Zherukha officinalis - medicinal properties and contraindications. Common water beetle: description of a medicinal herb, use in folk medicine Recipes for using water beetle

Common watercress (medicinal) is a herbaceous edible perennial of the Cruciferous (Cabbage) family. Also has popular names:

• watercress/spring;
• pea;
• water horseradish;
• merman;
• water nasturtium.

The name “zherukha” comes from the Proto-Slavic root “zher” (to burn), because it has a sharp mustard taste and “burns” in the mouth. This also explains the other name of the herb - pea.

Description

It is quite difficult to find this herb in the wild today. On the territory of Russia it can only be found in the Caucasus. It is quite decorative. The common watercress has a rounded hollow stem that touches the ground, rising in the upper part to a height of 10-60 cm. The color of the stem is green or burgundy. The coin-like leaves are imparipinnate, alternate. White flowers are collected in cluster-shaped racemes, which become longer after the lower flowers fade. Cute little flowers have 4 petals, the anthers are bright yellow. Flowering occurs in May-July. The fruit is a sickle-shaped pod with a sharp awl at the end.

Watercress, as the name implies, loves to grow near bodies of water, prefers running water, but can also settle near standing water, in swamps. Botanists characterize it as an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant. Its thickets can be found along the banks of streams, in floodplains, next to lakes, and even by the sea. Some gardeners grow watercress in their garden plots, as it is not only a medicinal plant, but also an edible plant. The plant is grown in the same way as rice, or using hydroponic agricultural technology in protected soil. The crop is also well suited for growing on a windowsill. Its big advantage is its high growth rate. In Russia, watercress is not popular, although in a number of countries it is cultivated as a leaf vegetable.

Watercress was grown for the table in ancient Rome. Its greens have a bitter-tart taste, and the smell is reminiscent of horseradish. In addition to green salad, watercress is included in recipes for vegetable soups and goes well with fish. Great as sandwich greens. Pairs well with fresh mint and rosemary. The thick stems have a very bright taste, so the tender leaves are usually used for food. Watercress makes the salad very beautiful due to its decorative leaves.

Healthy and aromatic oil, similar in smell to mustard, is pressed from the seeds. It significantly revives the taste homemade mayonnaise and makes a wonderful salad dressing.

Compound

The fresh aerial part contains: essential oil, allyl mustard substances (phenylethyl isocyanate and its glycoside gluconasturcin), potassium salt of gluconasturcium acid, vitamin C, D, B1, B2 and E, mineral salts of potassium, iron, arsenic and iodine, tannins, sugars, nitrate potassium, beta-carotene.

Medicinal properties

Zherukha officinalis is very valuable as a vitamin supplement to food. It contains a lot of beta-carotene, so eating grass reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. A large handful of leaves of this green contains a quarter of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Zherukha is included in the official pharmacopoeia of some countries (France, Italy, Venezuela and others). Thanks to the glycosides it contains, it has a moderate blood pressure-lowering effect, which has been proven in scientific experiments. Laboratory testing confirmed the antihelminthic effect of the plant. Once upon a time, women used it to induce abortion or the release of placenta: the plant causes contractions of the uterus.

Herbalists recommend watercress as an anti-inflammatory and blood purifier. It is used to treat cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, chronic nephritis, and gastritis. The herb is also used as a mild laxative, gently cleansing the intestines of adults and children. The anti-burn use of this plant is known. Due to the fairly high iodine content, watercress is used to treat goiter. It fights itchy eczema and inflammation of the oral mucosa. After eating, it is recommended to chew a leaf of watercress: this will prevent the formation of tartar.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh studying the anti-cancer properties of the flora have found that watercress extract can protect smokers' lungs. The plant partially disinfects carcinogens that enter the body of people with nicotine addiction. It reduces the activity of nitrosamine ketone and accelerates the excretion of benzene and acrolein. Presumably this action of the watercress is due to two reasons:

insufficiently studied genes in its DNA, as well as the substance isothiocyanate. The plant's ability to slow down the development of breast cancer has been proven.

