Nasturtiums, The Medicinal Flower

Nasturtiums are brightly colored annuals that are native to South America, used by many gardeners because they say nasturtiums help repel certain bugs from attacking vegetation. They're also grown for the flowers and leaves which have a peppery flavor profile for salads and stir fry dishes (if I can be honest, they taste like perfume to me), and for the immature seeds which are pickled and used in place of expensive capers. Some people even refer to them as "poor man's capers". But did you know that nasturtiums have medicinal properties?

(Peach Melba nasturtium in my garden)

Constituents:

• glycoside (creates antibiotic sulphur compounds)

• mineral salts

• iron

• potash

• phosphates

• bitters

Characteristics:

• diuretic

• antiseptic

• antimicrobial

• antifungal

• antibiotic

• expectorant

• antibiotic

Parts used: seeds, flowers, and leaves

(Glorious Gleam Nasturtium in my garden)

What Ailments Do Nasturtiums Help With?

The bitters in nasturtiums are pungent and help stimulate the digestive system to improve digestion and appetite, as well as absorption. They also stimulate liver function, the gallbladder and pancreas which all play a part in healthy bowel function. Nasturtiums act as a diuretic, so in combination with it's antibiotic and antimicrobial characteristics, it can help with urinary tract infections and fluid retention. It's a great blood cleanser, circulation improver, and helps boost immunity because it's high in vitamin C, trace elements and minerals. So if you've got a cold, make some nasturtium tea, especially if your congested and tired.