Plants Profile for Nasturtium officinale (watercress) Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum watercress This plant and synonym italicized and indented above can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Click on an acronym to view each weed list, or click here for a composite list of Weeds of the U.S. India - Ayurvedic Herbs - watercress Nasturtium officinale Other Common Names: The other common names for the herb watercress are Tall Nasturtium,Berro, Berros,Brooklime, Brown Cress, Cress, Cresson, Cresson D'Eau,Cresson De Fontaines, Cresson Des Jardins, Cresson Du Pays, Habb Ar Rashad, Hurf Al May,Nasturtium, Suteresi and Witte Waterkers. History Cress is one of the first known leafy vegetables to be consumed. The Romans and Ancient Egyptians were known to eat watercress for various health reasons.

The Greeks and Romans thought it improved the brain, and later, in medieval Europe, it became an ingredient in a salve for sword wounds. Watercress, sometimes referred to as True Nasturtium, is native to Europe and Asia, and it is now grown in the New World as well. Watercress is so named because it naturally favors wet areas around springs and along riverbanks. Watercress is among the earliest green vegetables cultivated by man - first by the Persians, then soon after by the Greeks and Romans. Watercress was a staple for Greek and Persian soldiers, who noticed that it improved their health and conditioning. Though its scientific name is Nasturtium officinale, the Watercress is unrelated to the garden flower called nasturtium. Loosely translated, Nasturtium is derived from Latin words meaning "wrinkled nose," which alludes to Watercress' pungent odor. Watercress contains a large amount of sulfur, which may add to the odor, but also adds to its benefits. Alabama is known as the "Watercress Capital of the World" and Alresford, near Winchester, is often considered the watercress capital of Britain.

Description Connected to a creeping rootstock, the hollow, branching stem, 1-2 feet in length, generally extends with its leaves above the water. The smooth, somewhat fleshy, dark green leaves are odd-pinnate with 1-4 pairs of small, oblong or roundish leaflets where the terminal one being larger than the rest. Flowers small and white produced towards the extremity of the branches in a sort of terminal panicle. It is easily found by its hemlock-like white flowers, and when out of flower, by its finely toothed and somewhat pointed leaves, much longer than those of the watercress and of a paler green. The true nasturtium or Indian Cress cultivated in gardens as a creeper has brilliant orange-red flowers and produces the seeds which serve as a substitute for capers in pickles. The Latin name 'Nasturtium' is derived from the words nasus tortus (a convulsed nose) on account of its pungency. Range Watercress is widely distributed in Europe and Northern Asiatic countries. Found in temperate regions throughout the world, watercress thrives along or in fresh running water.

Habitat Watercress is a perennial plant which thrives in clear, cold water and is found in ditches and streams everywhere. Although commonly found in the wild, it is also widely cultivated as a salad herb. Watercress grows in every state and throughout Canada in shallow creeks, ditches, along the edges of slow-moving rivers, in ponds, lakes, and brooks-wherever the water is clear, cool, and neither stagnant nor too fast-running. Watercress usually grows where the water is from 2 to 6 inches deep. Cultivation Cultivation of watercress is practical on both a large scale and a garden scale. Being semi-aquatic, watercress is well-suited to hydroponic cultivation, thriving best in water that is slightly alkaline. It is frequently produced around the headwaters of chalk streams. In many local markets the demand for hydroponically-grown watercress exceeds supplies. This is due in part to the fact that cress leaves are unsuitable for distribution in dried form and can only be stored for a short period. The packaging used by supermarkets using sealed plastic bags under some internal pressure has allowed the distribution of watercress.

If unharvested, watercress can grow to a height of 50-120 cm. Also sold as sprouts, the edible shoots are harvested days after germination. Like many plants in this family, the foliage of watercress becomes bitter when the plants begin producing flowers. If there is no creek or pond, try making a small pool, or simply plant it in a tub filled with sand and water. You can even grow watercress in clay pots, placed in a tray of water. Just be sure to change the water every day to keep it fresh and clear. Easy to propagate, watercress likes a mixture of rich alluvial soil, ground rocks such as river sand or limestone, and peat or humus. Below the water's surface, watercress sends out many fine white roots. Any section of the plant stem with roots on it will take hold and begin a new patch when anchored in a suitable environment. This is how watercress survives in nature, as stream beds are constantly being altered by floods and droughts. It is also how watercress spreads so quickly once it is introduced, often traveling in advance of civilization on its way down an undeveloped river system.

Flowering Season The hemlock like white flowers of watercress is in bloom generally during the months of summer. Pests and Diseases Diseases are rarely a problem in watercress. In Asia the crop may be affected by a virus which spreads when using cuttings only. To overcome these problem seedlings should be planted rather than using cuttings. The seed should be collected from vigorous plants that are free from diseases. In the Caribbean region Cercospora nasturtii is recorded as the main disease. Aster yellows transmitted by leafhoppers can also be a problem. Flea beetles, aphids and caterpillars could affect the crop but with an adequate flow of water they are usually not a problem, especially if farmers can submerge the crop as a control measure. Thus the major pests of watercress include diamondback moth, cabbage white butterfly, aphids, and thrips and diseases like bacterial and fungal spots, rust and white rust. Parts Used The leaves, flowers and seeds are the most commonly used parts of the watercress for its medicinal and commercial purposes. Medicinal Applications The leaves have a high vitamin and mineral content and also help digestion.

It has been used since the time of Hippocrates as a stimulant and expectorant in the the treatment of coughs and bronchitis and helps in blood sugar level. Watercress has also been used as a specific in tuberculosis. Chinese take the watercress soup to treat canker sores on the tongue or lips, blisters in the mouth, swollen gums, bad teeth and foul breath. Watercress tea or juice is valuable for eliminating accumulated fluids in body tissue, such as in gout, and for clearing mucus congestion from the lungs. Watercress is considered diuretic and is thought to aid in breaking up kidney or bladder stones as well. The juice of the fresh leaves has been used to treat acne, eczema, ringworm, rashes, and similar skin irritations and infections. It has also been used as a medicinal herb in the treatment of scurvy and tuberculosis. Commercial Applications Watercress is cultivated for its leaves, which are principally used as salad greens or garnishes. Externally the leaves of the herb help the face from blotches, spots and blemishes, when applied as a lotion. Watercress is one of the main ingredients in V8 Vegetable Juice.