Medicinal use

The upper part of the fresh shoot of the plant is used for food and for folk medicinal recipes. Dry raw materials lose beneficial features. For use as food or medicine, plants that have not yet bloomed are cut. During and after flowering, the watercress becomes hard and bitter. Cut watercress stores well: place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or place it in a vase.

The juice of watercress is preserved. The roots of the plant are also used in recipes: they are dug up in the fall, before the above-ground part dies. The roots are cleaned and dried at a temperature of 40-45 o C. A tincture is often made from fresh roots. Seeds are collected as they ripen.

Recipes

Green salad:

1-2 handfuls of fresh green watercress in any fresh salad Throughout the season, the plant will improve health, relieve swelling and iodine deficiency. This salad is especially useful for smokers.

Watercress juice for gastritis and bile and urolithiasis:

1 tsp. juice three times a day before meals, course for at least 2 weeks.

A decoction of fresh watercress for eczema, cholelithiasis, anemia, goiter:

Place 30 g of greens in 1 liter of boiling water for 3 minutes. Leave for 10 minutes, filter. Take 1 glass of decoction 3 times a day.

Ointment for burns, wen, warts:

Mix 50 g unsalted butter with 2 tbsp. watercress juice. Apply to problem areas several times a day.

Root tincture against ascites, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, gout, diabetes, cancer:

Fresh peeled and chopped roots of watercress are poured with 70% alcohol 1 to 5. The tincture is kept in a dark place for 2 weeks, then filtered. Take 30 drops of the product, diluting them in a small volume of water. You can gradually increase the dose to 50 drops.

Contraindications

This plant was used as an abortifacient and is therefore prohibited for use by pregnant women. Do not exceed the dose indicated in the prescription: a maximum of 3 tsp per day can be taken. watercress juice. An overdose can cause irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Syn.: common watercress, key cress, bruncress, rhizome, officinalis watercress, etc.

A perennial (in cultivation annual) plant with pinnately dissected leaves. As a food plant, it is promising and quickly developing.

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Flower formula

In medicine

Watercress is not included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation and is not used by official medicine, but it is a valuable and dietary product, is actively used for food purposes in many countries, and also has healing properties that are actively used in folk medicine.

Thanks to the balanced content biologically active substances(high content of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and iodine), watercress exhibits very useful, valuable dietary properties, which are intensively used in therapeutic dietetics. In this regard, nutritionists recommend including it in the food of patients during the rehabilitation period after long-term serious illnesses, complex operations to restore and maintain metabolism in general, as well as to improve appetite. Including the plant in the diet for obesity and diabetes is useful.

Meanwhile, the biological activity of watercress (watercress) is of great interest to many researchers, especially foreign countries, and to date, important results have been obtained that will be very promising in the treatment of many diseases. For example, the experiment showed that the extract and polyphenolic complex of watercress have antioxidant properties, the extract has hepatoprotective properties (Martinez-Sanchez et.al., 2008; Yazdanparast, Bahramikia, Ardestani, 2008), the hydroalcoholic extract has hypocholesterolemic and cardioprotective properties (Bahramikia , Yazdanparast, 2008). Watercress juice enhances the activity of ethoxyresofurin-O-diethylase and NADP-H-quinoreductase (Lhoste et.al., 2004). Watercress extract also exhibits antibacterial activity (Camacho-Corona at.el, 2008).

The German Commission E recognized watercress as good remedy for the treatment of respiratory colds, especially runny nose and cough.

In Europe, watercress is included in a number of herbal choleretic drugs. Watercress tablets and capsules are used as biologically active food additives. It is intended to use dry extract (powder) of watercress for the manufacture of tablets and hard gelatin capsules as a broad-spectrum dietary supplement.

Contraindications and side effects

Watercress for medicinal purposes should be used as prescribed by a doctor. In case of overdose, irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract is possible. Contraindication is individual intolerance.

