to hair layers, repeat the procedure every other day. After a week, the condition of the hair improves, but continue treatment for about another month. Hair becomes strong and healthy.
Hair rinse
Nasturtium flower has medicinal properties. Pour 6 fresh nasturtium flowers into 1 liter of boiling water, leave until cool in a sealed container, strain. Rinse your hair after washing: it will become elastic and strong. Infusion of leaves and flowers. 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dry crushed leaves and flowers with 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse, wrapped, for 30 minutes, strain.
Drink 1/4 cup 4 times a day for depression and to improve immunity. The same infusion is good for colds.
Infusion of flowers
Infusion of nasturtium flowers,
pour 1/2 teaspoon of dried flowers into 1 cup of boiling water, wrap for 30 minutes. Strain and cool. Drink during the day with the addition of honey or sugar for mental and physical stress and to strengthen the heart. ,
Nasturtium seed powder
Grind dry nasturtium seeds in a coffee grinder and store in a tightly closed container. Take dry crushed seeds on the tip of a knife, mix with 1 teaspoon of honey and take before dinner for constipation.
Infusion of dried nasturtium seeds
Nasturtium flower has medicinal properties. In the morning, pour 1 teaspoon of dried seed powder into 1 glass of boiling water and keep, wrapped in a towel, for 2 hours. Strain, cool and after 17 hours drink the infusion in 1-2 doses for nerve disorders, irritability, depression.
How to collect, prepare, store
You can collect and prepare raw materials all summer long. For culinary purposes, fresh leaves, unopened buds and flowers are prepared throughout the summer at the very first moment of their flowering. Raw materials lend themselves well to drying and freezing. The stems and leaves are harvested for medicinal purposes. They can be cut, chopped a little and frozen or dried, like ordinary medicinal raw materials.
Share in the comments what healing properties of nasturtium you know about.
