Tropaeolaceae
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Peru, Bolivia, Colombia
Also known as: Garden Nasturtium, Common Nasturtium, Indian Cress
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlowerSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Urinary tract infections (Imupret combination with horseradish — clinically validated), respiratory infections, sinusitis, skin infections (topical). Benzyl isothiocyanate potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antifungal, expectorant, diuretic, immunostimulant, antioxidant
Active Constituents
Benzyl isothiocyanate (glucotropaeolin hydrolyzed — primary antimicrobial), flavonoids (isoquercitrin, quercetin), vitamin C (130mg/100g), carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin), tropaeolin (yellow pigment)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Large handful fresh leaves and flowers daily in salads or steeped 5 min |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:3, 25% ethanol, fresh plant), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh plant essential — isothiocyanates volatile and lost in dried product. Imupret combination (nasturtium + horseradish) validated for UTI and respiratory infections. All parts edible — peppery flavour. Excellent culinary medicinal herb. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Large doses in pregnancy — possible uterotonic effects. Avoid in kidney disease (diuretic and oxalate). Otherwise very safe as food or medicine.
Side Effects: GI irritation at very high doses. Kidney irritation (oxalate content). Contact dermatitis possible. Very well tolerated at culinary doses.