In cooking

Watercress is a well-known valuable food plant and is used only in its raw form (fresh young leaves and shoot tips). In cooking, watercress is used as an independent dish - a salad with a sharp, piquant mustard taste as a spicy seasoning for various dishes and salads. Watercress complements well vegetable soups from greens, improves the taste of fish and some meat dishes, sauces, and fillings. In combination with mint and rosemary, watercress forms a spicy mixture that is used in cooking in many dishes. It goes well with mayonnaise and vegetable oil. Thanks to its mustard taste, it is added to sandwiches (fish, ham, cheese).

The seeds can also replace mustard as a spice; they are used to obtain edible oil, similar in quality to mustard oil. Watercress is widely used (especially in Europe and the USA) in mixed salads, in cold green sauces, for sandwiches, and the inflorescences are also used as food.

In areas where watercress grows as a wild plant (especially along the banks of water bodies), it is collected for use as food.

Watercress can be used for growing at home, especially in winter time years when there are not enough vitamins. It develops very quickly, reaching a height of 30-90 cm. The leaves, stems and tops of young shoots of cress are perfect, as noted above, for salads and as a seasoning for many dishes (meat, fish, etc.).

Classification

Watercress or watercress (lat. Nasturtium officinale) is a species of the genus watercress (lat. Nasturtium) of the cruciferous or cabbage family (Cruciferae, or Brassicaceae). The genus includes 6 species, growing mainly in Eurasia, North and East Africa and North America. IN former USSR– 1 species (in the Caucasus and Central Asia). Watercress is cultivated in Western Europe and the USA.

Botanical description

Watercress is a perennial plant whose maximum height reaches 60 cm or more. A moisture-loving, relatively cold-resistant and shade-tolerant plant. The stem is hollow, furrowed, creeping, usually rooting at the base. The leaves are green, alternate, simple, without stipules, pinnately dissected, with wide petioles and 2-7 pairs of oblong or oval leaflets with a larger and rounded ovate apical leaflet. Bracts and bracts are absent. The flowers are bisexual, small, white, bilaterally symmetrical, arranged in short racemes. Perianth double, 4-membered. Petals with marigolds, sepals in 2 circles. There are 6 stamens, of which 2 are short and 4 are long; nectaries are located at the base of the stamen filaments. The ovary is the superior of 2 carpels. The watercress flower formula is *H4L4T2+4P(2). The fruit is a pod, opened by two valves, with a remaining septum. Vegetative organs and inflorescences are characterized by myrosin reservoirs. Blooms in May - August.

Spreading

It is found in the European part of Russia (central and southern regions) and in the Caucasus. It grows along river banks, near streams and springs, sometimes in slowly flowing water, less often in swamps.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Only the aerial part is used for medicinal purposes. The grass is collected during rapid flowering, and it can be cut approximately forty days after planting. It is recommended to use it only fresh, since in this case it retains all the necessary chemical compounds. Dried grass almost completely loses medicinal properties.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of watercress has been studied quite well. Flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, myricetin, hesperetin, narigenin, quercetin) and anthocyanins (pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin) were found in the aerial parts and fruits of watercress. In the aerial parts and roots - glucosinolates (gluconasturcin, glucobrassinocin, neoglucobrassicin, etc.). Watercress also contains other nitrogen-containing compounds (phenylpropionitrile, phenylacetonitrile, etc.). The seeds contain higher fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, erucic, palmintic, sterolic, linolenic) and fatty oil - up to 24%.

Pharmacological properties

Watercress has some medicinal properties, in particular blood purifying, expectorant, antiscorbutic, diuretic, tonic, etc. Watercress improves appetite and metabolism, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels in diabetes, calms the nervous system, and acts as a mild laxative. In addition, the herb (extract) of watercress has a disinfectant effect on burns, skin diseases (dermatoses, lipomas, chronic skin rashes, itchy skin eczema, trophic ulcers, etc.), as well as inflammation of the mucous membrane oral cavity and periodontal disease. It has an anti-inflammatory effect against colds, especially runny nose and cough.

