Watercress Herb Profile

Also known as

Nasturtium officinale, Rorippa naturtium-aquaticum, Brown Cress, Cress, Brooklime, Nasturtium and Berro.

Introduction

Watercress is a hardy perennial plant of marshes and streams lying over limestone around the world. Used as both food and medicine, the botanical name for the plant comes from a Roman term meaning "twisted nose."

Constituents

Mustard oil glycosides, vitamins (A, B3, C, and E), and minerals (calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, and phosphorous).

Parts Used

Fresh or dried above ground parts of the plant.

Typical Preparations

Dried herb added to food (recommended), or infused as a tea. Very seldom found as an extract.

Summary

Precautions

The safety of watercress during pregnancy and for children under 4 has not been established. Do not use watercress if you have peptic or duodenal ulcers or if you have nephritis.