The Various Health Benefits and Uses of Nasturtiums

10 Super Facts About Nasturtiums

1. Edible Flowers: Nasturtium flowers are not just decorative; they're edible, too! They aren't as peppery as the leaves, but enough so that they can be used to add a spicy kick to salads or sandwiches and even as a garnish for various dishes. They make a pretty addition to evening cocktails or frozen in an ice bowl.
2. Leaves are Edible: Not only are the flowers edible, but nasturtium leaves are also safe to eat. They have a more peppery flavor and are often used in salads and pesto.
3. Rich in Nutrients: Nasturtiums are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and antioxidants. This makes them a nutritious addition to your diet.
4. Companion Plant: The plants are known to repel certain garden pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. Planting them alongside your vegetables can help protect your garden naturally.
5. Easy to Grow: Nasturtiums are easy to cultivate. They thrive in poor soil and require minimal care. They are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
6. Vibrant Colors: The flowers come in a range of vibrant colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream. Their colorful blooms can add a pop of color to your garden or plate.
7. Medicinal Uses: Historically, nasturtiums have been used for their medicinal properties. They were believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and were used to treat various ailments.
8. Attracts Beneficial Insects: Nasturtiums attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit your entire garden by promoting cross-pollination and increasing fruit and vegetable yields.
9. Symbolism: In the language of flowers, nasturtiums are often associated with conquest and victory, perhaps because they are so hardy and resilient.
10. Culinary Versatility: Nasturtiums aren't limited to just salads. They can be used to make pesto, infused oils, or even stuffed with cheese as a unique appetizer. The seeds make a good substitute for capers.

The Health Benefits of Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a type of flowering plant that has been used for their medicinal properties for centuries.

High Vitamin Content

They are high in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and prevent colds and flu. A 100g serving of nasturtiums contains about 71mg of Vitamin C, which is about 78% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) (Source: USDA)

They also contain high levels of iron, which can help prevent anemia. A 100g serving of nasturtiums contains about 2.9mg of Iron, which is about 15% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) (Source: USDA)

Many people are familiar with nasturtium flowers but are unaware of the health benefits of Tropaeolum majus. Want to know more about nasturtium's medicinal uses? Let's go over them.

Great for Colds and Flu

Nasturtium leaves have a high concentration of vitamin C and are also natural antibiotics. Eating a couple of peppery leaves at the onset of a cold can stop it dead in its tracks. The gentle antibiotic action of the leaves makes them ideal for treating minor colds and flu. Eat one to two leaves three times a day for full benefits.

To benefit fully, use the leaves raw rather than as tea. While the leaves will still have an antibiotic effect, boiling water will destroy the vitamin C.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Some research points to Nasturtiums having potent anti-inflammatory properties. Consume the flowers and leaves raw or use the leaves in tea.

Promising Anti-Cancer Potential

Research is still in the early phase, but it contains compounds that may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

Could Inhibit Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Researchers studied the effect of nasturtium extract on bone-absorbing osteoclasts and found that the extract inhibited their growth and formation. Additionally, Nasturtiums are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.

A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a cream made from nasturtiums was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis.

(Source: "Efficacy and safety of a cream containing an extract of Tropaeolum majus in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: results of a randomized, double-blind, bicephalic study." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 94, no. 2-3, 2004, pp. 305-311.)

Heals Skin Irritations Like Eczema and Wounds

The leaves and flowers of nasturtiums can also be used as a natural remedy for minor skin irritations and wounds. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a cream made from nasturtiums was effective in treating eczema.

(Source: "Efficacy of a cream containing Tropaeolum majus extract in the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate atopic eczema: a randomized, observer-blind, bicephalic study." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 94, no. 2-3, 2004, pp. 361-366.)

My Brother Won't Touch Them

On a personal note, my brother will never eat nasturtium leaves again. When he was a child, he developed a fever, and my mom gave him a couple of leaves to eat. The next day he came out in spots and still, to this day, insists that herb caused the chickenpox.