German medicine recognizes watercress as a good remedy for treating respiratory diseases, especially runny nose and cough. In China, this plant is used to treat gingivitis. It is also traditionally used for lethargy, problems with joints, blood vessels, bronchitis, scurvy and goiter. In Europe, watercress is contained in a number of herbal choleretic preparations.

Use in folk medicine

Watercress, or watercress, is much more widely used in folk medicine due to its medicinal properties. The beneficial properties of watercress are used by traditional healers as a blood purifier, expectorant, antiscorbutic, diuretic, and tonic for the treatment of many diseases.

In folk medicine, watercress is used to treat abnormal metabolism, to cleanse and improve the condition of the blood, as well as for various inflammatory diseases.

Infusions of watercress herb are used as a diuretic for kidney diseases (nephritis); antifever and sedative – for nervous diseases and fever; decoction - for diseases of the thyroid gland, liver, gallstones and urolithiasis, anemia, rheumatism, gout, diabetes, gastritis, colitis, duodenitis, cystitis and gynecological diseases. Freshly squeezed juice of watercress herb is effective for some pathological processes in the liver and gall bladder, as well as for metabolic disorders, in general as a general tonic. Watercress is known in folk medicine and as a tonic. In folk medicine, watercress juice is used externally as a disinfectant for burns, various skin diseases, in particular dermatoses, lipomas, warts, polyps, chronic skin rashes, itchy skin eczema, trophic ulcers, as well as inflammation of the oral mucosa and periodontal disease. , diabetic foot syndrome.

Historical reference

Watercress has been introduced into culture since the Middle Ages. In many countries, in particular France, Germany, Canada and the USA, this is a widespread garden herb. In the 17th century, special artificial reservoirs were even built for watercress. In England, watercress was introduced into culture in the 19th century, and then in many other countries.

Even ancient healers used watercress herb for fever and scurvy. In ancient Rome, it was believed that watercress (with vinegar) calmed and healed people with clouded minds. In China it was used to lower blood pressure and as a laxative. According to legends, many preachers (Irish) ate watercress and dry bread all their lives and remained healthy.

Literature

1. Biological encyclopedic dictionary / Ch. ed. M. S. Gilyarov) 2nd ed., corrected. M.: Sov. Encyclopedia. 1989.

2. Girenko M.M., Zvereva O.A. Green vegetables: A guide for amateur gardeners. M.: Niola-Press; Union-Public, 2007. 176 p.

3. Dudchenko L.G., Kozyakov A.S., Krivenko V.V. Spicy-aromatic and spicy-flavoring plants: Handbook / Responsible. ed. K. M. Sytnik. K.: Naukova Dumka, 1989. 304 p.

4. Kutachek M., Oplistilova K. 1964. On the distribution of glucobrassicin, a precursor of indolylacetoitrile, ascorbigen and thiocyanate ions in plants // Plant Physiology. T. 11. Issue. 5. pp. 867-870.

5. Plant resources of Russia / Wild flowering plants, their component composition and biological activity / Rep. editor A.L. Budantsev. T.2. St. Petersburg; M.: Partnership of scientific publications KMK, 2009. 513 p.

6. Bahramikia S., Yazdanparast R. 2008. Effect of hydroalcholic extracts of Nasturtium officinale leaves on lipid profile in high-fat diet rats // Ethnopharmacol. Vol. 115b N 1. P. 88.

7. Camacho-Corona at.el, 2008. Activity against drug resistant-tuberculosis strains of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases // Phytother. Res. Vol. 22, N1. P. 82-85.

8. Lhoste et.al., 2004. The activities of several detoxication tnzymes are differentially unduced by juices of garden cress, water cress and mustard in human HepG2 cells // Chem Biol. Interact. Vol. 150, N 3. P. 211-219.

