MEDICINAL PLANTS

The nasturtium is an herb tender stems and twisted, which grows as a vine. It has rounded leaves with long petioles. In the axils of the leaves and also supported by long stems are formed large orange flowers. The fruit is a capsule within which are a wrinkled seeds. It is a species native to South America, specifically in the region of the Andes. Was introduced in Europe around the seventeenth century and quickly spread its cultivation, mainly as an ornamental. Currently breeding in pots and gardens throughout Spain since it only requires frequent watering soft earth. In South America, found growing wild from Mexico to Chile.

FLOWERING

The nasturtium flowers during the spring and summer, although in certain areas may begin to open much earlier. Interested harvest the whole plant. Besides its medicinal, edible grass is an exquisite, very popular in South America. Whole plant is eaten in salads, alone or mixed with lettuce or endive, also the unripe fruits, pickled in vinegar and salt are a good snack. And finally, the leaves are added to soups, which gives them a nice flavor. The ease of cultivation of this plant makes available all summer, being therefore a very popular vegetable in times where few other common edible herbs.

APPLICATIONS

The most important component of this plant is a glycoside to decompose a substance released benzyl isothiocyanate; this compound may be irritating the stomach. The leaves are ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In the seeds form a fatty oil consisting mostly of trierucina, and finally, the flowers appear in the group of pigments carotene and a coloring matter called sorbusina. All these substances give the Capuchin antibiotic, balsamic, expectorant, antiscorbutic and snacks. As an antibiotic, has proven to be active against many bacteria, among which include staph, strep and salmonella. In addition, components of the plant are eliminated to a great extent in the urine and to a lesser amount through the lungs. For this reason, use their disinfectant properties in acute infections of the urinary tract and bronchi. Another property that is ascribed to the entire plant is to be a super-stimulating activity of hair bulb, preventing hair loss and promoting growth.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Is added to a cup of boiling water teaspoon chopped plant, you can take 2 to 3 cups a day.
Fresh juice. A partir de las hojas frescas se recoge un puñado, se lavan bien y se machacan en un mortero. Posteriormente se exprime al máximo el zumo, que se debe beber en ayunas -unos 100 gr. By making-at least for 15 days.
Infusion external use. Rubbing capillaries. Se prepara una infusión con 2 gr. Of nasturtium per 100 gr. Water. In the market we can find a plant extract as a shampoo, or just the fluid extract.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Tropeolaceas
HABITAT: Gardens and flower pots
FLOWERING: Spring and summer
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Mastuerzo, pelón
CATALAN: Morritort d'ludies
GALICIAN: Papagaios

USES

Appetizer Moderate, Moderate antiscorbutic, Mild Expectorant.