The name Nasturtium officinale could easily get confused with the familiar nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus and T. minus) that is grown for colorful, edible blooms. Indeed, Nasturtiums are peppery in flavor too; however, they are members of the Tropaeolaceae family and not botanically related to watercress.
Does watercress have another name?
watercress, (Nasturtium officinale), also called cress, perennial aquatic plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout North America. Watercress thrives in cool flowing streams, where it grows submerged, floating on the water, or spread over mud surfaces.
What is watercress called in USA?
Watercress is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial herb with bright white flowers that resemble the shape of a cross; hence, an old name (Cruciferae) for the mustard family, to which watercress belongs.
Does nasturtium have another name?
nasturtium, (Tropaeolum majus), also called Indian cress, annual plant of the family Tropaeolaceae, cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive leaves and flowers.
What plant family is nasturtium?
Nasturtium is the common name of Tropaeolum majus. It is one species in a genus of about 80 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Tropaeolaceae native to South America and Central America, from Mexico to Chile.
What is nasturtium used for?
Nasturtium leaves can be used on wounds to help fight infection being a strong antiseptic. The seeds can be ground to a paste and painted onto fungal infections of the toe nails. The pungent vapours released when eating nasturtium are also wonderful for bronchitis and other infections of the lungs.
Can you eat watercress flowers?
Q : Which parts of a watercress plant are edible? A : The entire watercress plant is edible, including the flowers, although the roots are best discarded as they do not have a pleasant flavour.
Can you eat raw watercress?
Versatile Addition to Any Meal. Watercress can be used in a wide variety of dishes. However, to get the most benefits from its active antioxidant compounds, it’s best eaten raw or lightly steamed ( 36 ).
Is watercress toxic?
When taken by mouth: Watercress is LIKELY SAFE in the amounts found in food. Watercress is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts used in medicine, short-term. When it is used long-term or in very large amounts, watercress is POSSIBLY UNSAFE and can cause damage to the stomach.
What are the benefits of eating watercress?
Eating watercress can help support the health of your heart. Antioxidants (carotenoids in particular) have been linked to lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and even a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Are nasturtiums toxic to humans?
All nasturtiums are edible (just like all tomato varieties are edible). Nasturtium plants are not poisonous to people (but could be for cats and dogs).
How do you use nasturtium as a antibiotic?
Natural Topical Antibiotic
Nasturtiums have natural antibiotic properties, so one way to use this medicinal flower is to crush up the leaves and flowers and apply it topically to cuts, scrapes, blisters, or wounds. Mix the crushed leaves and flowers with coconut or olive and wrap lightly with gauze to keep it in place.
Is nasturtium poisonous to dogs?
Clinical Signs: No records of toxic ingestion from this plant.
Are all nasturtiums safe to eat?
Many people assume it is the leaves that are edible, like an herb or salad green, but you can use the flowers too, for culinary decoration and for eating. Both the leaves and the flowers have a peppery, spicy flavor and add a bite to green salads.
Are nasturtiums healthy to eat?
Not just a pretty face. Both the leaves and petals of the nasturtium plant are packed with nutrition, containing high levels of vitamin C. It has the ability to improve the immune system, tackling sore throats, coughs, and colds, as well as bacterial and fungal infections.
Can you eat nasturtium plants?
All parts of nasturtiums (pronounced na-stir-tchums) are edible. Their name literally means nose twister or nose tweaker, because of their peppery kick. The flowers are sweet and the leaves, flowers and seeds all have that spicy flavour.
Can nasturtiums make you sick?
However, it might cause stomach upset, kidney damage, and other side effects. When applied to the skin: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the skin in combination with other natural medicines. It can cause skin irritation, especially if used for a long time.
Should you cut back nasturtiums?
Vining nasturtiums are particularly vulnerable to getting leggy and messy looking. Trim back the longest vines by 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm.). This will stimulate new growth, both leaves and flowers, so that you get more branching and fill in the spaces preventing the growth of long, leafless vines.
Are nasturtium leaves anti inflammatory?
Nasturtium officinale (watercress) is used popularly as an anti-inflammatory.
Can you get parasites from watercress?
Parasites – Fascioliasis (Fasciola Infection)
Fascioliasis is found in all continents except Antarctica, in over 70 countries, especially where there are sheep or cattle. People usually become infected by eating raw watercress or other water plants contaminated with immature parasite larvae.
Should I let my watercress flower?
All of it! The entire watercress plant is edible – leaves, stalks and even the flowers. Only the roots are best discarded as they don’t taste great!
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.