This is, of course, silly—the fever he had was the first symptom of chickenpox. Still, we've never been able to convince Andrew that this is a plant with medicinal properties. He still refuses to eat the leaves decades later.

Ancient Uses Not Scientifically Proven

While nasturtium was used in ancient times to treat renal disease, you should avoid using too much of this medicinal plant if you suffer from kidney disease.

Using Herbal Remedies Safely

Like all herbal remedies, it is better to err on the side of caution—you should not use any herbal remedy continuously for an extended time. For example, you may take the treatment daily for a week and then give it a break for at least a week before continuing.

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Innovative Ways to Use Nasturtiums Medicinally

I have found that it is better to use nasturtiums over short periods when you need an antibiotic boost. Other than that, include a few of the leaves or flowers in a salad to boost flavor.

Avoid If Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Because there is not enough known about the effects of nasturtium during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, it should be avoided in all its forms by pregnant or breastfeeding women, including the flowers, leaves, and capers.

The Benefits and Uses of Nasturtiums Today

Nasturtiums are a favorite part of many people's gardens. Their cheery bright faces brighten the garden even on the dreariest day, and you can use them as a pop of color in cuisine. As cut flowers go, they look great but don't last too long.

You could, however, grow them in a pot inside as long as they get full sunlight and the potting soil is not too rich.

The flowers are often added to salads to give them color, and the leaves add a great peppery taste to salads.

Nasturtium seeds can also replace capers in several recipes.

Just about the whole plant is valuable.

Tropaeolum Majus

The botanical name for the plant referred to here is Tropaeolum Majus and should not be confused with Nasturtium Officinale. The latter is more commonly known as Watercress.

The Uses of Nasturtiums in History

These sunny, healthy plants originated in South America and were widely used by the Mesoamericans for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and general antibiotic action.

In Ancient Times

The leaves prevented scurvy, supplemented the daily diet, and added flavor. The peppery leaves were trendy, and the seeds were a prized delicacy.

In fact, they were so crucial that no home was without a nasturtium plant if they could avoid it. The plants are also so undemanding that they were perfect for the rocky soil of the Andes.

In South America, the plant was a traditional remedy for renal disease. However, modern scientific research hasn't found the plant beneficial in this respect. Therefore, you must consult your physician before trying any herbal remedies if you have renal disease.

In the Middle Ages

In the 1600s in England, the Tropaeolum majus was a valued medicinal plant known as Indian Cress (Because of their similarity in flavor to Watercress.)

The high vitamin C content made the so-called "Indian Cress" a highly nutritious complement to the diet and warded off scurvy.

Nasturtiums have quickly become a firm favorite wherever they have been introduced because of their medicinal and culinary uses.

I always make sure I have a bed of these sunny little flowers and always look forward to spring and summer when they burst with color. They come up on their own without much interference from me.

Once they've become established, they spread nice and quickly.

Grow Your Own Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtiums are very easy to grow. They thrive in poor soil, so they don't use a lot of compost when planting them. They can grow just about anywhere as long as they are in full sun.

I had a very rocky patch of ground in my garden - I think it's where the builders dumped the rubble when they built the house - and nothing would grow there. So I planted some yarrow to help condition the soil and edged the patch with nasturtiums. It is now lovely and green.

In Warmer Climates

In the warmer parts of the world, nasturtiums can be grown year-round. They tend to self-seed, and if conditions are right, they'll take over. They form a small leafy bush that creeps along the ground and provides excellent ground cover.

Where It Is Colder

They are frost-tender and will die entirely in winter in colder areas. Not to worry, though; they will come up again in full force in spring.

Try growing different colors and varieties - they will cross-pollinate, and you may get some exciting results.

I've even had little plants all over the compost heap - they made an outstanding show there and covered it beautifully. Paradoxically, the compost heap gets minimal sun, showing how hardy these little guys can be.

