{"id":13231,"date":"2024-08-01T14:36:46","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=13231"},"modified":"2025-11-08T12:07:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T12:07:24","slug":"nasturtium","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/nasturtium\/","title":{"rendered":"Nasturtium"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":13236,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"01b50cfb-20b3-401d-9024-df9dbb0afc82","beyondwords_preview_token":"0350337e-24b4-42ee-a9ad-dbfc59864caa","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1682,1783],"conditions":[694,699,695,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[16,17],"western_action":[989,992,993,994,1008,1010,1827,1020,1024,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1491,1379,1488,1497],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-13231","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-rubefacient","tag-urinary-antiseptic","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-hot","sense-aromatic","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-diuretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-rubefacient","western_action-stimulant","western_action-vasodilator","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-neutralising","energetics_action-hot","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-pungent","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240801","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Nasturtiums are a pungent wild food with medicinal properties","latin_name":"Tropaeolum majus<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Tropaeolaceae ","herb_summary":"This garden plant is used in herbal medicine as a respiratory and urinary antiseptic. It has multiple properties that support and protect the cardiovascular system. It also has a tradition of use for hair loss.","key_benefits":"Urinary antiseptic \r\nRespiratory infections\r\nDecongestant\r\nPeripheral vasodilator\r\nAlterative and blood tonic\r\nAntimicrobial\r\nInfected wounds\r\nAlopecia and hair loss","how_does_it_feel":"The leaves and flowers of nasturtium are peppery, pungent and spicy. The taste is quite similar to watercress. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":13234,"hdif_image_2":13236,"hdif_image_3":13240,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qYmv1PoISDw","sense":[17,16],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_13237\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Nasturtium Nasturtium flower (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNasturtiums are both edible and medicinal and can easily be grown in the garden. The flowers, leaves and seeds, which all have a hot and pungent taste, can all be consumed fresh in salads and in other culinary dishes. Its spicy taste is due to the presence of compounds known as mustard seed oils. The mustard seed oils in nasturtium have been proven to be effective against many bacterias, viruses and fungal infections. The leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are rich in antioxidants and other vital nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc and iron. They also contain aromatic oils and carotenoids which have antioxidant effects (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nNasturtium is most well known as a urinary antiseptic, which may be useful for a threatening <\/span>urinary tract infection<\/span><\/a> (UTI) \u2014 this is most often taken as an infusion (tea). It combines well with herbs like <\/span>hibiscus<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>cornsilk<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>plantain<\/span><\/a> for UTIs and works by reducing inflammation whilst also addressing the bacterial imbalance (1,2). It also increases diuresis (3). These are all important actions for herbs used to approach the treatment of UTIs.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn modern herbalism, nasturtium is considered to be an important herb for the treatment of cystitis and as part of a healing strategy for recurrent UTIs (2,3). However, it is important to note that whilst it may be able to assist in acute infections, serious or recurrent UTIs are most effectively treated under the care of a medical herbalist. Oftentimes these types of presentations require a course of treatment under the care of a herbalist to help address the root cause.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nNasturtiums can be eaten or drunk as an infusion to help reduce the symptoms of colds and flus, particularly where there is catarrh in the upper respiratory tract, cough and bronchitis (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Germany, a herbal antibiotic made with nasturtium and\u00a0<\/span>horseradish<\/span><\/a> root is used to treat acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis und acute UTIs. Its anti-infective effects are due to the presence of volatile oils in nasturtium, such as myristicin, <\/span>\u03b1<\/span>-terpinolene and limonene (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nDue to nasturtium\u2019s spicy and pungent nature, it has a warming and stimulating effect on the <\/span>cardiovascular system <\/span><\/a>which helps to improve the function of the peripheral microcirculation. Consequently, it can also help to reduce mild muscular pains, menstrual pain, hair loss and assist in the healing of infected and slow-healing wounds (4).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_13238\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Nasturtium Nasturtium salad (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nNasturtium is a hot and pungent relaxing vasotonic alterative. It has what may be seen as opposing or contradictory effects on the vascular system \u2014 as it both tones and relaxes the capillaries.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese effects on the cardiovascular system are in fact symbiotic and they can offer valuable physiological support for those who hold tension or constriction with a simultaneous weakness of the vascular tissues. Nasturtium allows for improved integrity of the vasculature systemically, whilst relaxing the vascular tissue (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a warming, pungent medicine, nasturtium exerts great influence on the <\/span>cardiovascular system<\/span><\/a> by innovating the cells through improved blood movement \u2014 this effect reaches every organ system through its primary influence upon the circulation. Due to this deeply nourishing and warming effect, nasturtium helps to improve an overall sense of vitality and radiance in the body and mind (5).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Nasturtium was brought to Europe from South America in the 16th century. By the 18th century, the use of nasturtium as medicine became more common throughout Europe. Their high vitamin C content meant they were sometimes used in the treat scurvy, a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency which was common among sailors (6).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_13235\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Bottle Bottle nasturtium tincture (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nNasturtium has a significant impact on the <\/span>cardiovascular system<\/span> through its ability to both relax and tone the vasculature (3). Its vasodilatory effects may be relevant for the treatment of coronary heart disease alongside other herbs that can help support the cardiovascular system on both an anatomical and physiological level (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has been\u00a0shown to exhibit pronounced diuretic and antihypertensive activities, along with a number of other positive effects on the cardiovascular system, through its anti-sclerotic and antioxidant actions (2,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nStudies have explored the effects of nasturtiums in diabetic patients for its cardioprotective potential. A randomised crossover trial, involving a 10-patient study, found a reduction of blood lipid profile and low definition lipoproteins, risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhilst modern herbalists may not use nasturtiums as frequently as they may have once had, there is mounting evidence for its positive potential for improving cardiovascular health.