Symbolism Watercress has a flower that resembles a cross. Four uniform petals make up the cross-like structure that confirms its inclusion in the cruciferae family. Watercress nutrition facts and health benefits Custom Search Watercress nutrition facts Watercress is an aquatic perennial herb found in abundance alongside slow running water ways and nearby natural springs. This peppery flavored greens has been in cultivation since ancient times for its food and medicinal uses in East-Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and Americas. Botanically this fast growing, leafy vegetable belongs to the Brassicaceae family, and closely related to mustard greens , garden cress, cabbage , salad rocket (arugula) , etc. Scientific name: Nasturtium officinale. Watercress plant. Note for oval, green, succulant leaves. (Photo-by tonyaustin ) Nasturtium officianale-cressleaves. Watercress is a free floating hollow stemmed plant. Its small, oval, deep green succulent leaves carry high moisture content. Its leaves feature sharp, peppery and slightly tangy taste, somewhat like tender mustard greens and garden cress (Lepidium sativum).

Racemes of tiny white flowers appear in summer, which turns into small pods containing two rows of seeds. Its mature seeds are also edible. Health benefits of Watercress Peppery and tangy flavored cress is a storehouse of many natural phytonutrients like isothiocyanates that have health promotional and disease prevention properties. Cress is one of the very low-calorie green leafy vegetables (only 11 calories per 100 g raw leaves) and contains negligible amounts of fats. Being an antioxidant rich, low-calorific and low-fat vegetable, it is often recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. According to the study published in Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) journal, researchers at William Paterson University at New Jersey, watercress is labeled as the most nutrient dense food, and for the same reason, it tops the list of "powerhouse fruits and vegetables". Cress leaves and stem contains gluconasturtiin, a glucosinolate compound that gives the peppery flavor.

Research studies suggest that the hydrolysis product of gluconasturtiin, 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), is believed to be cancer preventing by inhibition of phase-I enzymes (mono-oxygenases and cytochrome P450s). Fresh cress has higher concentration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than some of the fruits and vegetables. 100 g of leaves provide 47 mg or 72% of RDA of vitamin C. As an anti-oxidant, vitamin C helps trap free-oxygen radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its reduction potential properties. Lab studies suggest that regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C help maintain normal connective tissue, prevent iron deficiency, and also help the human body develop resistance against infectious agents by boosting immunity. It is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K; 100 g provides over 200% of daily recommended intake. Vitamin K has potential role in bone health through promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity.

Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet help limit neuronal damage in the brain; and thus, it has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Cress is also an excellent source of vitamin-A, and flavonoids anti-oxidants like ß carotene, lutein and zea-xanthin. It is also rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid that are essential for optimum cellular metabolic functions. Further, it is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Calcium is required as bone/teeth mineral and in the regulation of heart and skeletal muscle activity. Regular inclusion of cress in the diet has been found to prevent osteoporosis, anemia, and vitamin-A deficiency and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and colon and prostate cancers.

Selection and storage Watercress is available year around. In the stores, purchase thick, broad, succulent and deep green colored fresh leaves. Fresh cress leaves should impart tangy peppery aroma when squeezed between thumb and index fingers. In general, this green leafy herb best grows in aquatic environments; therefore, it should be washed in clean running water and then soaked in salt water for about half an hour in order to rid off parasite eggs and worms that thrive well under aquatic conditions. Fresh greens may be submerged in water and stored in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to 2-3 days. Preparation and serving methods Watercress gives a beautiful peppery flavor to recipes. Soak in cold water for few minutes to revive sunken leaves. Separate roots from leaves. Then, rinse once again in clean water and pat dry before use in the cooking. Trim away thick fiber stems. Here are some serving tips: Fresh cress sprigs used in green salads. The greens are used in many European cuisines in sandwiches and vegetable drinks. They are also used in the preparation of soups. Cress leaves can also be steamed and eaten as a vegetable. Safety profile Buy watercress from known cultivated farms that use clean running water.

Cress from stagnant and polluted water may host some harmful parasites like flukes and larvae. Watercress leaves carry 0.31 mg of oxalic acid per 100 g of leaves. Oxalic acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in some vegetables, which may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary-tract in some people. It is therefore, people with known oxalate urinary tract stones are advised to avoid eating vegetables belonging to the Brassica family. Being a Brassica family vegetable, cress may also contain goitrogens, which may interfere with thyroid hormone production and can cause thyroxin hormone deficiency in individuals with thyroid dysfunction. Watercress Watercress Tall Nasturtium Watercress Watercress (botanical name Nasturtium officinale) grows perennially and flourishes in clear and cold water . This herb is found growing naturally in streams, ditches, ponds and all the places where there is water. In effect, watercress is grown for the plant's leaves that are mainly used in the form of salad greens or dressings.

The plant has a hollow branching stem that is connected to a crawling rootstock, about one foot to two feet in length, and usually pulls out along with the leaves above the surface of the water. The leaves of watercress are smooth and slightly plump having one to four pairs of little oblong or disk-shaped leaflets. The leaves have a deep green color and are oddly pinnate (resembling feathers). A special soup prepared with watercress is among the most popular medications among the Chinese who inhabit Hong Kong and Canton in China. This watercress soup is used to cure swollen gums , foul breath , canker sores (an ulceration of the mucus membranes in the mouth) on the lips or tongue and bad teeth. Although the amount of watercress needed to prepare this remedial soup is not specified, usually approximately half a pound of cut watercress and sliced carrots are steamed in two quarters of water is used for an individual. The entire liquid is slowly concentrated to approximately one-third or one-fourth of the original volume of the fluid and subsequently it is eaten together with the vegetables. Apart from the health conditions mentioned above, when cold, this soup is also useful for curing hot flashes .

