Nasturtium

The nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a beautiful and widespread garden plant. Originally from Peru and neighboring areas, it was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant as early as the 17th century. It is an annual, perennial, vine or climbing plant, highly branched, with orbicular leaves, and orange or yellow flowers.

Nasturtium is found as a dried plant for infusion, tincture, fluid extract, and in the form of lotion or shampoo.

Nasturtium properties

Nasturtium contains an essential oil with benzyl-isothiocyanate, flavonoids, mineral salts, ascorbic acid in the leaves, helenin in the flowers, proportions of vitamin C and oxalic acid.

The essential oil has been determined its antibiotic, soothing and decongestant properties. It has been indicated as a cure for bronchitis, flu processes and in general for diseases of the respiratory trunk, as well as a valid support in case of pulmonary emphysema. Facilitates the expulsion of mucus and eliminates nasal congestion and lung.

By the combination of their effects antibiotic, diuretic and depurativehas also been indicated to stop the urinary tract infectionand to stimulate the emission of urine in case of edema, overweight due to fluid retention, drop, hypertension and high levels of uric acid and urea.

Other medicinal uses of nasturtium

The juice of the fresh plant takes advantage of his vitamin and remineralizing virtuesfor Weak people and in episodes of convalescence. It is recommended from 20 to 40 g a day, on an empty stomach.

But, without a doubt, the most frequent use made of it is as an excellent remedy to stimulate the scalp and prevent hair loss.

tender leaves are taken in saladand the whole plant works fine as insecticide. Some people spray places with fleas or flies with nasturtium infusion, and even some animals.

Home remedies with nasturtium

To stop hair loss, experts recommend the lotion that is made with nasturtium, cinchona bark, tops of artemisia and nettle, in quantities of 15 g per plant. To prepare this nasturtium hair lotion:

It is boiled in a liter of water for 10 minutes and allowed to settle. After filtering, it is verified that the liquid has reduced by about 3/4, so cologne water is added until the liter is completed. It is stored in a jar of translucent glass and is applied in the form of soft friction, from the root out, every day, before going to bed. If these plants are not available, the fluid extract of nasturtium alone is useful, which is applied in the same way.

To decongest the respiratory tract, A herbal tea made from nasturtium is effective. To prepare an infusion of nasturtium to breathe better:

You need 25 g of fresh nasturtium flowers per liter of water. Boil for one minute and let stand, always covered, for another 10 minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of thyme honey to the infusion to sweeten. It is recommended take half a cup of this herbal tea at night and the other half in the morning, when you get up

Precautions and contraindications

Internal nasturtium should be avoided in case of gastritis, heart or kidney failure, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. The seeds are potentially toxic, very purgative, so it is recommended to avoid direct ingestion.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”