Watercress
(Nasturtium officinale)
scurvy grass
Description:
A perennial that thrives in cold water and begins its life cycle
in early spring. It is connected to a creeping rootstock. The
hollow branching stem, 1-2 feet long, extends, with its leaves,
above the water. The smooth, dark green, mustard-flavored leaves
are odd-pinnate with 1-4 pairs of small, oblong or roundish
leaflets. Small white flowers bloom in elongating terminal racemes.
The fruit is a long, curved, linear-cylindric, partitioned pod.
Naturalized in the U.S.
Edible,
Medicinal: The leaves, flowers, seeds are rich in Vit. A,
C, D, E, calcium, iodine and other trace minerals when harvested
before the blossoms appear. These parts can be used raw, in
teas, as a potherb or dried to flavor food for a peppery taste.
Underwater parts or roots are tough and unpalatable. It is a
antiscorbutic, diuretic, expectorant tonic, purgative, and stimulant.
The leaves, roots, and young shoots are used for anemia, prevention
of scurvy, goiters, heart trouble, blood cleanser, clears skin,
for colds, sinus problems, respiratory and internal tumors,
Best used when in flower.
CAUTION: prolonged use, longer than 4 weeks, can lead to kidney
problems. Do not harvest in polluted
or stagnant water. Poisoning may occur if plant has absorbed
heavy metals, toxins or have liver flukes.