It is worth mentioning here that watercress is the source of a wonderful medicine to treat headaches caused by some type of ailment or usual anxiety . Take some watercress and rinse it meticulously. Put them in a hygienic quart fruit jar and add two cups (500 ml) of steaming apple cider vinegar to it. Several hours afterwards, when the solution becomes cold, strain the liquid and store it in bottles for use when needed later. When you have a headache, take an unsullied handkerchief or a wash cloth and immerse it in the vinegar solution. Wring out the excess liquid and place the cloth or handkerchief over your forehead and eyebrows. An infusion prepared from watercress is also a proven traditional as well as an effectual remedy for dermatitis and eczema . To prepare this infusion, meticulously rinse a big pan full of watercress and put it into a saucepan made from stainless steel. Add a sufficient amount of cold water to the watercress, enough to cover the herb in the saucepan. Boil the water along with watercress and subsequently lower the heat and seethe slowly till the herb becomes soft.

Next, filter the liquid using a muslin cloth or many layers of gauze fabric and store the liquid in a refrigerator for use when needed. The affected parts of the body ought to be cleansed very frequently using this watercress infusion. It is advisable that you make use of a piece of supple linen for washing the affected parts. In effect, this infusion prepared from watercress is extremely effective for treating the coarseness of the skin owing to recurrent exposure to the sun, wind as well as cold conditions. Drinking the juice of watercress or the tea prepared from this herb is also effective in getting rid of the excessive fluids that have built up in the body tissue, like in the case of gout , as well as dispelling the congestion of mucus from the lungs. In order to prepare the tea from watercress, take one tablespoon of sliced fresh watercress and add it to one cup (250 ml) of steaming water and allow it to steep for about 20 minutes. Subsequently, filter the liquid and drink it. You may also obtain fresh watercress juice by using an electric juicer to extract the juice from the herb.

Mix some tomato or carrot juice to it for flavour prior to drinking. It is interesting to note that watercress as well as several other herbs were elevated to a new esteem only following the introduction of the new-approach cuisine in America. Initially, watercress was one herb that was seldom consumed in the form of a garnish by people. From this modest position it rose to the star position of being a part of further sophisticated culinary preparations. Hence, there is little doubt that watercress has actually recovered its well-merited standing by means of a form of cookery that has as much regard for your appetite as for your health. Chefs in America currently employ watercress in several methods. Watercress may be present in garnishes and salads, sandwiches, butters and spreads, casseroles and soups and it adds a fast and spicy flavour to all these preparations. Although chefs hold watercress in high esteem for its flavour, herbalists give importance to the herb for its rich content of nutrients . Chemical analysis of watercress has revealed that it encloses a considerable amount of vitamins as well as vital minerals, counting vitamin A , vitamin C , iron , phosphorus , calcium , nitrogen, and sulfur .

To reiterate, it needs to be said that watercress is a succulent, bright green aquatic plant that was introduced into America from Europe. This herb is found growing naturally in ditches, ponds, brooks, lakes, shallow creeks and the length of the banks of rivers that move sluggishly in all the states of America as well as all over Canada. Usually, watercress is found growing where the water is cold, clear and neither fast-moving or stagnant. In addition, places were the depth of water is anything between two inches to six inches is ideal for the plant to thrive. Often, you may find large watercress beds in the country streams - the leaves of the plants sticking out of the water surface. It is not at all difficult to cultivate watercress in your garden provided it is not already being grown there. In case you do not have a stream or pool in your garden, make an effort to dig a small pool, or just plant watercress in a container filled with water and sand. In addition, it is also possible to grow this plant in pots made from clay and placed in a tray containing water. The only thing you need to ensure is to change the water daily in order to maintain its clarity and freshness.

Watercress is a plant which can be propagated without any difficultly. This herb has a preference for a soil which is a combination of alluvial soil, broken up rocks like limestone or river sand and humus or peat. Watercress actually extends numerous fine roots under the surface of the water. It is important to note that any part of the plant's stem having roots on it will start growing as a new plant when it sets up in an appropriate environment. This is the manner in which watercress continues to exist in nature, since the beds of streams or creeks are continuously being changed owing to floods as well as droughts. This is also the manner in which watercress multiplies so rapidly once it has been introduced into a new place, usually moving faster than the advancement of civilization on its route down an unfledged river. Healers make use of the whole watercress plant. They usually harvest watercress while it is in bloom and dehydrate it. Watercress has a spicy and peppery flavour and it may just be included in your diet on a regular basis. For further therapeutic purposes, you may take an infusion prepared from the dried up plant.

As watercress encloses numerous nutrients, herbalists have been employing the plant to prepare an herbal tea which helps to regularize the functioning of the liver as well as purify the blood . Watercress also possesses diuretic properties and is believed to facilitate in disintegrating the kidney stones , in addition to bladder stones. The juice extracted from the fresh watercress leaves has been traditionally employed to cure skin complaints like eczema, rashes , skin irritations, ringworms and acne , in addition to skin contagions . Similar to the implication of the Latin expressions ï¿½nasus tortus' denoting ï¿½twisted nose', the watercress plant exudes a pungent smell that makes one wrinkle his/ her nose. The leaves as well as the fit to be eaten seedpods of this plant possess a sharp and fiery flavour, which explains why watercress has been a favourite salad green for most people for a long time now. Since very old times, watercress is familiar for its therapeutic attributes.