Nasturtiums come in many different colors, and there are now varieties with a variegated leaf - these are extremely pretty and very rewarding for the home gardener.

Make a Stunning Feature

Collect a few tin cans and drill holes into the bottom of them. Put a layer of stones at the bottom to aid drainage and add some soil. Plant a different color plant in each "pot." Line up against a sunny wall and wait for the profusion of flowers.

Make Use of Poor Soil

Nasturtiums have shallow roots and so do well in rocky soil. I planted some over an area where the builder’s left rubble to create a beautiful feature.

Nasty 'ems

My brother battled with pronunciation when he was little, so he always said, "Nasty 'ems." To this day, we tease him about his "Nasty 'ems" and chickenpox plant.

Where Nasturtiums Came From

The Beauty Benefits of Nasturtiums

The high vitamin C content in the leaves makes these potent little plants great for your overall health and well-being. For example, eating a couple of leaves a day is said to help clear up acne.

The ancients used it as a hair tonic, and scientific research backs this up. Nasturtium tea applied to the head stimulates the capillaries and increases circulation and the flow of nutrients to the scalp.

You can also use tea instead of toner for oily skin.

Make Your Nasturtium Tea

Place one cup of flowers or buds in a liter of water in a pot. Cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator.

For hair growth, massage into the scalp before rinsing hair. Try using it daily.

For skincare, apply using a cotton ball and then rinse off with warm water.

An Ultra-Effective Hair Treatment

This is a bit more effort but makes it great for the hair. Mix one cup each of nettle, nasturtium, and rosemary into two liters of water. Simmer in a closed pot for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and then strain for use. Massage into your scalp before rinsing out. You can toss the used leaves into the compost heap so nothing goes to waste.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

The Value of the Nasturtium in the Garden

Nasturtiums act as a wonderful ground cover and shade the roots of plants that tend to be more sensitive to the hot sun. In addition, the nasturtium plant stays relatively low to the ground and so can also add interest to your garden.

I always make sure I plant a few seeds in my compost heap - this turns a somewhat ugly pile into a much prettier show. (The leaves look lovely and lush - there aren't as many flowers, though.)

Companion Planting

Nasturtiums can be pretty valuable when acting as a trap crop. Plant them around your veggie patch to lure insects away from your vegetables.

Nasturtiums in the Kitchen

Nasturtium leaves make an excellent substitute for rocket in a salad. Pick them as close to the time needed as possible and rinse them before adding them to the salad.

The flowers are great for adding color to salads and decorating food. Freeze them into ice cubes to create a pretty addition to summery drinks.

Nasturtium seeds can be pickled in vinegar as an excellent substitute for capers. Store for at least three weeks before using to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Nasturtium and Watercress on Toast

I'm not the best cook globally, but this simple recipe allows me to fake it.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread
• Plain cottage cheese
• A handful of fresh watercress
• One nasturtium leaf, chopped
• One nasturtium flower and leaf, whole
• A few slices of red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Toast your bread as you usually would. Top it with cottage cheese. Then slice the watercress and nasturtium leaf up finely. Mix them and sprinkle them over the cottage cheese. Finish with the onion.

Season to taste if necessary, garnish with the Nasturtium flower and leaf, and enjoy.

Make Nasturtium Pesto

This recipe comes from the book The Creative Kitchen by Stephanie Hafferty. If you want more like this, please check out her book.

Ingredients

• 100g nasturtium (You can use the leaves, flowers, and stems)
• 50g toasted nuts of your choice (You can swap this out for sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you have a nut allergy)
• 50 ml good quality oil
• 1or 2 cloves of garlic
• Seasoning to taste

Method

Simply blend everything until it's fine. It'll keep covered in the fridge for up to two weeks.

People Also Ask

Do Nasturtiums Like Sun or Shade?

These cheery herbs love the sun. But, while they'll tolerate a little shade, they require at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive.

