Nasturtium. Useful properties of the plant

Nasturtium officinalis is an annual plant that we cultivate as decorative. It has a branching, slightly curling stem, in high species reaching up to 2 m in length, and at low - up to 30 cm. Regular leaves are covered with thyroid laminae. The irregular shape of the petals of the plant( five pieces) are colored orange and permeated with blood-red strips. Its immature fruit, which resembles capers to taste, is used as a seasoning in cooking in a pickled and fresh form.

Active substances of the plant

The healing properties of nasturtium are due to the chemical composition of those parts of it that are used as medicinal raw materials. Grass and flower buds are harvested in the spring even before ripening. It is known that the latter produce a laxative effect. Stems of nasturtium, and even more of its leaves, contain a lot of carotenoids and ascorbic acid.

For example, when compared with fresh lemon, then in this plant vitamin C is almost five times more. Also in nasturtium contains many low-molecular-weight phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids. Sulfur, present in the plant, is sufficient for the effective prevention of sclerosis and other age-related diseases. Isolated from nasturtium biologically active substance tropeoline well blocks the attack of angina pectoris, it helps with atherosclerosis. The selenium contained in it prevents those diseases that develop due to poor ecology and stress. German phytotherapeutists have long appreciated the ability of this plant to improve metabolic processes in the body, and to strengthen immunity.

Nasturtium: useful properties of in diseases of the respiratory system

With protracted bronchitis and pneumonia, take a decoction of the stems and leaves of the plant, prepared as follows. They are preliminarily ground, a tablespoon of prepared raw material is poured in hot water( 200 ml) and kept for about 20 minutes in a water bath. Then immediately filter, cool and boiled water bring the resulting volume of liquid to the original, ie, up to 200 ml. The whole broth is drunk three times during the day.

Nasturtium: useful properties of in cosmetology

Its leaves in combination with tubercle tubers erectile treat hair loss and brittle hair. For this, the raw material is passed through a meat grinder, squeezed the juice and combines it equally. In its pure form, it can be lubricated after washing the hair roots or diluted with water and rinsed completely with the head.

Nasturtium: useful properties of in scurvy

In the treatment of scurvy, unripe fruits of a plant containing a lot of vitamin C are used. In addition, they, as well as flowers and leaves of nasturtium, are combined with other herbs that have similar effect. A simple broth is prepared and taken in the manner already mentioned above. But in the people there is also a more complex variant, used precisely from scurvy. They combine equally the juice of dandelion, trifol, sorrel and nasturtium. Then for each 200 ml of this mixture add 200 ml of whey and boil. Take depending on the stage of the disease - from 2 to 6 tablespoons of medication from 1 to 3 times during the day.

Nasturtium: useful properties of for diseases of the genitourinary system

With urethritis and cystitis in small doses 3 times during the day, a freshly squeezed juice from this plant is drunk using a dessert spoon.