The Romans as well as the Greeks believed that consuming this plant enhance the functioning of the brain, while afterward, during medieval Europe, watercress was used as an active ingredient in a salve that was used to heal wounds caused by swords. The early European settlers carried this herb with them to North America mainly owing to its usefulness in putting off scurvy - this is attributed to the plant's rich vitamin C content. Even the native Indian took on the plant in the form of a food and also employed it to cure liver and kidney disorders . Watercress contains numerous nutrients, including rich amounts of mineral salts and several vitamins, such as vitamin A , vitamin B2 , vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E . In earlier times, people did not employ watercress only to keep off as well as treat scurvy, but also in the form of a springtime tonic as well as a refreshing drink to improve appetite . In addition, watercress has been employed by people in several parts of the world for different other purposes, including a laxative, aphrodisiac, asthma medication, a cough remedy, to make the complexion lighter and also as a contraceptive.

It is worth mentioning here that very often watercress is found growing in the vicinity of the poisonous water hemlocks . However, it is very easy to differentiate watercress from hemlock, as the latter is a comparatively tall plant having leaves that are segregated into slenderer, lighter green leaflets. In addition, hemlock bears flower clusters in the shape of umbels. Parts used Aerial parts. Uses As watercress encloses a number of therapeutic properties, it is a very useful plant for treating a number of health conditions. For instance, this herb is an important resource of vitamins and is also used in the form of a detoxifying herb. Watercress has rich vitamin C content and is also loaded with a number of minerals that makes this plant an effective remedy, especially for chronic ailments . It is believed that consumption of watercress promotes the appetite and also alleviates indigestion . In addition, watercress is also useful in treating chronic bronchitis , particularly in cases wherein the mucus production is in excess. This herb is also believed to be usually invigorating and work in the form of a potent diuretic.

Other medical uses Glue ear Habitat and cultivation Watercress is usually found growing naturally in the temperate climatic regions of the world. This plant flourishes well when growing beside or in fresh flowing water. While watercress is generally found growing in the wild, this plant is also extensively grown in the form of a salad plant. The ideal time to harvest watercress is prior to its flowering season in summer. Constituents Watercress contains minerals (iron, iodine, & phosphorus), and vitamins (A, B1 , B2, C, & E). Applications Watercress has several applications, including therapeutic and culinary. The green leaves of this plant may be consumed raw. It has been found that the leaves of watercress are nourishing, depurative (purifying) as well as stimulating. In addition, the juice of the leaves may be extracted by using an electric juicer and drunk along with carrot or beet juice, which are added to make it sweet. Even the soup prepared with watercress is scrumptious as well as nourishing. It also helps to cure a number of health problems.

The juice extracted from the mashed watercress plant is applied on any wound caused by an infection or in the form of a stimulant as well as bleach to lessen brown blemishes and blotches . A cotton pad is drenched with the sap of watercress and applied directly to the face. The entire watercress plant is somewhat mashed and used in the form of a poultice and applied to adenitis, abscesses or closed cysts with a view to facilitate their healing. The mother tincture prepared from watercress is used during winter to cure fever , exhaustion as well as dearth of vitamins. Provided you have sufficient space in your garden, set up a watercress bed and let a placid stream of water run through the bed. Just a single planting has the aptitude to supply you with a stimulating cocktail for several years ahead. Revitalizing salad Watercress Plant Care & Growing Information | Folia Partial Sun Very High Watercress is a cool weather crop, so in warmer areas, it would do best to sow in autumn for a winter salad crop 1 . Try to plant in a location that enjoys dappled sun / partial sun and remember to water very often.

Use Zone 5 - Zone 12 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. Keep in mind when planting that Watercress is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures. See our list of companion Plants for Watercress to see which plants you should plant in close proximity to encourage growth. Growing Watercress from seed Pinetree recommends starting these indoors in small pots, barely cover and keep moist for first month. Margaret Roberts recommends shading the bed with hessian, and never allowing it to dry out 1 . Once the seeds are at the 4-leaf stage, the hessian can be removed, but continue to kepp the seeds moist 1 . Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 2.34 inches (6.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.0 inches (0.0 cm). Transplanting Watercress Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Watercress is a half hardy plant. Harvesting Watercress Pick out the outer leaves for salads, or the side-shoot rosettes of leaves 1 .

How long does Watercress take to grow? These estimates for how long Watercress takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. A Wandering Botanist: Unrelated Plants: The Strange Case of Nasturtium and Watercress nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus If you have ever looked for nasturtium in the index of plant book, you will have wondered why nasturtium is the scientific name of watercress and the common name of Tropaeolum. Watercress is a Eurasian plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that has been eaten as a vegetable for centuries. The leaves have a sharp taste. The flowers are white but relatively small and not very conspicuous. It was definitely known to the Romans. Linnaeus named it Nasturtium officinale. It has been called Rorippa nasturtium but current opinion is that it is different enough from the rorippas to be kept separate. Nasturtium nasturtium-aquaticum is another name you will also see for watercress, but Nasturtium officinale has precedence and so is the correct name.

Nasturtium is a yellow or orange flowered plant, genus Tropaeolum majus (plant family Tropaeolaceae). Nasturtiums are native to the west coast of South America . “[I]t is used as a food in Peru today, as it has been for thousands of years” (Kipple & Ornelas p. 1821). Tropaeolum was introduced to Europe from the New World in the late 16th century. In the early herbals, for example Gerard, it is called Indian cress. Nasturtium is not a common word. It seems odd that nasturtium is Tropaeolum and Nasturtium officinale is watercress. This is confusion apparently stems from plant names of the 16th century. Cress today is the word for a number of species in the mustard family. There are native Colorado plants called cresses such as bitter cress, Cardamine. According to Mabey, writing notes to The Gardener’s Labyrinth by Thomas Hill, the first English language gardening book, cress was applied to a wide range of garden vegetables. Gerard’s Herbal (1633) supports this.

He lists all these cresses: winter cresses, garden cresses, Indian cress, Sciatica cresses, bank cresses, dock cress, water parsnip, watercress and wild watercress. Gerard calls our watercress Nasturtium aquatica. He called Indian cress (now called Trophaeolum) Nasturtium Indicum. He reports that Indian cress recently came to Europe from the New World by way of Spain. He comments “some have deemed [Indian cress], a kinde of Convolvulus or Binde-weed; yet I am well contented that it retaines the former name, for that the smell and taste shew it to be a kind of cresses.” (p. 252). Today winter cresses (Barbarea), garden cresses (Lepidium) sciatica cresses (Iberis), bank cresses Sisymbrium), water cress (Nasturtium) and wild watercress (Cardamine) are all classified in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Mustard leaves have a sharp spicy taste.

