What is the Herb Nasturtium Edible?

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Nasturtium is an attractive herb with bright flowers. Herb Nasturtium or Nasturtium Edible is regarded as a green vegetable in Southern France and Italy. Nasturtium tea is used by the natives in Peru to treat flu, cough and cold. The scientific name of Nasturtium is "Tropaeolum majus" and is native to South America.

Nasturtium is an attractive herb with bright flowers. Herb Nasturtium or Nasturtium Edible is regarded as a green vegetable in Southern France and Italy. Nasturtium tea is used by the natives in Peru to treat flu, cough and cold. The scientific name of Nasturtium is "Tropaeolum majus" and is native to South America. Nasturtium is commonly known by names such as Indian Cress and garden Nasturtium. But it shouldn’t be confused with watercress which belongs to the mustard family. It is an annual herb that grows abundantly and easily by self-seeding. The stem, leaves, flowers and seeds of the plant are used widely in green salads. The chopped leaves are used to perk up eggs, vegetable dishes and mayonnaise based salads.

How does the Herb Nasturtium Edible look like?

Nasturtium is grown in many gardens as an ornamental plant. The leaves are round and flat with stems emerging underneath in the centre that resemble like little umbrellas. The flowers are attractive and large, seen in different bright colors such as orange, red and yellow. The showy flowers have five or more petals with a nectar tube at the back and bloom all through summer attracting butterflies and humming birds.

What are the uses of Herb Nasturtium Edible?

• The edible nasturtium flowers can lend color, flavor and perk up any recipe. Nasturtium flowers are used to spice up and produce colorful vinegar. This can be made by steeping a handful of flowers of the same color in white vinegar for a few weeks. The colored vinegar can be used as a salad dressing with olive oil. The colorful flowers can be also used as a garnish for soups and rice dishes. 
• The leaves of the Nasturtium have a radish-like flavor and can be used in salads or sandwiches. Shredded leaves can be a substitute for parsley.
• The seed pods are also edible and have a peppery flavor that is ideally pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
• Nasturtium also has many health benefits and used for medicinal purposes. It is used in combination with other herbs like Echinacea and Garlic to derive a tincture with antibiotic effects. It can combat common infections like cold, flu, bronchitis as well as reproductive infections.

What is the recommended dosage for Herb Nasturtium Edible?

It is best to follow the directions printed on commercial preparations or seek the advice of an herbalist regarding the dosage of the herb. Nasturtium tea is made by steeping 2 to 3 leaves for ten minutes in boiling water. One can consume tea thrice a day. Moreover, three fresh leaves can be consumed every day instead of the tea. In Nasturtium tincture form, the recommended dosage is 40 drops taken twice a day.

Are there any side-effects with Herb Nasturtium Edible?

Nasturtium is contraindicated for use on infants and small children. The herb constitutes benzyl mustard oil which produces skin irritation and may also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Hence people suffering from kidney problems, intestinal or gastric ulcers should not consume them orally. An overdose of Nasturtium can lead to albuminuria (excessive proteins in the urine).

For more information on related topics, click on the links below:

Health Benefits of Rosemary

Herbal Help for Cough and Cold

Arugula : Best Salad Green Ever

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