| Common name: |
watercress |
| Scientific name: |
Nasturtium officinale |
| Synonyms: |
scurvy grass, cress, Indian cress |
| Parts used: |
leaves |
Overview: 
Watercress is an aquatic perennial herb native to Europe. The plant has stems that range from 1 foot to 3 feet in length and float along the surface of running water. Heart shaped fleshy leaves are attached to the stem and are accompanied by small white flowers that bloom on the end of each stem. Watercress has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was used by ancient Greek and Persian soldiers as a tonic to improve their endurance. Native Americans sued watercress for liver and kidney problems and to dissolve gallstones. The German Commission E recognizes watercress for the treatment of respiratory infections. It is also traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for gingivitis.
Active ingredients: Nutritional
| Carbohydrates |
1.3 |
% |
| Protein |
2.3 |
% |
| Fats |
0.1 |
% |
| Fiber |
1.5 |
% |
| Vitamin C/100g |
43 |
mg |
| Vitamin A/100g |
4700 |
IU |
| Calcium |
120 |
mg |
| Potassium |
330 |
mg |
| Sodium |
41 |
mg |
| Iron |
.20 |
mg |
Chemically active
- Mustard oil glycosides
- Flavonoids
- Volatile oils
Traditional uses:
Watercress has been used:
- As a diuretic
- To relieve the symptoms of respiratory infections
- Blood purifier and spring tonic
- Gingivitis
- Scurvy, because of its high vitamin C content
- For liver and kidney problems
- Tuberculosis
- To relive the symptoms of skin disorders such as eczema, boils and warts
Clinical uses:
Watercress is proving valuable for:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Reducing the toxic effect of smoking on the lungs.
- Immune system enhancement
- The treatment of tuberculosis. Recent studies have found that it may be effective against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
- Increasing the flow of bile thus cleansing the liver and gallbladder.
Recommended Dosage:
Pediatric
Children under 4 years old should not be given watercress as an herbal treatment. Pediatric dosages are calculated by a child’s body weight. Since adult dosages are calculated using a body weight of 150 lbs to calculate a pediatric dose simply take the child’s weight and divide by 150 lbs.
Adult
- 20-30grams of fresh herb
- 50-150mg freshly made juice
- Powdered extract (capsules): take 4 to 6gm of supplement with meals
Contra-indications:
People with gastrointestinal ulcers and inflammatory disorders of the kidneys should not use watercress. In rare cases it can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using watercress.
Drug interactions:
None known
Web References:
- Flora Health
- Herbal Extracts Plus.com
Printed Reference Material:
- Al-Shehbaz, I. and R. A. Price. 1998. Delimitation of the genus Nasturtium (Brassicaceae). Novon, 8: 124-126.
- Bresnick E, Birt DF, Woterman K, Wheeler M, and Markin RS. 1990. Reduction in mammary tumorigenesis in the rat by cabbage and cabbage residue. Carcinogenesis 11 (7): 1159-1163.
- Chung FL, Morse MA, Eklind KI, and Lewis J. 1992b. Quantitation of human uptake of the anticarcinogen phenethyl isothiocyanate after a watercress meal. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1 (5): 383-388.
- Duke, J. 1997: The Green Pharmacy, The Ultimate Compendium of Natural Remedies from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing and Herbs. pp. 342; 424. Rodale Press.
- Foster S, and Duke JA. 1990. Watercress in Medicinal Plants. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY, p. 214.
- Hecht SS, Chung FL, Richie JPJr, Akerkar SA, Borukhova A, Skowronski L, and Carmella SG. 1995. Effects of watercress consumption on metabolism of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen in smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 4 (8): 877-884.