Do Nasturtiums Come Back Every Year?

The plants are annuals, meaning that they die down completely in winter. So you don't need to worry. However, they'll start popping up in the spring again. They grow quickly enough from scattered seeds if you'd like a showier display.

What Are Nasturtiums Good For?

• The flowers are edible, making for a pretty addition to salads, cakes, and drinks
• The seeds make a good substitute for capers
• The peppery leaves are an excellent way to spice up a salad and deliver a natural antibiotic boost.
• Nasturtium Tea, cooled and rubbed into the scalp, will promote hair growth.
• In the garden, the flowers attract pollinators, and the leaves act as a trap crop. For these two reasons, they're a valuable friend for the avid veggie gardener.

Where Should I Plant Nasturtiums?

They prefer a spot that gets a lot of sun during the day. The amount of light they receive is more important than the soil quality. These plants thrive on neglect and will produce better blooms in poor soil with little compost in it.

Nitrogen-rich soil will boost the production of the leaves at the expense of the flowers.

They'll do well in rocky soil as long as it drains relatively well. However, they don't like their roots to stay damp, so they won't do well in areas with a great deal of clay.

You may plant them in a large pot as well.

Will Nasturtiums Climb?

Yes. They can take over quite quickly under the right conditions. If you'd like to take advantage of their climbing ability, consider installing a trellis or some other support structure near them.

Before long, they'll grow over it.

Do Nasturtiums Spread?

Yes, as long as the growing conditions are right. They can become like weeds in warmer climates, but they're so pretty that no one cares.

Why Do Nasturtiums Turn Yellow?

Yellow leaves point to one of several problems.

Too Much Water

Dig away a little of the topsoil on a dry day and feel whether or not it's damp. If it's very moist, you may have a drainage problem.

Dig a hole around 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide next to the plant. Fill it with water and allow the water to drain away. Then, refill it with water again, but this time check the hole hourly to see how fast the water drains away.

If the water takes longer than an inch an hour to drop, you'll need to improve the drainage in the area. As nasturtiums don't like rich soil, you may do this by digging in some river sand.

Are Nasturtiums Poisonous to Dogs?

No. The RSPCA confirms that they are not toxic for dogs, cats, or horses.

Do Nasturtiums Attract Bees?

Yes, they also attract other beneficial pollinators, such as butterflies.

References

• Molecules | Free Full-Text | Antimicrobial Activity and Chromatographic Analysis of Extracts from Tr
  Background: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. tubers (Tropaeolaceae) are known and used as a condiment and for the treatment of skin infections in Southern Brazil. However, its activity and composition has not yet been investigated. Thus, different extrac
• - Document - Nasturtium (Indian cress, Tropaeolum majus nanum) dually blocks the COX and LOX pathway
  
• Prolonged Diuretic Activity and Calcium-Sparing Effect of Tropaeolum majus: Evidence in the Preventi
  Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) is an international peer-reviewed, Open Access journal that seeks to understand the sources and to encourage rigorous research in this new, yet ancient world of complementary and alternativ
• Chemical survey and erucic acid content of commercial varieties of nasturtium,Tropaeolum majusL. | S
  
• http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16546628.2017.1339555
  
• NASTURTIUM: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD
  Find patient medical information for NASTURTIUM on WebMD including its uses, effectiveness, side effects and safety, interactions, user ratings and products that have it.
• Ethnobotany and phytochemistry of Tropaeolum tuberosum and lepidium meyenii from South America
  

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2011 Fiona

What are your Thoughts on the Common Nasturtium Now?

Fiona (author) from South Africa on July 06, 2019:

I'm in KZN and we've always got them in the garden. I've used them instead of rocket as well.

Brenda Gamba on July 04, 2019:

I have always used the leaves as an antibiotic. Wash, dry and chew. Even my children , at the onset of a sore throat, would just go to the garden, pic sum leaves, wash it and eat it. Works like a bomb. Bit of a tang in the leave, but bearable. I live in South Africa. I have been to Simonstown, in the Western Cape and stand in awe of the nasturniums that blooms there in Spring.