9. Martinez-Sanchez et.al., 2008. A comparative study of flavonoid glycosides, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties of baby leaf Brassicaceae species //J. Agric. Food Chem. Vol. 56. N 7. P. 2330-2340.

10. Yazdanparast R., Bahramikia S., Ardestani A. 2008. Nasturtium officinale reduces oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolemic rats // Chem. Biol. Interact. Vol. 172, N 3. P. 176-184.

The common beetroot has been introduced into culture since the Middle Ages. In some countries, especially Germany, USA, France, Canada, the plant is a widespread garden herb. For watercress - the second name; in the seventeenth century, special artificial reservoirs were built.

The plant has been widely used in alternative medicine since ancient times. Even ancient healers used the herb in the fight against fever and scurvy. The Romans believed that the herb had a calming effect and helped heal people with clouded minds. And although today the herb is not officially used in medicine, it has quite wide application in alternative medicine. Let's find out how watercress is useful and what diseases it helps with.

The use of the herb helps in the treatment of a variety of pathological conditions and diseases: pathologies of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, oral ailments, colds. It is endowed with useful substances:

• fatty oils;
• flavonoids;
• quercetin;
• kaempferol;
• anthocyanins;
• fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, erucic, stearic, linolenic;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamin E;
• microelements: sodium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, calcium.

Today we know about the following properties of the plant: anti-inflammatory, blood purifying, expectorant, antiscorbutic, diuretic, restorative, tonic, choleretic, disinfectant, laxative.

The use of preparations based on watercress helps:

• increasing the protective properties of the body;
• improving appetite;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• lowering blood pressure;
• lowering blood sugar concentrations;
• normalization of the functioning of the central nervous system;
• fight against inflammatory processes;
• cleaning, improving blood condition.

Medicines from cress are effective in the fight against: diabetic foot syndrome, trophic ulcers, dermatoses, eczema, fever, anemia, gout, rheumatism, diabetes, gastritis, colitis, cystitis, gingivitis, bronchitis.

Use in folk medicine

In the collection of alternative medicine there are many recipes for medicines made from the herb of cress. The drugs are effective, they will help both in normalizing the condition and well-being, increasing the protective properties of the body, and curing the disease. The main thing is to use them correctly - observing the proportions during the preparation of the compositions, the dosage - during administration. Do not substitute herbal remedies for medications prescribed by your doctor. Remember, traditional medicine is an assistant to traditional medicine. Only with an integrated approach can positive changes be achieved.

1. , gynecological ailments, nephritis, you can use an infusion of watercress. Steam 50 grams of fresh herbs with boiling water - a liter. Leave the composition to brew in a warm place for seven hours. Drink 100 ml of filtered drink six to seven times a day.
2. In the fight against gastritis, periodontal disease, and duodenitis, it is recommended to use grass juice. Squeeze out the juice, then mix it in equal proportions with boiled, cooled water. Take 20 ml of the drug three times a day, before meals.
3. , eczema, trophic ulcers, use healing ointment. Mix watercress juice with butter. You should get a mass of homogeneous consistency. Use the composition to treat the affected areas of the skin three times a day. The finished ointment should be stored in the refrigerator.
4. A decoction will help in the fight against cancer and diabetes. Brew fifty grams of dry herb with boiling water - 500 ml. After boiling, simmer the mixture over low heat for five minutes. Drink a glass of filtered drink three times a day.
5. For skin diseases, it is recommended to use a medicinal infusion. Steam 30 g of watercress leaves in a liter of boiling water. Place the container in a warm place for several hours. Take 100-200 ml twice a day.
6. Grass juice helps. You need to drink 10 ml of pure juice three times a day.

Botanical description

The common watercress is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Zherukha, the Brassicaceae or Cruciferous family, reaching a height of sixty centimeters.

The plant loves moisture and shade. It is endowed with hollow grooved creeping stems rooting at the base, green alternate simple without stipules, pinnately dissected leaves, bisexual small white flowers located in short racemes.

