Common Name: |
Cresson au Poulet |
Other Names: |
Berro, Indian Cress, Nasturtii Herba, Scurvy Grass, Tall Nasturtium, Watercress. |
Botanical Name: |
Nasturtium officinale syn. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum |
Genus: |
Nasturtium |
Family: |
Brassicaceae |
Native Location: |
Cosmopolitan |
Cultivation: |
Shallow, flowing, slightly alkaline water, in sun, at bout 10°C (50°F). May be grown in pots, using rich soil mix and standing the pots in a dish of water, changing the water daily. Three or four cuttings are sufficient for a 15-21cm (6-8in) pot. Pinch out to encourage bushiness and delay flowering. |
Propagation: |
By root cuttings in water during the growing season. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are cut as required and used whole or liquefied. Gathering from the wild is not recommended in view of the frequent occurence in watercourses of pollutants and pathogenic organisms. |
Height: |
10-65cm (4-26in) |
Width: |
Indefinite |
Hardiness: |
Z6-9 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, shoots, Entire flowering plant, Various parts of the entire plant, frequently differing by country and culture. |
Chemical Constituents: |
Several trace element minerals, such as vanadium and cobalt
Vitamins A, C, B1 and B2
|
Properties: |
A bitter, pungent, stimulant herb that clears toxins, benefits the digestion, and has diuretic and expectorant effects. |
Known Effects: |
Provides a good source of vitamins and minerals to treat or prevent various deficiencies.
Miscellaneous Information:
Watercress is a nutritious food source.
Toxicity is unlikely.
|
Possible Additional Effects: |
May treat kidney infections
May treat urinary bladder stones
May increase urine flow
May treat heart disease
May diminish pain during childbirth
|
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for edema, mucus, bronchitis, wet coughs, skin eruptions, rheumatism, anemia, debility associated with chronic disease, and gall bladder complaints. To treat cough, bronchitis, flu, scurvy, and goiter; to improve digestion and stimulate the appetite. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of watercress to treat cough and bronchitis. |
Typical Dose: |
A typical daily dose of watercress may range from 4 to 6 gm of the dried herb. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Watercress's side effects include gastrointestinal irritation. |
Drug Interactions: |
Taking watercress with these drugs may be harmful: |
Acetaminophen, (Tylenol, Genepap)may increase the risk of adverse affects of the drug, especially liver damage. |
Chlorzoxazone, (Strifion Forte)may increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of the drug. |
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)may interfere with the action of the drug. |
|
Warnings and Precautions: |
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future.
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Pregnancy:
Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breastfeeding:
Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and Children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry area away from direct light. Don't freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
Safe Dosage:
Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
|
Lab Test Alterations: |
May decrease plasma prothrombin time (PT) and plasma international normalized ratio (INR) due to vitamin K content. |
Disease Effects: |
May worsen ulcers or inflammatory kidney disease. |
Culinary Uses: |
Traditionally eaten as a spring tonic. Leaves are added to salads, blended with butter as a spread, made into soup, and sauce for fish; also as a garnish, especially for cold salmon. |
Bibliography: |
The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001. Pg 287 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.480-481 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals, & Supplements The Complete Guide. by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 457-458 |