The others called cresses in 1600 are currently recognized as members of different plant families: dock cress (Lapsana) in the sunflower family Asteraceae), water parsnip (Berula and Sium) in the dill family Apiacaeae) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) in the Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family. While the families of both watercress and nasturtium are both currently included in the same order of plants, the Brassicales, there are 17 families in the Brassicales and Nasturtium and Tropaeolum are about as far apart as they could possibly be. brassicalesnotl.gif Part of the confusion comes from the fact that the Latin for “cress” was nasturtium. “Cress” covered many sharp-tasting plants. Linnaeus named watercress Nasturtium officinale. "Officinale" means "of the office," that is, the cress you can buy in shops, the commercially important cress. The common name drifted from nasturtium or nasturtian to be watercress.

Coming from the Americas Tropaeolum majus was initially lumped with the cresses. It took and kept the common name nasturtium. In the meanwhile, botanists decided that despite its sharp taste, Tropaeolum did not belong in the same family as watercress, bitter cress and garden cress, and put in a distinct plant family Tropaeolaceae. nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus watercress, Nasturtium officinale So both nasturtium and watercress have a sharp taste and they have both been called cresses, in English and in Latin. J.R.R.Tolkien spotted this confusion as well. In a letter to a letter to Katherine Farrer, 7 August 1954, he wrote (p. 183): “I am afraid there are still a number of ‘misprints’ in Vol. 1 (The Fellowship of the Ring was published on 19 July 1954) including the one on p. 166. But nasturians is deliberate, and represents a final triumph over the high-handed printers.

Jarrold’s appear to have a highly educated pedant as a chief proof-reader, and they started correcting my English without reference to me: elfin for elven; farther for further; try to say for try and say and so on. I was put to the trouble of proving to him his own ignorance, as well as rebuking his impertinence. So, though I do not much care, I dug my toes in about nasturtians. I have always said this. It seems to be a natural Anglicization that started soon after the ‘Indian Cress’ was naturalized (from Peru I think) in the 18th century; but it remains a minority usage. I prefer it because nasturtium is, as it were, bogusly botanical, and falsely learned.

“I consulted the college gardener to this effect: ‘What do you call those things, gardener?’ “ ‘I calls them tropaeolum, sir.’ “ ‘But, when you’re talking to dons?’ “ ’I says nasturtians, sir.’ “ ‘No, sir; that’s watercress.’ “And that seems to be the fact of botanical nomenclature…” nasturtian We could follow Tolkien and call Tropaeolum Indian cress. However, that doesn't make things clearer, because today, cresses are mustards, since most of the non-mustard cresses have developed alternate common names. Tropaeolum isn't a mustard. Nasturtian is too similar to nasturtium to be helpful. Nasturtium vs watercress is clear; Tropaeolum vs Nasturtium is clear. Enjoy their strange historical relationship. References Al-Shehbaz, I. A. and R. A. Price. 1998. Delimination of the genus Nasturtium (Brassicaceae). Novon. 8: 124-126. Carter, H., editor. 1981. The letters of J.R.R.

Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Gerard, J. The Herbal or General history of plants.Complete 1633 edition as revised and enlarged by Thomas Johnson. Dover Publications, New York 1975. Gunther, R. T, editor. 1934. The Greek herbal of Dioscorides. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. {written approximately 64 AD, “illustrated by a Byzantine A.D. 512. Englished by John Goodyer A.D. 1655”] Kiple, K. F, and K. C. Ornelas, editors. 2000. The Cambridge world history of food. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK. Mabey, R., ed. 1987. The gardener’s labyrith of Thomas Hill.” Oxford University Press, Oxford UK.[reproduction of the first popular gardening manual, 1577] Comments and corrections welcomed. Watercress medicinal Gaelic: Biolar. Russian: Жеруха обыкновенная. Scientific name: Nasturtium officinale R.

Br., Sisymbrium nasturtium Thunb., Sisymbrium nasturtium-aquaticum L., Radicula nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Rendle & Britten, Radicula nasturtium Cav., Rorippa nasturtium Beck, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek, Family. Cruciferae = Brassicaceae. Habitat: Its origin is placed in Europe and Russia. From here it spread throughout Europe, then to be exported to the north of Africa, North America , South America and the Caribbean. This plant grows wild and it is most abundant in creeks and cool and shallow streams , preferring swampy areas or slow streams . It is very abundant in aquatic areas that contain high amounts of organic waste, where they form a thick layer covering the surface of the water. From the nineteenth century its cultivation was introduced in the orchards and its use as cultivated plant has been increasing gradually, until it became a common vegetable in most greengrocers and supermarkets. Watercress description Plant perennial grass of the family of cruciferous up to 200 cm in length.

Glabrous, crawling or floating stems , erect at the ends, hollow, provided with adventitious roots that grow from the nodes. Green dark brilliant leaves , a little fleshy, pinnate with 1 or 6 pairs of cleared, entire or sinuate, with individual terminal leaflet larger than the others. The lower petiolate, upper sessile. Flowers of 4 to 6 mm of diameter, with four petals of white or white-pink color, gathered in clusters or panicles at the end of the stems. Fruits in silique, of 1.3 to 1.8 cm in length located at the end of stalks of 0.8 to 1 cm in length. Seeds reunited in two rows by each cavity. It blooms between May and September. Microphyllum must be distinguished of the Nasturtium species because the latter has the peduncles of the fruits longer and narrower (1.1 - 2.2 cm), seeds are curved, more slender (1.6 to 2, 4 cm) and arranged in a single row cavity. Usually the leaves are tinged with purple, especially in autumn.

