Cresson au Poulet

A genus of six species of perennials, distributed through Europe to C Asia. The plant commonly known as nasturtium is Tropaeolum majus (See, Garden Nasturtium). Commercial cultivation of watercress (N. officinale began in the 19th century; it is now grown in most parts of Europe. In some countries, such as New Zealand, it has become a serious weed of waterways. Nasturtium officinale contains a volatile mustard oil and compounds similar to those in Raphanus sativus (See, Radish), with a characteristic burning taste. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, iodine, and calcium. Many watercress beds are stocked with mild-flavored hybrids of N. officinale, which grow through the winter, allowing up to ten crops a year. Nasturtium comes from the Latin nasus tortus, "twisted nose", referring to the pungent taste of these plants.

The Latin name for watercress, Nasturtium, comes from the words nasus tortus ("twisted nose"), because of the herb's hot, peppery taste. The spicy taste is due to a compound called phenylethylisothiocyanate (PEITC), which has been shown to have powerful anticancer properties. Watercress is a stimulant and expectorant and has long been used as a treatment for coughs and bronchitis. It is also used as a diuretic, to promote digestion, and, in poultice form, to ease the pain of arthritis and gout.

Aquatic, evergreen perennial with floating, freely rooting stems and dark green, pungent-tasting, pinnate leaves, divided into 3-5 pairs of elliptic to ovate leaflets, and a broadly heart-shaped terminal leaflet. Tiny, 4-petaled white flowers are produced throughout summer, followed by upward-pointing, narrow pods about 1cm (3/8in) long.


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