Fiona (author) from South Africa on May 26, 2016:

Hi Sydney,

I was listing what it was used for in ancient times - in Meso-America, it was used for kidney complaints. Today, however, it's main value is as a natural antibiotic and a way to boost Vitamin C intake.

It is never a good idea for anyone to take any herbal remedy continuously for an extended period because there is a risk of toxic buildup depending on which herb is used. It is never advisable to use a herbal remedy for longer than about a week to two weeks at a time without a break.

This is particularly true when it comes to people with kidney disease. Thanks for pointing that out - I have amended the article accordingly.

Sydney Silver from Los Angeles on May 25, 2016:

Hi thanks for the article :)

U say they were used for kidneys but all over the net I see if u have kidney disease you shouldn't use nasturtium? Do u know which one it is? Thanks!!

Fiona (author) from South Africa on April 15, 2016:

Hi Lachlan, yes, they are very hardy little plants. I also love putting the flowers in the salad to brighten it up.

Lachlan Turner on April 12, 2016:

I have my Nasturtiums in a corner of the garden that gets virtually no direct winter sun(I live in Australia and have a mediterranean temperate climate) and the plant is there virtually all year. Died last Summer from the heat but has come back through reseeding. When ever I run out of lettuce or have no spinach for sandwiches I pick a few leaves and use them. Also great as a beneficial insect attractor. Very useful and pretty plant.

Pamela Lipscomb from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 13, 2014:

It's great to see we are getting back to natural ways of healing and eating. Great for hon Nasturtiums!

Fiona (author) from South Africa on December 27, 2013:

Thanks Loveofnight - it is worth a look.

Loveofnight Anderson from Baltimore, Maryland on December 26, 2013:

i will be on the look out for this plant, thanks for the share.

Fiona (author) from South Africa on December 24, 2013:

Hi Sweetie-Pie, well rather hang on with the planting until spring then but do try them, they are a really cute little plant

SweetiePie from Southern California, USA on December 24, 2013:

I used to love picking Nasturtiums out of my mom's garden, and eating these in salads at a kid. I might have to try to grow some myself, although it is slightly the dormant season for plants being winter here.

Fiona (author) from South Africa on December 22, 2013:

Hi Poetryman, normally I would agree with you but, when it comes to herbs that I know, I am a little more flexible.

poetryman6969 on December 22, 2013:

I am a little reluctant to eat flowers from my garden. But an interesting idea.

Fiona (author) from South Africa on December 19, 2013:

Thanks PS, like the angels bit. If you get the chance give them a try - they taste a lot like rocket.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on December 19, 2013:

Hi I had NO idea ....I adore them but did not realize they had healthful properties as well. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Angels are on the way to you and yours this morning ps

Fiona (author) from South Africa on December 16, 2013:

Thanks Jeanetter

jeanetter on December 16, 2013:

Love the article - voted up!

Tammy from North Carolina on May 27, 2013:

I love learning about other parts of the world. These look beautiful. Welcome to Hubpages!

Enlydia Listener from trailer in the country on December 13, 2011:

I love nasturiums...it is one of the first plants I grew as a child, so it is a nice memory. The orange color is so refreshing.

Elenin from So Cal on December 12, 2011:

Great article. I have allowed Nasturtiums to grow because I liked their blooms and hoped that they would attract bug eating birds. I was totally unaware of any health benefits. I am starting to get a cold so I tried your remedy. Not bad, might well use these in a stir fry in the future.

It appears that your section about “Where Nasturtiums Came From” did not make it on the Hub, FYI.

Thanks for a useful Hub and the reminder to look at all that Nature offers.

Pollyannalana from US on December 12, 2011:

This is very good, voted up. Many here love all they can find out about herbs.

Welcome to hub pages!

Polly