Components of watercress The main components of watercress are: - Acids: ascorbic acid, aspartic acid , glutamine (Plant) - Gluconasturin (Plant) - Glycosides: sinigrin, sinalbin, glucotropeolin (essential oil) gluconasturtiin (Plant) - Vitamins: A, C, B (B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin, B5 or pantothenic acid, B6 or pyridoxine, B7 or Biotin, B9 or folic acid) (Plant) - Minerals: calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, iodine, zinc (Plant) - Water (plant) MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF WATERCRESS Although normally watercress is used more as a food than as medicine, it contains active ingredients that provide important outstanding medicinal properties. We will mention the main herbal values on this page. People who wish to consult their maintenance properties have to resort to "Food properties of the watercress" in in the listing above.

Internal use preparations with watercress Respiratory apparatus: Watercress has antiviral , antibronchitic, expectorant, antipyretic and tonic properties, very suitable for the treatment of respiratory illnesses like colds and, particularly, those which are accompanied by phlegm such as bronchitis or cough with expectoration: Bronchitis : For the treatment of the bronchitis all the fresh plant can be used (stems, leaves and flowering tops) or the juice of the fresh plant. Among the main preparations we have the following: - Juice of the fresh plant: Drink fresh plant juice (It can be purchased at pharmacies or herbalists or personally obtained by crushing the plant with a mortar and squeezing the crushed fresh plant ito a cloth . Filter it well with a very thick strainer. Take 60 or 150 g daily in divided doses, diluted with water or cold broth vegetables .) - Decoction of the fresh plant: Boil about 5 g of fresh plant per cup of water for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool and take a couple of glasses a day. Cough : celery preparations help soothe the airways and reduce coughing.

(Follow the above prepared fresh plant juice. Sweeten each cup with a tablespoon of honey.) Cold : The antiviral , tonic and febrifuge properties of watercress and its high content of vitamin C and vitamin A, in the form of carotene, can be used to help recover from cold and reduce many of the symptoms that often accompany it ( cough , hoarseness , runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, fever , low, sore throat , etc.) We must not forget that this plant also has fortifying properties that help patients overcome the tiredness that occur after a cold or flu. This reinforcing capacity is due to its content in magnesium , potassium as well as in vitamin C , and vitamin B (especially Pantothenic acid and thiamin ). (Watercress juice syrup dissolved in sugar syrup: Sugar syrup is formed by placing in a saucepan three parts of sugar and one of water. Stir and remove from heat when it starts to boil. Then filter through a cloth canvas. Squeezing the plant to get the same amount of juice in the ground that the amount of sugar syrup. Filter watercress juice with a linen cloth and mix with sugar syrup.

Drink 4 tablespoons daily.) Metabolism: the diuretic, anti-arthritic and cleansing powers of watercress has been used since antiquity to treat metabolic diseases by encouraging the elimination of fluids and blood clearance and filtering organs of our body. Among the main anomalies we can point out the following: - Liquid retention : Watercress is a valuable plant to treat water retention or dropsy. Its high proportion of magnesium, potassium and calcium give it this property, helping to eliminate edema. Use this remedy in cases of oliguria, ie when an amount of less than normal urine. (Place 25 g of fresh plant in a glass of cold water overnight. The next day take 4 tablespoons throughout the day) - Diabetes : The previous components, along with copper and zinc, vitamin C and niacin, confer it anti diabetic properties that have been used widely to diminish the excess of sugar in the blood. (Eat the fresh plant in salads) - Obesity : The diuretic capacity of this plant can help to improve the treatment against obesity. (Eat the fresh plant in salads) - Gallstones or kidney stones: The use of this plant can help to prevent the formation of stones in the kidney or the gallbladder.

Nevertheless, it is used like preventive more than like curative, since it does not have to be administered when the gallbladder or the kidneys are inflamed because it can increase the inflammation. (Eat the fresh plant in salads) - Liver: In case of diseases of the liver , such as liver failure, the watercresses help to clean this organ and facilitate its recovery. (Eat the fresh plant in salads) - Anorexia : Watercresses, as other aromatic plants, contain stimulating principles of the appetite. Its action is due both to the presence of zinc and the sulfur glycoside gluconasturtiin that stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa leading to increased gastric secretions which increases appetite. Eating fresh watercress salad will help anorexics or patients with little appetite to have more appetite. We must not forget, however, that watercress should be eaten in moderation, since an excess of this plant can stimulate too much irritating the stomach. I has also be eaten with a lot of wisdom by those who, by nature, have sensitive or too acidic stomachs. - Vitamin deficiency: The presence of many vitamins can help to prevent or to palliate problems of lack of vitamins (avitaminosis).

Since ancient times this plant has been used for the treatment or prevention of scurvy which is caused by lack of vitamin C. One of the most popular remedies for scurvy remedy is to make a decoction of the fresh plant in milk or wine and drink it over a few days. External use medicinals preparations with watercress Used externally, watercress is one of the best existing vulneraries. It can help cure any problems that occur in the skin. This ability is conferred mainly by the existence of two components that have antiseptic and healing or regenerative properties for skin: ascorbic acid or vitamin C and zinc. On the other hand, the flavonoid routine provides bactericidal properties at the same time helping preserve the vitamin C. Among the main applications, we can mention the following: - Injuries : Applied on a wound the leaves of this plant help healing and protect against infection. (Crush watercress leaves and apply as plasters on the wound) - Boils, sores, abscesses, etc: The same previous treatment can help in healing and healing of the boils, sores, abscesses and other skin problems.

