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 Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae)
NASTURTIUM, INDIAN CRESS
Nasturtium seeds were brought to Europe from Peru in the 16th century. The
whole herb or fresh leaves are used by herbalists for infections of the
urinary tract and the respiratory system, and as an antiseptic. The Spanish conquistadors brought seeds of nasturtium back to Europe
from South America after rampaging through Peru in the 16th century.
The leaves are eaten in salad for their piquancy and the seeds are used as a cheap substitute for capers.
An annual creeping plant with weak succulent stems and lobed leaves,
it typically produces red flowers but there are also hybrids with flowers of orange and shades of yellow.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil; glycoside, glucotropaeoline.
ACTIONS
Antibiotic.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally for infections of the urinary tract and respiratory system.
It is also applied externally as an antiseptic to wounds and skin eruptions.
PREPARATIONS
Fresh leaves, tincture.
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