The fruits of cress are pods that are opened by two valves. The plant blooms at the end of spring.

Blooms all summer. The banks of rivers, streams, springs, swampy areas are places of growth. Russia, Caucasus, Crimea, Central Asia - habitat.

Collection, procurement of raw materials

For the preparation of medicines, exclusively the ground part of the watercress is used. It is recommended to collect grass during the period of intense flowering. Traditional healers advise using fresh raw materials, since, unlike dry ones, they are a source of more useful, healing substances.

In order to be able to use the plant in winter, it is dried. It is recommended to dry the ground part outside in the shade or in a well-ventilated area. Then the raw materials are poured into paper bags or cardboard boxes and stored in a dry place.

Watercress - a magical herb

In addition to the fact that watercress is widely used in medicine, it is valued by chefs and psychics. Chefs and housewives love the plant for its mustard taste. Salads, seasonings and used in sauces are prepared from the herb. It is a watercress and food for cattle, sheep, poultry, and goats.

Watercress also has magical uses. Growing near bodies of water, it is associated with water spirits. People consider them evil. In order to appease them, you need to present a sacrifice - a zherukh. Previously, the grass was a talisman for travelers; it protected them while moving on water.

Regular consumption of the plant, according to legend, promotes the development of extrasensory abilities.

Contraindications

Taking any traditional or traditional medicine should be appropriate and mandatory agreed with the attending physician. Just like any other plant, watercress has contraindications for use. Taking the drugs is not recommended for people suffering from severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system or individual intolerance.

You should not be treated with drugs during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Herbal preparations should not be given to young children.

It is important to adhere to dosages and frequency of use during therapy. Abuse of the compounds is fraught with gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, malaise, malfunction of the kidneys and urinary system.

Be vigilant and take your medications wisely. Before taking any medication, do not forget to consult your doctor.

Few people know about this mysterious plant that grows in swamps and ponds. But it has many beneficial properties and can improve the functioning of the human body. At the same time, the common watercress has long been used in cooking, and also enjoys good fame in folk medicine.

Common watercress or watercress is a perennial plant that prefers moist soil near cool, clear bodies of water (approximate water temperature 12 degrees). The stem is hollow, spreading along the ground. The taproot system is very long and powerful, due to which the flower sits firmly in the soil.

The leaves are dark green in color and located opposite each other, the flowers are small and white. Blooms from April to June. The height can reach 90 cm. Distributed in Europe, Central Asia, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus. Also found in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria.

Common beetroot is a perennial plant that prefers moist soil near cool, clean bodies of water.

The composition of the herb has been carefully studied. It contains:

• glucosinolates;
• nitrogen compounds;
• flavonoids;
• fatty acid;
• fatty oil.

Rich in vitamins:

1. Vitamin A;
2. Vitamin B (1,2,3,4,5,6, 12);
3. Vitamin C;
4. Vitamin E;
5. Vitamin K

Gallery: watercress (25 photos)

How to grow watercress (video)

Be careful when using watercress. An overdose threatens damage to the gastric mucosa and kidney walls. Products containing the plant are quite difficult to find on sale, as they are produced in small quantities.

Otherwise, the plant has not been shown to cause any side effects. But to achieve the best effect, you must carefully follow all the rules of use.

The biggest disadvantage of watercress is that it can only be used fresh.

How to prepare and store watercress

1. The biggest disadvantage of this useful plant– it can only be used fresh. When dried, watercress loses all its vitamins and minerals.
2. You need to collect the grass during flowering. It is then that the maximum number of beneficial properties is concentrated in it.
3. If you need roots, use a spatula. Carefully dig up the watercress, remember that its root system can reach 1 meter in depth. Collection time is autumn. This part can be dried in ovens at a temperature of 45 degrees.
4. Cut off the entire upper part of the watercress when the height reaches 50 cm.
5. Collect seeds only after they ripen.
6. Raw materials can be stored for a maximum of a week in the refrigerator. Roots and seeds can be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool room away from sunlight. It is advisable to use them for 1 year, maximum time is 2 years.