- Mouthulcers or sore tongue: For treatment of mouth ulcers or sore tongue, watercress leaves can be used. We should add a few drops of lemon and a pinch of salt. Subsequently, we will chew this preparation slowly trying the paste formed by mastication reaches the ulcered part of the mouth or the tongue. - Gingivitis : The above preparation is adequate for the treatment of inflammation of the gums. (Stir the watercress pasta with your tongue on the gums) - Baldness : Watercress has been traditionally considered one of the best remedies for hair loss. Antialopecic properties of watercress are due to the presence of zinc and biotin, two components that have proven very effective in maintaining the hair. Therefore they take part of many shampoos and other products to keep your hair in good condition. Celery contains iron, copper, zinc, silica, pyridoxine (B6 Vitamin) or biotin (B7 Vitamin). The deficiency of these components can cause alopecia.

(Crush some leaves of watercress and make friction on the scalp) Toxicity of watercresses Watercress remedies should not be given to people with gastric problems such as gastritis , intestinal ulcer gastric ulcer and those suffering from kidney or gallbladder. Overabundant use of this plant through food or through medicinal preparations can cause irritation of the kidneys or bladder. They can also irritate the stomach in people with weak or too acidic stomachs . Watercress preparations should not be given to persons under four years. You are required to buy plants in trusted stores and wash them properly. No wild plants must be collected for internal use since they may be contaminated and can transmit many diseases. More information on watercress in the listing above. Other interesting articles This material is for informational purposes only. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication. © 1999-2016 Botanical-Online SL. All rights reserved. Watercress Facts, Health Benefits and Nutritional Value More facts about Watercress Nasturtium officinale referred to as Watercress, is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant.

Watercress is genetically and closely related to mustard plant sharing their pungent and peppery flavor. Nasturtium officinale, which is widely used as a vegetable, is a species of Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton, native to Western Asia, Europe, India and Africa. Other common names of Watercress include Common cress and Garden cress. This perennial plant can reach a height of 16 inches (41 cm). The white flowers are only 3 to 5 mm in length which has four petals. This herb is cultivated for its stems and leaves which are used in salads as well as garnishing. It could found in found in cold clumps and freshwater. Watercress is loaded with various antioxidant and anticancer properties as well as minerals and vitamins. Various varieties of watercress are: Garden cress, Korean Watercress, Nasturtium, Upland cress, Cuckoo flower and Winter cress. History Native to Western Asia, Europe, India and Africa, today it is widely distributed around the whole world. It is introduced to South and North America, Australia, Southern Africa and New Zealand.

As it was introduced to Canada and United States, it is found in every state and provinces. Watercress is common in Pacific Northwest and also found in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. It is considered as the old plant from the times of Greeks and Romans. Greeks used Watercress to maintain the healthy liver and as a blood cleanser. Watercress was used since the 1st century as a therapeutic herb. It was provided to the children for the development and to treat psychological illness. Within 1800’s, it became popular as a common tea in the Southern England. Romans used Watercress for their peppery taste in the salads where only vinegar and oil were added to enhance its flavor. As it provides zing or life to the salads, Watercress is known everywhere. Reportedly, Watercress was originally cultivated by Nicholas Messier all over 16th century in the Germany. In the nineteenth century, the industrial cultivation of Watercress was carried out. It got introduced in Canada, South America, West Indies, United States where it was naturalized because in US, the weather conditions was right with plenty water where the Watercress spread.

Today, United States is considered as the highest cultivator of Watercress in the world. Regional in Europe and Asia, Watercress is loaded with minerals and vitamins such as iodine, calcium, potassium, Vitamin E, A and C. Plant Nasturtium officinale grows 16 inches (41 cm) in height. The leaves are pinnately lobed, alternate, shiny, green and 6 inches long. The flowers are 3-5 mm long with four white petals. The fruit is 10-25 mm long and 2 mm wide. It has thin root which are white, fibrous and abundant. The plant grows in a wet and rich soil. Nutritional Value One cup of raw Watercress (about 34 grams) contains only 4 calories. One cup of Watercress also provides 0.03 gram of fat, 0.78 gram of protein and 0.44 grams of carbohydrate (including 0.07 grams of sugar and 0.2 grams of fiber).

Consuming one cup of Watercress will meet 70.83% of Vitamin K, 16.22% of Vitamin C, 7.71% of Vitamin A, 4.10% of Calcium, 3.61% of Manganese, 2.38% of Potassium and 2.27% of Vitamin E as well as thiamin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, phosphorus and magnesium needs of one. Health Benefits of Watercress Watercress is a green leaf vegetable which is an excellent source of minerals. It also provides good amount of vitamins and proteins. Along with antioxidants, it has anti-cancer properties which help to prevent prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer. It is also good to maintain the cardiovascular health, eliminates free radicals and prevents cell damage. Eliminates carcinogens The study shows that the extract of Watercress helps to detoxify the environmental toxicants and carcinogens which are found in the cigarette and also provides a negative impact on the health. Smokers are at high chances for getting lung cancer. The intake of Watercress extract prevents the smokers from developing the cancer and acts a great cancer fighting tool.

The trial shows that the extract of Watercress reduced the activation of nicotin by about 7.7 percent. ( 1 ) Prevent breast cancer The compound found in Watercress interferes in the protein function “Hypoxia Inducible Factor” which plays a vital role in the development of cancer. The research shows that the intake of Watercress interrupts the pathway which is associated with the cancer development. The study conducted on breast cancer patients shows that with an intake of 80 grams of Watercress, it assists to limit the growth of cancer in women. The study shows that the phytochemical compound found in Watercress enhances the defense power and also protects the cells. Watercress possess high amount of Vitamin C that helps to lower the oxidative stress caused due to cancer. ( 2 ) Colorectal cancer The studies have provided the mix results but many have made conclusions that the intake of folate in the regular basis helps to prevent the colorectal cancer. It was seen when the folate was intake for more than 15 years. Thyroid ailments Watercress belongs to the family brassica that provides the beneficial and positive effect on maintaining the thyroid health.

