Water cress 01 - natural antibiotics

Vital substances	Quantity per 100g
Sodium	49.00 mg
Potassium	230.00 mg
Calcium	170.00 mg
Phosphorus	52.00 mg
Magnesium	15.00 mg
Iron	2.20 mg
Vitamin A (Äquivalent)	692.00 mcg
Vitamin E	1.50 mg
Vitamin B1	0.16 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavine)	0.06 mg
Vitamin B3 (niacin)	0.80 mg
Vitamin B6	0.23 mg
Vitamin C	62.00 mg
	[web03]

Sep12, 2016: Watercress stimulates metabolism, digestion, blood-purifying and slightly antibiotic [web02]:
Watercress: Interesting facts about the medicinal plant [web02]
(orig. German: Brunnenkresse: Wissenswertes zur Heilpflanze) [web02]
https://www.t-online.de/gesundheit/heilmittel-medikamente/id_78847296/heilpflanze-brunnenkresse-wirkung-von-brunnenkresse.html [web02]

Watercress grown in a bowl [5] - Watercress grown in small bowls [6] - Watercress on buttered bread [7].

Basic data about the watercress
-- The origin is mainly in Europe, and there are many other names like water mustard etc.
-- Watercress is a perennial plant, creeps on the ground, reaches 70 to 90cm in length and develops new roots
-- Watercress grows near clear water (springs, streams, lakes, riverbanks), needs clear, clean water and partial shade

Flowers of watercress
-- between June and September the watercress blooms in white umbel flowers

Medicinal properties of the leaves of watercress
-- have a sharp, slightly bitter taste, are best BEFORE the flowers bloom, otherwise they become dry and harder
-- ingredients are: Vitamin C, bitter substances, mustard oil, glycosides, zinc, iron, iodine.
-- the leaflets invigorate metabolism, is ideal against spring fatigue,
-- the leaves stimulate the production of gastric juice and bile, so they are digestive.
-- the leaves have a blood purifying and weak antibiotic effect [antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal].
-- cough, rheumatism, gout, skin diseases

Watercress in the kitchen
-- the leaves are used in salads, cottage cheese, cream cheese
-- the leaves can also be used to make a pressed juice

Warnings
-- too much watercress at once provokes irritation of the stomach mucosa and kidneys
-- do not use during pregnancy because of the risk of irritation [provokes contractions of birth].

Nov 26, 2017: Watercress: ingredients + healing effects [web03]:
Watercress [web03]
(orig. German: Brunnenkresse) [web03]
http://hallovita.de/lebensmittel/brunnenkresse/ (no date, in the Internet Archives registered the first time at Nov 26, 2017) [web03]
first time registered in the Internet Archives on Nov 26, 2017: https://web.archive.org/web/20220817103710/http://hallovita.de/lebensmittel/brunnenkresse/

Watercress grown in a bowl [5] - Watercress grown in small bowls [6] - Watercress on a slice of bread and butter [7]

Vitamins and mineral content of watercress

Vital substances	Quantity per 100g
Natrium	49.00 mg
Potassium	230.00 mg
Calcium	170.00 mg
Phosphorus	52.00 mg
Magnesium	15.00 mg
Iron	2.20 mg
Vitamin A (equivalent)	692.00 mcg
Vitamin E	1.50 mg
Vitamin B1	0.16 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)	0.06 mg
Vitamin B3 (niacin)	0.80 mg
Vitamin B6	0.23 mg
Vitamin C	62.00 mg

"Researchers at William Peterson University in New Jersey took a close look at 47 different foods for their health benefits. Based solely on nutritional values, watercress came out on top as the healthiest vegetable. Go to source link."

CDC source: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/13_0390.htm

-- watercress leaves have a fresh and slightly pungent flavor

-- Watercress has long been a recognized medicinal plant, plays important role in Ayurveda (India) against sexual diseases, among others:

Quote: "In the traditional Indian healing art of Ayurveda, watercress takes an important role and is used for various diseases as well as for the treatment of sexual troubles."

-- Isothiocyanates regulate hyperthyroidism: the absorption of too much iodine is hindered:

Quote, "In watercress, we have Isothiocyanates. These can prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing excessive iodine and are therefore very suitable for treating hyperthyroidism."

-- Diabetes: watercress regulates high blood sugar, in this case best is to take an extract [over a longer time]:

Quote: "Watercress is also very suitable for diabetics, because it positively affects the blood sugar level and prevents the rapid rise of the same. However, here it is recommended to take the watercress as an extract."