In production, watercress is grown in special greenhouses. Available in juice or tincture form.

Medicinal properties of watercress (video)

Area of ​​application of the common watercress

It is recommended to drink the juice and raw materials of the flower for:

• rheumatic diseases;
• gout;
• colds, ARVI and sore throat;
• vitamin deficiency;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diseases of the gallbladder and liver;
• cystitis;
• burns;
• urological and gynecological diseases;
• thyroid disorder.

But watercress is used not only in traditional medicine recipes. Watercress is a close relative of watercress, so it has been used in cooking for a long time (since Antiquity). The leaves are slightly tart and bitter, the aroma is reminiscent of horseradish. Added to salads and sauces as a seasoning. They go well with olive, sunflower and sesame oil, mayonnaise, meat, poultry and fish, as well as cheese. Since the composition is balanced, it is perfectly absorbed by humans. It has low calorie content, making it suitable as a dietary product.

You need to collect watercress during flowering

Try adding finely ground watercress to mint sauce. Its bitter taste goes perfectly with the refreshing and cool aroma of mint.

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that watercress had truly magical properties! Herbalists associated the plant with water element, they believed that the flower was the souls of the dead who drowned in this pond. They believed that Watercress is suitable as a ransom for water and other swamp undead. Travelers carried the grass with them, as the watercress protected them during shipwrecks. And by eating leaves and flowers, one could develop magical abilities.

Common water beetle is used in cooking

Traditional medicine recipes with watercress

• The juice of watercress will help with kidney stones. Take fresh plant material and grind it in a meat grinder or food processor. Drain the juice and squeeze out the resulting pulp. Strain the resulting volume through cheesecloth and drink 1 teaspoon every day before meals. The period of use is 10 days.
• Prepare an infusion for psoriasis and dermatosis. Chop fresh leaves (30 grams) and pour boiling water (1 liter). In two hours the drug will be ready. Filter and take 200 g. 1 week. Drink the healing solution twice a day.
• This ointment is perfect for treating burns, wen and warts. In 100 gr. pour 6 tbsp butter. l. watercress juice. Grind the products until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Apply to skin 3-4 times a day.
• 100 gr. Boil watercress in 1 liter of water. Boiling time: 5 minutes over low heat. Strain the brew and drink 0.5 cups three times a day after meals. Normalizes thyroid function and blood sugar in diabetes.
• Healing ointment will cure eczema and ulcers. Mix melted butter with fresh watercress juice in proportions of 1 to 1. Stir until the mixture is homogeneous. Apply it to painful areas of the skin 5 times a day. Store the butter in the refrigerator.
• Prepare a tincture for cystitis and female gynecological diseases. 100 gr. leave fresh raw materials overnight in 1 liter of boiled, cooled water. Strain the drink. Divide it into equal portions to drink within one day. The course of admission is a week.

Zherukha officinalis– a perennial medicinal plant, a representative of the Cabbage family. Zherukha has a hollow stem that spreads along the ground, as well as a strong and long root. The leaves of the plant are located opposite each other, the flowers are very small, white (see photo). The plant is found near bodies of water, as it is very moisture-loving. The grass is widespread in the Caucasus, Europe, Central Asia, and Crimea. The grass loves running, clean water, but is also found in swamps.

Zherukha - famous medicine. The pharmaceutical name of the plant is Nasturtii herba, and its popular folk name is “watercress”. The herb retains its beneficial properties only when fresh. This is one of the few plants that are not harvested for future use. It is better to collect watercress during the flowering period, but if necessary, it can be picked all year round. For those who do not have access to a fresh plant, the pharmaceutical industry offers canned herb juice.

