Garden Nasturtium (Nasturtium officinale)

Garden Nasturtium (Nasturtium officinale) is a member of the Tropiceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and seeds have been used for infusions, decoctions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Garden Nasturtium (Nasturtium officinale) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Garden Nasturtium (Nasturtium officinale) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Garden Nasturtium
Scientific Name	Nasturtium officinale
Plant Family	Tropiceae
Genus	Nasturtium
Species	officinale
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Nasturtium officinale
Common Name: Garden Nasturtium
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Cress, Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress
Plant Family: Tropiceae
Genus: Nasturtium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface reddish-green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Tubular flowers with five lobed petals, actinomorphic symmetry, yellow-orange coloration, and a prominent central stigma surrounded by stamens arranged in two whorls.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ascending growth habit with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and presence of prominent ridges and nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Culinary Use
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a cooling bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a soothing diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.