Since ancient times, nasturtium flowers have been valued not only for their natural beauty, but also for their beneficial properties. Preserved a large number of recipes based on this plant, used today in cooking, traditional medicine and cosmetology.
Description of Nasturtium Flowers
The plant is a perennial capable of reaching up to 2 meters in height. On a creeping branched stem are orange, yellow and salmon flowers. They are quite large in size - up to 5 cm in diameter.
Depending on the variety, there are simple and terry. The irregular shape of the flowers resembles a hood. They are located on long pedicels in the axils of the leaves singly. A brightly colored calyx has a spur at the base. Free-standing corolla consists of five or more petals. Nasturtium is appreciated by gardeners for a long flowering period, which begins in June and ends in late autumn, when frost occurs.
One interesting feature of these flowers was noticed: during sunset, when the sky turns orange-red, nasturtium flowers seem to flash out in flames.
Beneficial features
This plant is famous not only for its decorative, but also for its healing properties. Due to the presence in it of a large number of substances useful to the body, nasturtium is used as an antiseptic, diuretic and anti-zingotic agent. It is a great source of vitamins. Nasturtium is especially rich in vitamin C. It is not for nothing that these flowers have long been used to strengthen the body's defenses.
With inflammation of the lymph nodes, hormonal changes during menopause, drugs that include nasturtium flowers help. Their beneficial properties normalize metabolic processes, improve the general condition of the body. The composition of this plant has antibiotics, so the use of nasturtium for colds associated with the respiratory system gives a good result.
Application in traditional medicine
When creating various medicines, almost all parts of the plant are used. A decoction made from buds helps well with diseases of the kidneys, as well as the urinary tract.
Tincture of vodka from a mixture of leaves, flowers and seeds is very effective against chronic bronchitis. From various skin problems (warts, polyps, acne, burns) will help get rid of nasturtium juice. Inside, it is used for anemia, rheumatism and gout, liver and thyroid diseases, one teaspoon per day. It has long been used nasturtium flowers for hair to strengthen them and prevent hair loss. In this case, the root of the cinquefoil is added . Squeezed juice is rubbed into the hair roots or used as a rinse aid.
In cosmetology, nasturtium is often used due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The regular use of funds containing nasturtium extract can rejuvenate the skin, giving it elasticity and smoothing wrinkles. In addition, the plant has a whitening effect.
Nasturtium recipes
The broth is prepared from dried leaves and flowers. One tablespoon is poured into a glass of water and brought to a boil. Then for 15 minutes the mixture is heated in a water bath and after cooling is ready for use. Strain and drink 2 tbsp. tablespoons 3-4 times a day.
Infusion on wine is able to raise vitality. Fold the fresh leaves of nasturtium in a jar, pour white wine and put in a dark place for 14 days. Drink a teaspoon three times a day.
A tincture that helps with bronchitis is prepared from a mixture of leaves, flowers and seeds of a plant. They are insisted on vodka for 2 weeks and taken three times a day for 20 drops.
Cooking Application
A rare gardener does not grow nasturtium. But not everyone knows that nasturtium flowers can be used as food. This plant has been used in cooking for a very long time. All parts of it are used as food ingredients. In France, nasturtium flowers complement salads, which adds spice to the dish and decorates sandwiches. Due to the special smell and a slightly pungent taste, this plant is added to many dishes as a spice and appetite enhancer. Various collections of recipes very often mention nasturtium flowers in the list of products necessary for the preparation of salads, seasonings and marinades. Nasturtium flowers have been used even in some drinks.
Nasturtium Dishes
In ancient times, a salad recipe called "Cardinal", which included nasturtium, was kept in great secret. This dish was considered a source of health and youth. Modern nutritionists confirm the fact that the addition of nasturtium in various dishes gives them dietary and healing properties. This is a useful and very original component.
Nasturtium flowers are used not only in the form of decorations and spices. They are also stuffed with meat, fish, mushrooms or cottage cheese. To do this, take large flowers, up to 5 cm in size.
In addition, they make an unusually tasty jam. And when dried, the flowers are added to tea and homemade wine as a flavoring.
The original pasta for sandwiches is obtained from nasturtium petals crushed with garlic, if you add mayonnaise to them.
Especially widespread use were flowers of nasturtium in various salads. They are combined with boiled eggs, potatoes, nettle leaves, green peas. Unbroken buds can be pickled with vinegar and dill, as well as with any other vegetables.
Contraindications to the use of nasturtium
For some diseases, this plant is not recommended for use in food. Before using the above dishes, you should make sure whether it is possible to eat nasturtium flowers with existing health problems, and whether it will cause any allergic reaction.
When taking drugs prepared using nasturtium, their dosage should not be exceeded so as not to injure the gastric mucosa. To preserve all the beneficial properties, you should not subject this plant to heat treatment.
Features of growing nasturtium
Nasturtium is popular throughout the European part. Planted in both single and group plantings. For successful cultivation, the flower requires well-drained soil, rich in composition. Do not add fresh manure to the ground, as excess nitrogen can impair flowering. During the summer, superphosphate is fed repeatedly.
Place for landing you need to choose an open, well-lit by the sun. Near the plants, it is necessary to establish supports so that the flowers do not creep over the entire site. In order for nasturtium flowers to form in large numbers, whose properties are so multifaceted, watering during the flowering period must be limited.
Nasturtium breeds with seeds. Sowing is usually carried out at the end of spring, when the period of the first frosts passes.