Watercress helps to decrease the production of thyroid hormones and considered more beneficial when consumed raw. In order to maintain the nutritional value, Watercress should be steamed lightly. Prevent cardiovascular conditions Along with the nutrients, Watercress possesses secondary metabolites that help to reduce the chances of chronic diseases. The plants such as Watercress help to reduce LDL cholesterol that helps to reduce the chances of cardiovascular conditions such as chronic heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Watercress also possesses Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant and reduces damage of heart tissue which are the cause of oxidative stress. Vitamin C plays an active role in the embryonic cells process that develops into cardiac mycocytes and improves heart health. Strong bones Watercress is rich in calcium which helps to lower the chances of osteoporosis. Calcium helps to build and repair bones by increasing the osteoblasts production. The calcium is effective for the youthful as well as aging population and it helps to enhance the bone density. It possesses the good amount of folate which is a vital nutrient to maintain the bone density. The post-menopausal women could be benefited by including folate in the die as it prevents the osteoporosis conditions.

Calcium The consumption of calcium through dietary intake helps to prevent the conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Watercress is helpful to adverse the cardiac effects. The addition of 500 mg to the daily diet is enough for women. The food sources are the healthiest way to maintain the adequate amount of calcium in the body. The studies show that the daily intake of Watercress helps to repair the damage cells and prevent some cancers, thyroid ailments and cardiovascular conditions. Folate Folate is a nutrient which has a vital role to maintain health and prevent birth defects. The alcohol consumption might affect the folate levels. The foods rich in folate such as Watercress help to prevent and treat some health conditions. The folate intake also helps to reduce the stroke, depression, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and neural defects in babies. Antidepressant activity Low level of folate is the cause of excess intake of alcohol or low dietary intake. The study shows that low level of folate increases the chances of depression. It also affects the neurotransmitter pathways of central nervous system that effects the production of serotonin. Watercress acts a vital dietary supplement which helps to reduce the chances of depression.

Prevent strokes The study shows that the positive result was found due intake of fortified foods in the prevention of stroke. The folate rich foods such as Watercress could be consumed instead of fortified foods in the same level to obtain the health benefit and nutrients. Healthy pregnancy Folate is vital for embryo development and cellular division. In addition to that the intake of 400 mcg of folate on regular basis by the pregnant women lowers the chances of neural tube defects. Watercress has high amount of folate that helps to reduce the chances of neural tube deficiency while pregnant. Cognitive health Folate prevents the cognitive decline. The study shows that the intake o f800 mcg of folate on regular basis has a positive effect on cognition as well a verbal fluency. The addition of Watercress prevents the chances of cognitive decline as it is rich in folate. Vitamin C Vitamin C has the ability to treat the physiological systems and prevent disease when it is consumed in high amount. Watercress is rich in Vitamin C more than in orange which helps to maintain the adequate amount of Vitamin C in blood levels that has various health benefits.

It also helps to repair the brain tissues, lowers the chances of blood cell damage as well as common cold. Brain health Vitamin C helps to prevent the changes in cognition such as Alzheimer’s. It assist to lower the bleeding in the stoke occurrence. Those with traumatic head injury have the lower Vitamin C in the blood. The studies show that Watercress prevents the damage and also improves the brain function and injury. The high amount of Vitamin C assists in the neuron activities. RBC The study shows that the intake of Vitamin C with Vitamin E helps to lower the oxidative damage to the RBC (Red blood cells). The study is associated with the high intake of Watercress and the nutrients found in the Watercress are beneficial to the body. Eye health The study results that Vitamin C effectively reduces the chances of cataract development. Watercress is an excellent source of Vitamin C which is effective in preventing the cataract. Cures common cold Vitamin C treats the common cold effectively. The study conducted shows that the intake of Vitamin C rich food helps to lower the chances of common cold by almost 66 percent. Watercress is an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps to reduce the chances of catching cold.

Treats asthma The study which was conducted on the children having asthma showed that the high amount of Vitamin C of 0.2 grams daily helps to provide relief from the pediatric asthma. It raises the forced expiratory volume (FEV). The dampness and mold exposure result to increase in 21% whereas no exposure result to 37% increases of FEV per second. Traditional uses Leaves are rich in minerals and vitamin content and assists in digestion. It is used as stimulant and expectorant to treat bronchitis, coughs and assists to maintain blood sugar level. Watercress is also used to treat tuberculosis. In China, the soup of watercress to cure canker sores on lips or tongue, mouth blisters, bad teeth, swollen gums and foul breath. The juice or tea of Watercress is used to eliminate collected fluids in the body tissue such as congestion and gout. Watercress is believed to be diuretic used to aid in the kidney or bladder stones. The juice extracted from fresh leaves helps to cure acne, ringworm, eczema, rashes, skin irritations as well as infections. It is also used to treat tuberculosis and scurvy.

How to Eat The raw leaves are consumed as salad greens or steamed as vegetable. Watercress could be added to soups, stews, sauces, stir-fries, pizzas and sandwiches. The dried leaves are used to make herbal tea. The sprigs of Watercress could be used to garnish the veggies. The leaves are also used to prepare omelets, quiche, pies, casseroles, rice dishes, dips and stuffing. Watercress could be used as a garish on cold salmon or egg dishes. The sliced leaves of Watercress could be combined with butter and used as a spread. Other Facts The intake of Watercress is believed as a cure for a hangover. The Army of U.S. planted watercress in the fort garden ahead western trails as a foodstuff for soldiers. Roman emperors consume Watercress in order to make old decisions. Watercress is the member of mustard family and was originated in Ancient Greece which remains a basic part of diet of Mediterranean. Watercress soup was the popular British dishes in the 17th century. Greeks says that the consumption of cress makes witty.

It was brought to the United States by immigrants of European in Mid 1800s. Watercress is used as a hair tonic and enhances the hair growth. Precautions The intake of Watercress for long time may cause bladder issues or cystitis due to its effective diuretic qualities. Those with bladder swelling should avoid the Watercress consumption because it promotes bladder pain. The people with hyperthyroidism should prevent Watercress because it has high amount of iodine. Those people with medication should an advice from doctors before consuming watercress or its juice.

Question: Which salad plant has the scientific name Nasturtium officinale
Answer: Watercress