Nasturtium
Growing and using the beneficial properties of nasturtium
Botanical characteristics of nasturtium
Nasturtium is a perennial plant (for warm climates), reaching a height of two meters, but in the conditions of central Russia it is grown as an annual. Nasturtium has a smooth, creeping stem that branches very strongly. The leaves of the plant, located alternately on long petioles, have many veins and smooth edges. Flowers of nasturtium are irregular, located singly in the leaf axils. Nasturtium blooms from early summer to early autumn. The fruit of the plant is a capsule, which, as it ripens, splits into 3 parts, each of which contains one seed. Fruit ripening occurs in early autumn.
Nasturtium grows throughout Europe. It can be seen as a single plant, or in the form of small thickets.
Growing nasturtium
Nasturtium is a light-loving plant. For this reason, it is planted in sunny and open places. Nasturtium does not tolerate frost. This plant grows best in light, well-drained soil that contains fertilizers (other than fresh manure). If the soil contains a lot of nitrogen, then this will only harm the plant, as many leaves will form, which means that flowering will deteriorate.
Nasturtium does not need frequent watering. But you need to water it regularly and abundantly. If there is not enough moisture, then nasturtium will lose its decorative effect.
Most often, nasturtium is propagated by seed. To do this, you need to collect seeds and sow them in April (for seedlings), or you can sow them in the ground in early May. Seeds should be sown in rows or nests. Nests are made at a distance of 40 cm from each other. No more than 5 seeds can be placed in one nest. As the seedlings emerge, they are thinned out. If the seeds are very large, then you can sow them one at a time in pots, and when shoots appear, transplant them into the ground.
During the period of growth of nasturtium, phosphorus fertilizers must be applied, since they are stimulators of the flowering of this plant.
Useful properties of nasturtium
Due to the fact that nasturtium contains useful substances, it is used as a medicinal plant. Nasturtium has a diuretic, antiseptic and antiscorbutic effect. The plant contains an essential oil that has a positive effect on blood circulation in the veins.
Ascorbic acid is abundant in nasturtium leaves, therefore, raw nasturtium is a source of vitamins. The plant has antitussive, expectorant and uroseptic properties.
Nasturtium kills pathogenic microbes, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves the protective functions of the body. Herbal antibiotics will be kept in nasturtium, thanks to which it is used for bronchitis, lung diseases, colds and respiratory diseases. Nasturtium is useful for cholelithiasis, for inflammation of the lymph nodes, it has a good effect on the body during menopause.
Application of nasturtium
For medicinal purposes, all parts of nasturtium are used. For example, the leaves of the plant are used for scurvy and flu. The dried leaves are used for depression, irritability and nervous excitability. Nasturtium is good for the elderly because it contains carotene and sulfur, which are prophylactic agents for sclerosis.
Infusion of nasturtium on wine with a breakdown. To prepare it, you need to collect the fresh leaves of the plant, put them in a liter glass jar and pour dry wine (white) to the top. After you close the lid, take the jar to a room at room temperature and do not touch it for 14 days. The finished infusion must be filtered and taken 1 teaspoon three times a day before meals.
Decoction of nasturtium for kidney disease. We take 1 tablespoon of the fruits and buds of the plant and fill them with two glasses of boiling water. We put everything in a water bath for 15 minutes. Next, remove the composition from the water bath and leave to infuse for 45 minutes. After straining, the finished broth is taken 100 ml three times a day. The same medicine is used for urolithiasis and diseases of the urinary tract.
Tincture of nasturtium for chronic bronchitis. The tincture is prepared easily and quickly. To prepare it, take 1 tablespoon of chopped buds and leaves along with seeds. Pour all this raw material with 150 ml of vodka and leave it in a dark place for 2 weeks, not forgetting to shake it periodically. The finished tincture is filtered. It is necessary to take such a medicine three times a day, 25 drops.
Nasturtium for hair strengthening. We take nasturtium leaves and pass them through a meat grinder. To them we add the roots of Potentilla, also passed through a meat grinder. Mix everything and squeeze out the juice. This juice is applied to the hair roots or, by mixing it with water, is used as a rinse aid.
Contraindications to the use of nasturtium
Oral nasturtium should not be taken in large doses, as this will irritate the intestinal and stomach mucosa. But for people with gastritis and ulcers, the use of nasturtium is generally contraindicated.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
