Large Nasturtium – Uses & Health Benefits

Large nasturtium

The nasturtium was voted medicinal plant of the year in 2013 because of its medicinal effects, which have been proven in numerous clinical studies. Even the Incas valued the health-promoting properties of the plant and used it primarily to treat wounds and as an analgesic. The leaves and flowers of the nasturtium are used in the kitchen as a salad because of their sharp, slightly peppery taste.

Definition and Occurrence

The nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) belongs to the nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae). The annual, not hardy plant also thrives in the open bed. It grows upwards with a climbing aid and otherwise as a ground cover.

The plant has round, medium-green leaves with slightly wavy edges. They have a water-repellent surface, grow up to 10 cm wide and stand on low, fleshy stems. As a ground cover, the large nasturtium grows to a maximum of 30 cm.

If the garden owner offers her a climbing aid, her tendrils can grow 3 meters high. Depending on the variety, the plant has red, orange or yellow flowers with dark spots and different fillings. It flowers from May to October. There is a 3 cm long, slightly curved spur on the back of the flower, which is reminiscent of the hoods of monks – which gave the plant its name. The ripe fruits contain three individual smaller fruits, each of which has a seed.

The large nasturtium prefers sunny to semi-shady locations with moist soil that is not too nutrient-rich. The old medicinal plant originally comes from South America (Peru, Chile, Ecuador). It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. The unripe seeds and buds can be pickled in herbal vinegar and used as a delicious substitute for capers. Like the flowers and leaves of the large nasturtium, they have a slightly bitter taste because of the mustard oils (isothiocyanates) they contain.

Ingredients, effect and dosage

The large nasturtium contains the mustard oil glucotropaeolin, a lot of ascorbic acid ( vitamin C )c, flavonoids and carotenoids . The mustard oil glycosides are secondary plant substances with which the plant protects itself from predators and harmful microorganisms. They have antiviral , antibacterial , and antifungal properties and act like antibiotics. The large nasturtium is used internally and externally as a tea , tincture and dressing.

However, it has the most intensive health-promoting effect when it is freshly picked as a saladis eaten. When used internally, the patient should make sure that he only takes the preparation in question after eating and with plenty of liquid. If you want to carry out a large nasturtium cure, ideally you should not take the natural remedy for more than 6 weeks at most. To prepare the medicinal tea, he pours 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped leaves in 1 cup of hot, but not boiling, water and lets it steep, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. The consumption of 3 cups daily is recommended. The tincture is also available in specialist shops. The same applies to capsules, tablets and pressed juice. The pressed juice is obtained from fresh leaves and blossoms and is also drunk three times a day (recommended total amount/day: 30 g).

Large nasturtium has an immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory effect and also has a general strengthening effect on the body. It heals open wounds and injuries, increases appetite and promotes digestion. Since it causes slight skin irritation when applied externally as a pad soaked with tea decoction, it also promotes blood circulation – an effect that leads to rapid healing, especially in the case of minor sports injuries such as bruises and sprains.

Large nasturtium remedies are usually well tolerated, but should not be used if the patient has kidney disease . The old medicinal plant is not suitable for children and infants because of its pungent taste. If alcohol is consumed at the same time, interactions with the large nasturtium preparation may occur.

What does the large nasturtium help against?

importance to health

Because nasturtium is high in vitamin C, it offers powerful protection against infection and inflammation. In addition, the patient can use it to heal an already existing flu, cold, bronchitis, sinusitis (sinus infection), tonsillitis and cystitis. It is particularly effective when used with freshly grated horseradish root .

For example, the patient can use them very efficiently against infections with staphylococci, enterococci, E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae and against Candida mycosis.

Thanks to its antiseptic effect , it is also good for healing open and even suppurated wounds and injuries. Its appetite-stimulating effect is particularly appreciated by older people. It can also be used as a light laxative , to treat menstrual disorders and muscle pain. In the case of the latter, the large nasturtium has a pain-relieving effect in this context because of its counter-irritant effect.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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