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Nasturtium
It is a plant of the genus Tropaeolum, usually grown for their orange, yellow or red flowers. The common garden nasturtium is an annual that has given rise to many varieties differing in stature and in colour or flavour. The leaves and flowers of this plant can be eaten in salads and the young fruits can be picked and used like capers. It is cultivated in Andean Highlands for its tubers that are used for food. It contains vitamins and minerals. It is very delicious and nutritious.
Benefit and uses of Nasturtium.
- The Nasturtium plant has been used as a specific in the treatment of tuberculosis. The freshly pressed juice has been used internally and externally in the treatment of chest and kidney complaints.
- The leaves are antiscorbutic, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, purgative, hypoglycaemic, odontalgic, stimulant and stomachic.
- It has a long-standing reputation as an effective hair tonic, helping to promote the growth of thick hair.
- In traditional herbal medicine, nasturtium was used to stimulate the appetite, to counteract scurvy, and to treat urinary tract infections, influenza, and skin eruptions.
- Nasturtium leaves are rich in vitamin C, while the seeds are high in iron and phosphorus.
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