Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are colorful flowers that are not just edible, but popular for their slight spicy taste. These vibrant-colored blooms are rich in vitamin C, lutein, manganese, magnesium, iron, flavonoids, and beta carotene.

The benefits of nasturtiums include their ability to destroy free radicals, treat skin conditions, alleviate kidney problems, promote hair growth, soothe coughs, and combat urinary tract infections. In addition, nasturtium boosts the immune system, alleviates muscle pain, tackles fungal infections, protects against cardiovascular diseases, treats sore throats, and even fights cancer.

These flowers are also used to produce nasturtium vinegar, add flavor to salads, decorate cakes and can be incorporated into soups and dishes.

Health Benefits of Nasturtium

Nasturtium is highly nutritious and effective for tackling a number of health problems. Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of this powerful flower.

Rich in Vitamin C

The human body stores only a small amount of vitamin C, and when deficiencies occur, it can lead to certain health conditions. The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include bleeding gums, mood swings, painful joints, fatigue, oxidative stress, and weight gain.

Luckily, nasturtium contains vitamin C which reduces a person’s risk of contracting infections, boosts immunity, lower chronic inflammation, detoxifies the body, and decreases oxidative damage.  Due to its rich vitamin C content, nasturtium is able to combat coughs, flu, and cold.

Has Antiseptic Effects

As a herb with antiseptic properties, nasturtium helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms, halt the spread of germs, and lower the risk of infections. When applied to wounds and injuries, nasturtium prevents the formation of pus by blocking the growth of infectious organisms.

Furthermore, nasturtium acts as antibacterial and antimicrobial as well, making it beneficial as first aid intervention for wounds.

Alleviates Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is often the result of an over-stretching of ligaments and abnormal movement around the joints. Luckily, nature has provided us with remedies that relieve these conditions. Using herbal remedies like nasturtium, which contains vitamin C, may offer relief for muscle pain and decrease inflammation.

Nasturtiums are chock-full of nutrients that can speed up the healing of bruises and pain in the muscle. The plant may help reduce muscle spasms and get rid of substances like lactic acid that are produced by sore muscles.

Stimulates the Formation of New Blood Cells

The human blood is made of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These blood cells are actually produced within the bone marrow. In fact, to tackle infections, the bone marrow produces more white blood cells while to respond to bleeding, it releases more platelets.

In treating chronic health issues like blood disorders, nasturtium leaves come highly recommended as studies suggest that nasturtium leaves stimulate the formation of new blood cells in the body.

Contains Antibiotic Properties

Nasturtium is one of the herbs that contain strong antimicrobial effects, making them effective for combating fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Antibiotics like nasturtium are highly recommended for treating UTIs, Candida infections, diarrhea, sore throats, colds, and coughs.

By simply eating some nasturtium leaves, you would be reducing the symptoms of the above-mentioned conditions.

Acts as a Natural Expectorant

Coughs are not exactly serious health problems, but persistent coughs can be unpleasant. It can become worrisome when coughs disturb your sleep and disrupt daily activities. Fortunately, there a number of natural expectorants that alleviates the symptoms of coughs.  Expectorants are substances that loosen mucus and facilitate their elimination.

While there are several conventional cough medicines at our disposal, they mostly contain components that may be harmful to our health. But nasturtium is a natural expectorant that breaks down mucus and eases breathing. The leaves of nasturtium are used to prepare herbal teas that soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughs.

However, it is important to keep in mind that if the coughing persists after two weeks, you should check with a medical doctor to rule out any serious infection.

Boosts Hair Growth

Hair loss is a common problem that manifests slowly in the forms of balding and hair thinning. While a host of commercial hair care products promise lush and healthy hair, their effects on the scalp may be damaging. Thankfully, the use of herbs like nasturtium can reverse hair loss and boost hair growth.

Nasturtium is one plant that is not just pretty but contains beneficial properties for hair growth. The herb is a natural hair treatment for strengthening hair follicles, treating dandruff, and cleansing the scalp. Nasturtium gets rid of excess oils from the scalp and inhibits clogging.

However, when nasturtium paste is applied on the scalp, it may help stimulate the capillaries and boost the circulation of oxygen, blood, and nutrients in the hair. You can apply the paste to the scalp and leave it in for some hours before rinsing off with water. When blood circulation improves, hair growth improves as well.

For general hair treatment, simply add a cup each of nasturtium, rosemary, and nettle to a kettle of water. After heating for about 20 minutes, cool the mixture, and drain the water. Massage this extract into your scalp and rinse after a while.

Good for the Skin

We all want to achieve beautiful, glowing, and perfect skin. But sadly, sometimes, we use the wrong beauty products that cause our skin harm. If you desire an authentic improvement in your skin health, then go for natural alternatives like nasturtium.

As we stated earlier, nasturtium leaves contain antiseptic properties which may help in fighting bacteria. Simply make a facial mask to help you get rid of acne from your face.  Also, the vitamin C contained in this flowering plant may tone your skin and make it free from blemishes.

Side Effects of Nasturtium

Nasturtium is generally considered safe but the herb may result in kidney damage, gastrointestinal issues, and several other adverse effects.

• If you are considering using nasturtium, you should keep the following in mind:
• There aren’t enough studies on the safety of nasturtium, especially when taken orally.
• While nasturtium may be safe when applied topically to the skin, it may lead to skin irritation if used for a prolonged period of time.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to steer clear of nasturtium as it may not be safe for them. Nasturtium induces menstruation and may cause miscarriage.
• Children should not be given nasturtium by mouth as there is no evidence on the safety of the herb for them.
• People who suffer from stomach ulcers or kidney disease are advised to avoid the use of nasturtium.

Dosage

The right dose of nasturtium is largely dependent on the user’s health condition and age. Doctors and herb experts are often in the best position to determine dosage and recommend a herb.

Bottom Line

Nasturtium is a flowering plant that is used for herbal medicine. The plant is believed to boost the immune system, prevent hair loss, combat cancer, destroy free radicals, treat sore throats, protect against cardiovascular disease, soothe coughs, treat skin problems, alleviate kidney problems, and combat urinary tract infections.

These flowers can be used in the production of nasturtium vinegar, added as flavor to salads, used to decorate cakes and incorporated into soups and dishes.

However, as with all herbs, you should discuss with your doctor before using nasturtium.