Great Nasturtium: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Great nasturtium is a medicinal plant with a wide range of uses. It can be used preventively to strengthen the resistance, for example, as a tasty addition to salads. It has also proven its healing properties, for example in the defense against infections. Due to its healing properties, proven in many studies, it was named medicinal plant of the year in 2013.

Occurrence and cultivation of the large nasturtium.

Both the characteristic yellow, red or orange flowers, buds and leaves are edible. The large nasturtium, Latin Tropaeolum majus belongs to the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae). It originates from the Andean countries of Chile, Peru and Ecuador. In its homeland, it has long been used for the treatment of wounds. Towards the end of the 17th century it came to Europe. Today, the attractive plant is used as an ornamental and medicinal plant in many countries. The annual to perennial nasturtium is sensitive to frost and not winter resistant. It has round, rich green leaves that are slightly wavy at the edges. They range from three to ten centimeters in diameter, making them about twice as large as the flowers. It owes its name to its flowers, which resemble the hoods of monks. The climbing plant thrives both in beds and in containers. It can develop shoots up to three meters long and prefers a sunny to semi-shady place. Both the characteristic yellow, red or orange flowers, the buds and the leaves are edible. Its flowering period is between May to October. The different varieties of the plant differ mainly in color of flowers, their filling and growth height. It occurs both as a climbing plant, and compact, more bushy forms.

Effect and application

Nasturtium is particularly effective raw and freshly picked. However, the medicinal plant also unfolds its power as a tea, tincture or as an overlay. The high vitamin C content of nasturtium strengthens the resistance. It increases appetite and has a mild laxative effect. Particularly sensitive people should therefore consume the leaves of the medicinal plant only in moderation, because otherwise it can lead to stomach and intestinal irritation. The result can be nausea, diarrhea, flatulence or heartburn. To prevent these side effects, it is recommended to take the preparations after meals and with plenty of liquid. Patients with kidney disease should better refrain from taking them. The mustard oil glycosides contained in nasturtium are primarily responsible for its health-promoting effect. They produce mustard oil (isothiocyanates), which is effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. This gives the plant its slightly bitter taste. In higher doses, isothiocyanates are toxic. However, the high doses required for this are not achieved with commercially available herbal remedies. Because of their pungency, mustard oils are not suitable for treating infants and children. Moreover, the constituents of nasturtium can reduce alcohol tolerance, so products containing nasturtium should not be taken together with alcohol. Because of its germicidal properties, nasturtium is often used in herbal medicine to fight infections such as cystitis, influenza or sinusitis. The plant develops its effect best when used fresh. It develops a good constitution-boosting effect when regularly added to the menu, for example, as a garnish in salads. As an infusion, it develops its circulatory effect and helps with sports injuries or bruises. To fight infections, it is recommended to drink an infusion of fresh leaves of the plant three times a day. To protect the bitter substances, hot but not boiling water should be used for brewing. The tea is ready after 10 to 15 minutes and can be strained. In addition, tinctures, gelatin capsules, pressed juice and powdered plants in tablet form are available in stores.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Nasturtium is so important for health that in 2013 it was chosen as the medicinal plant of the year by scientists from the University of Würzburg. Studies have found that its mustard oil content kills bacteria, viruses and fungi, and can be as effective as antibiotics.This eliminates the risk of resistance formation associated with frequent antibiotic administration. Since the mustard oils released in the body are already completely absorbed by the small intestine, no damage to the intestinal flora, as is often observed after antibiotic administration, could be recorded. In combination with another medicinal plant, the [horseradish] root, it can, as studies have shown, combat clinical pictures such as sinusitis, bronchitis or even cystitis just as effectively as an antibiotic. While larger quantities of active ingredient in the form of tablets or pressed juice are essential for an effect in combating bacterially induced urinary tract infections, flu-like infections and also sinusitis, the plant can be used preventively in smaller quantities at home. In addition, it is also a proven remedy for blood purification, because it supports the elimination of toxins. Regular additions of fresh leaves, blossoms and buds to the domestic diet strengthen the immune system and help prevent flu-like infections. Their appetite-stimulating effect can, for example, encourage older people to eat more. Poor eaters among children can also be encouraged to eat with the pretty flowers. Tea made from crushed nasturtium leaves (about two teaspoons at 3 cups per day) can be used as a home remedy to accompany cold symptoms. For muscle aches or bruises, compresses do a good job. The mustard oil glycosides contained in nasturtium have a mild tissue-stimulating effect that promotes circulation and thus healing processes.