<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nNasturtium is indicated in cold, damp and phlegmatic conditions of the respiratory system, often characterised by excess mucus production, such as cough, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma (2). It helps to address excess phlegm and stagnation by encouraging expectoration from the lungs.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNasturtium is used to treat bacterial infections in the<\/span> respiratory system<\/span><\/a> due to its antimicrobial activities (1,4). One of the compounds thought to be important for these bacteriostatic effects is called benzyl isothiocyanate, which is eliminated via respiration. This means it passes directly through the air sacs in the lungs (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe strong volatile components in nasturtium also acteffectively as a respiratory decongestant. The pungent compounds in nasturtium called glucosinolates contain portions of sulphur, which exhibit some antibacterial activity. These effects can be valuable in fighting chronic respiratory infections characterised by mucous congestion (3,10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nStudies have explored the effects of glucosinolates and their by-products on SARS COVID-19 virus. The findings suggest that their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines (proteins that moderate immune response via cell signalling that initiates cell activation, differentiation and proliferation). Sometimes the body produces a severe immune reaction during a viral infection, in which the body releases an excess of these cytokines into the blood too quickly \u2014 a reaction which has been observed in covid patients. The effects of glucosinolates may be useful in helping to reduce the risk of what is known as a cytokine storm (10).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nOne of nasturtium\u2019s most common uses is as a natural urinary antiseptic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory medicine. It is used to address bacterial infections in the<\/span> urinary system<\/span><\/a> (2). The antibacterial compound benzyl isothiocyanate in nasturtium is eliminated via the urinary system which explains why this herb has a strong reputation for use in urinary tract infections (9). This application also extends, in its traditional use, to kidney stones (2).<\/span>\r\n

Skin and hair<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe juice of nasturtium has been traditionally used to treat lipomas, polyps and other skin conditions. Internal use of the tincture may also be useful for alopecia and baldness whilst other references suggest using an infusion (topically) to help stimulate hair growth and relieve dandruff (2). Many herbalists may recommend using a topical and internal approach to treatment.<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMustard oil glycosides are present in nasturtiums, as well as herbs like horseradish, cabbage and black mustard. These compounds are a primary irritant which is why repeated contact with plant material on the skin can have abrasive effects. However, this action is sometimes exploited for the benefit of localised joint inflammations through topical application of a poultice or ligament. This rubefacient action promotes localised increased blood flow, which can help draw the natural healing qualities in the body to the affected area (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nInternal use of nasturtiums also may be helpful in reducing inflammation and poor blood movement that can contribute to muscular pains, these effects occur due to nasturtium\u2019s ability to improve peripheral micro-circulation thus increasing blood supply to the muscles (4).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_13242\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Red Red nasturtium flowers (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are currently very few quality human clinical trials on nasturtiums. However, studies have been carried out to analyse its pharmacological actions. Through in vitro research, nasturtiums have been shown to have potent antibacterial activities. The studies demonstrated antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of nasturtium juice which were determined by the Wells method. The juice of nasturtium was highly active against <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Escherichia coli<\/span><\/i> (2).<\/span>\r\n

A pilot study: Effects of nasturtium on insulin resistance and lipid profile in pre-diabetic patients<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA randomised crossover pilot study was carried out to explore the effects of nasturtium on patients with insulin resistance using freeze-dried nasturtium drink. Ten patients were assigned to either receive a nasturtium drink or a placebo for a period of four\u00a0weeks. After this time, the treatments were crossed for another four\u00a0weeks. Biomarkers related to insulin resistance and lipid profile were measured at the beginning and the end of the treatment. The results showed a significant decrease in the concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as oxidised LDL in the treatment group. The study concludes that nasturtium may affect biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease that are abnormal in patients with type II diabetes (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nNasturtium (Indian cress,\u00a0<\/span>Tropaeolum majus nanum<\/span><\/i>) dually blocks the COX and LOX pathway in primary human immune cells.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAn in vitro study was carried out to investigate the potential of aqueous extract of nasturtium to inhibit inflammatory responses in primary human cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were either treated with plant extracts or chemical fractions. The study identified that nasturtium caused a strong concentration dependent suppression of a specific inflammatory signalling pathway suggesting that the mechanism of action is unique to this plant and also different to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study provides some insight into the mechanism for nastrurtium\u2019s anti-inflammatory effects. Further clinical research is required to fully explore the potential of this herb in the management of inflammation (12).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The compounds in nasturtium that are responsible for its pungent properties are called glucosinolates. They are also found in horseradish and mustard. These compounds in themselves are not pungent, but when they come into contact with the enzyme myrosinoase located within the plant cells, the aglycone is formed which then rearranges into the pungent chemicals that are so characteristic of these plants.<\/span>\r\n\r\nGlucosinolates have been well researched through in vitro, in vivo and human studies for their anti-carcinogenic properties. They are also found in high levels in brassica vegetables (13).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":238012},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"The leaves are flat, peltate (shield shaped or like water lily), nearly circular and deep green in colour with light-coloured veins radiating from the central petiole. They can be grown up to 4\u201d across on some plants. The flowers are bright yellow to orange or red. They have five petals and a funnel-shaped nectar spur towards the back. The flowers can grow to more than 2\u00bd\u201d wide. The plants produce three-segmented fruit, each portion with a single large seed. In warm climates, it blooms and seeds all year round (16).<\/span>","common_names":"