Growing

Watercress is grown for medicinal purposes. When the plant reaches 50 cm, it is cut and sent for processing. If you create all the necessary conditions, you can grow watercress yourself. Areas next to which there are bodies of water are best suited for growing grass. The plant must be planted using seedlings, cuttings. Seedlings are grown from grass seeds, which are watered abundantly until sprouts appear. Before planting the plant, the bottom of the groove must be fertilized with humus. The watercress should be planted in prepared places at an angle and filled with water. It is better to plant grass in the fall: this way it will safely overwinter under water, and in the spring there will be a first harvest.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of watercress are due to its chemical composition. The herb contains iodine, which is necessary for normal operation thyroid gland. The watercress also contains a small amount essential oil, which gives it its characteristic taste.

The plant contains a large number of minerals and vitamins. Potassium, iron, phosphorus - contain watercress leaves. In addition, this herb is a source of vitamins B, A, C, K. The presence of iron and many vitamins makes watercress a good prophylactic for diseases of the circulatory system. The herb naturally cleanses human blood.

An infusion of watercress is used for skin problems, as well as for general strengthening and cleansing of the body. To do this, pour boiling water over 30 grams of watercress and leave for 3 hours, then filter the infusion and take 200 ml daily.

Use in cooking

Watercress has been used in cooking since ancient times due to its mustard flavor. If you look into it, then watercress is a relative of another well-known culinary plant - watercress. Like him, watercress is a very healthy and tasty vegetable. Its leaves are quite edible; they are used to make homemade sauces, green salads, and used as a seasoning. Dress salads with olive oil or heavier dressings, such as mayonnaise. The herb goes well with meat and fish.

Watercress is considered a leaf vegetable, although it does not look like one. The plant was used in ancient Rome, where it was grown as a seasoning. The aroma of watercress is reminiscent of horseradish, and its taste is tart and bitter. When added to dishes, the herb enhances the taste of other products, and as a separate dish it can be used as a healthy drink.

It is also customary to use watercress seeds for food, if necessary, they can replace mustard seeds in many dishes. As an aromatic seasoning, watercress is used in combination with rosemary and mint; this mixture turns out to be moderately spicy, but very aromatic; it is added to many dishes in order to add piquancy to them.

The plant is easily absorbed by the human body. Zherukha is considered a dietary product. This is facilitated by the low calorie content of the herb (only 32 kilocalories per 100 grams) and the beneficial properties of the plant. Watercress is added to sandwiches to give them a tangy mustard flavor. Zherukha goes well with ham, cheese and even fish. Sometimes the herb is added to meat and vegetable soups.

According to ancient legends, eating watercress develops psychic abilities.

The watercress is used as feed for cows, goats, and chickens.

Benefits of watercress and treatment

The benefits of the herb are manifested in various diseases. The balanced composition allows the use of watercress for skin diseases, respiratory diseases, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Medicinal zherukha was used to treat a severe form of bronchitis, in which the patient produces sputum containing pus.

A decoction of watercress is used for anemia, diabetes, oncology. To prepare a decoction, 20 grams of the plant will be enough, which is poured with boiling water and then filtered. The decoction is also effective for urolithiasis. Drink the decoction several times a day before meals.

For the treatment of gastritis, colitis, periodontal disease Take the juice of a fresh plant diluted in half with water. The medicine is taken three times a day. Concentrated watercress juice is taken a teaspoon once a day to treat jaundice, kidney stones and gall bladder. This remedy is classified as a mild laxative. The juice is also indicated for acute and chronic inflammation of the kidneys.

For the treatment of burns and other external use, an ointment is prepared based on watercress and butter. In order to obtain the ointment, you need to thoroughly grind 3 tablespoons of plant juice and 50 grams of butter. The ingredients should mix well. To obtain homogeneous mass You can melt the butter a little. Ointment based on watercress juice is used for warts, wen, burns.

Harm of watercress and contraindications

Watercress can cause harm to the body if consumed uncontrolled and with a significant increase in dosage. Like any medicinal herb, watercress can provoke side effects, which include irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and kidneys. Before using the herb, especially its juice, you should consult your doctor.