Herbal Remedy ~ Nasturtium

Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus

This a wonderful herb for children to grow because the seeds are quite large and easy to handle. They grow quickly and easily even in the poorest of soils and produce gorgeous round leaves and brilliant, colorful blossoms. Plus, the entire plant is edible! Nasturtiums have been eaten for their high vitamin content for centuries. Watercress, of the nasturtium family, is famous for its iron content, but the nasturtium we grow in our gardens is high in sulfur and contains a glycoside that combines with water to make an antibiotic. Eaten raw, the entire plant is antiseptic and helps fight fungal and bacterial infections. Use the leaves, flowers and flower buds in salads, with cheese and egg dishes, and at the last moment to stir fries to benefit digestion. It tastes peppery. Some kids may not like the taste of the seeds, but most will thrill to the idea of eating the large colorful blossoms and leaves in salads and savory dishes. Try the large leaves on a sandwich instead of lettuce.

Plant in moist well drained soil in full sun to partial shade in either beds or containers. This plant actually prefers poor soils. Rich fertile soils cause the plant to produce more foliage and fewer flowers. Fairly drought tolerant.Here's a good source for Organic & Wildcrafted Medicinal Herb Seeds.

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