Medicinal Plant 2013 The Great Nasturtium

The medicinal plant of 2013 is the Great Nasturtium

24/10/2012

For the medicinal plant of the year 2013, the Great Nasturtium was chosen. The plant from Naturopathy contains a lot of vitamin C and can inhibit the spread of germs and fungi, promote blood circulation and even fight influenza viruses.

Not only in the home garden is the yellow-orange nasturtium popular. For centuries, naturopathy knows of its outstanding healing power. The medicinal plant is now given a special honor: The Large Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is chosen as the medicinal plant of the year 2013.

Vitamin rich, antiviral and antibacterial
Scientists at the University of Würzburg justified the election with the high potency that comes from the nasturtium. It contains a high proportion of vitamin C and inhibits the proliferation of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. In addition, it has been known for some time that nasturtium can promote blood circulation when ingested.

The climbing and creeping plant with its bright flowers could „It may be possible to partially replace antibiotics in the near future, thus avoiding drug resistance“, founded the study circle development history of pharmacology the choice. In addition, extracts of the plant, which are taken together with the root of horseradish, excellently with sinusitis, bronchitis or cystitis. Study had determined that the potency was comparable to antibiotic drugs. „The mustard oils of the plant have the greatest potential to limit the increasing use of antibiotics“. A research carried out in 2010 even concluded that the active substances contained can inhibit the pandemic influenza virus H1N1 (swine flu).

Also suitable for normal consumption
According to several studies, the mustard oils of the plant are bacteriostatic, virustatic and antimycotic. The natural task of phytochemicals is to protect the plants from pests or pathogenic microorganisms. These mechanisms of action can therefore be used very well for the inhibition of infectious diseases.

Also for normal consumption the flowers are best suited. Especially for serving and decorating salads, the leaves and flowers can be used. They are very spicy in their taste and give the dishes that „certain something“.

Already at the beginning of the 17th century, the plant came from South America to Europe. Nasturtium is the medicinal plant, because the flower shape with its spur reminds of the hoods of the Capuchin monks. (Sb)

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Image: Dorothea Jacob