Nasturtium is a pretty little herb that still brightens up many gardens throughout most of the year in the Bay of Plenty. Some of you may know it can be used in salads – the flowers and seeds have a slightly peppery taste. It also has some terrific effects when used as an Herbal Medicine. As an herbal medicine Nasturtium, which has the botanical name Tropaeolum majus, is used as a tea, or as a liquid extract when a greater or more specific effect is needed. The liquid extract is a much stronger concentrated form; the alcohol in the extract helps to draw out more of the medicinal actions of the herb. For this reason care has to be taken to follow the recommended doses of Liquid Herbal Extracts.
Nasturtium helps the body get rid of excess fluid; i.e. it has a diuretic action [1]. Fluid retention can be associated with a number of health problems; so it is best to investigate and understand the reasons it may be happening to you.
Many Pharmaceutical diuretics have a bad side effect of also ridding the body of potassium, however, Nasturtium has no effect on potassium levels [1, 2]. Additionally, some diuretics can put a strain on the kidneys, however, research on Nasturtium shows it is does not adversely affect the kidneys and is safe to use [2].
Nasturtium helps support immunity on many levels; it helps to fight infections and assists recovery. In a large study in Germany it was found to be as effective as antibiotics in treating acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis and acute urinary tract infection and was deemed safer too [3]!
Research has found Nasturtium contains certain compounds in it that help reduce blood pressure [4].
Always seek advice before using any herbal medicines. For help with your health problems herbal medicine will be tailored and prepared specially to suit your needs.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more or to book your Naturopathic consultation; call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
Original Article April 2015
Copyright Jaine Kirtley
References
1. Gasparotto Junior A, Boffo MA, Lourenço ELB, Stefanello MEA, Kassuya CAL, Marques MCA: Natriuretic and diuretic effects of Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae) in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2009, 122:517-522. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Natriuretic+and+diuretic+effects+of+Tropaeolum+majus+(Tropaeolaceae)+in+rats.+Journal+of+Ethnopharmacology
2. Gasparotto Junior A, Gasparotto FM, Boffo MA, Lourenço ELB, Stefanello MÉA, Salvador MJ, da Silva-Santos JE, Marques MCA, Kassuya CAL: Diuretic and potassium-sparing effect of isoquercitrin—An active flavonoid of Tropaeolum majus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2011, 134:210-215. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21163342
3. Goos K-H, Albrecht U, Schneider B: Efficacy and safety profile of a herbal drug containing nasturtium herb and horseradish root in acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis and acute urinary tract infection in comparison with other treatments in the daily practice/results of a prospective cohort study. Arzneimittel-Forschung 2006, 56:249-257. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/articles/16618018/
4. Gasparotto Junior A, Gasparotto FM, Lourenço ELB, Crestani S, Stefanello MEA, Salvador MJ, da Silva-Santos JE, Marques MCA, Kassuya CAL: Antihypertensive effects of isoquercitrin and extracts from Tropaeolum majus L.: Evidence for the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2011, 134:363-372. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21185932
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