-- works against thrombosis, strokes and heart attacks, because watercress has a blood thinning+antioxidant effect [against cancer]:

Quote, "Watercress further helps with problems with the cardiovascular system. The plant has both antioxidant and blood thinning effects, which can prevent thrombosis formation. The risk of strokes and heart attacks can also be reduced by regular consumption of watercress."

-- Has a weak antibiotic effect [against bacteria, viruses, fungi]: reduces inflammation:

Quote: "The weak antibiotic effect of watercress does the rest and helps against many kinds of inflammations."

-- detoxifies: acts as a diuretic and thus helps to detoxify the body, reduces the risk of kidney stones + improves the skin:

Quote: "An important aspect from the Ayurvedic healing art comes to the detoxifying effect of watercress. The plant has a diuretic effect, which can support detoxification of the body. Not only can it reduce the risk of kidney stones, but it also has a positive effect on the skin."

-- when consumed in moderation, watercress has a regulating effect on gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and stomach troubles:

Quote: "If watercress is consumed in moderation, it has a very positive and regulating effect on digestion. Complaints such as diarrhea and stomach troubles can therefore be treated well with watercress."

-- has an antibacterial effect in the respiratory tract against colds, coughs, asthma:

Quote: "In addition to the antioxidant and weak antibiotic effect, there is also an antibacterial effect, which is particularly helpful in the area of the respiratory tract. Cold symptoms are alleviated, and watercress has an expectorant effect on coughs. This positive effect on the respiratory tract also reduces asthma."

-- has a hormonal positive effect on sexual complaints, including menstrual pain:

Quote: "Furthermore, watercress contains hormonally active substances that actually have a positive effect on sexual complaints, as already mentioned. Especially helpful is the consumption for women who suffer from menstrual problems."

-- boosts appetite:

Quote: "If you suffer from loss of appetite, you should add watercress to your meals. This, in fact, has an appetite stimulating effect."

Warnings:
-- in general, only small amounts of watercress should be consumed, otherwise the stomach lining (gastric mucosa) and kidneys will be irritated
-- watercress is not for pregnant women [but is for births: namely provokes contractions of birth].

Watercress in creams+ointments for the face
-- Watercress with antibiotic effect also works against impurities of the skin [pimples?, acne?], even against freckles and age spots:

Quote: "Watercress has a particularly good effect on the skin and can be used to treat impurities. Accordingly, the extract of the plant can be found in creams and ointments used for skin blemishes, freckles or age spots."

Watercress in the kitchen

-- Watercress can be kept for 1 day when picked and placed in water
-- Watercress can be kept in foil in the refrigerator for up to a week
-- dried watercress loses flavor and ingredients
-- the taste of the leaves of watercress is dominant, the leaves are used as an addition to soups, salads, egg dishes and fish.

Watercress on fried egg+vegetable rice [8] - Watercress sprouts on the salad plate [9]

Ingredients of watercress [web04]
Watercress [web04]
(orig. German: Echte Brunnenkresse) [web04]
from the Mossad Wikipedia, the article is registerd in the Internet Archives first at Nov 2, 2008:
https://web.archive.org/web/20081102012131/https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echte_Brunnenkresse (estae of Nov 2, 2008) [web04]

Watercress grown in a bowl [5] - Watercress grown in small bowls [6] - Watercress on a slice of bread with butter [7]

Bitter substances, tannins, sugar, essential oils, raphanol, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, and minerals such as iron, iodine, phosphorus, calcium.

100 g of fresh leaves contain: [5]

-- 19 Calories
-- 93.3% water
-- 2.2g protein; 0.3g fat; 3g Carbohydrates
-- minerals - 151 mg calcium; 54 mg of phosphorus; 1.7 mg iron; 52 mg sodium; 282 mg Potassium
-- vitamins - 2940 mg A; 0.08 mg thiamine (B1); 0.16 mg riboflavin (B2); 0.9 mg niacin; 79 mg C

Healing effects of watercress: appetite, sexual desire, blood rejuvenation, purification, contractions (for childbirth!), diabetes, vit. C, inflammation [web05]:
Watercress [web05]
(orig. German: Echte Brunnenkresse) [web05]
aus der Mossad-Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echte_Brunnenkresse (Stand 26.12.2022) [web05]

Internal healing effects of watercress
-- Watercress is a spring cure [against spring fatigue]: appetite-stimulating, promotes metabolism, sexual desire (aphrodisiac)
-- Watercress has blood-purifying and blood-building effect, restores blood
-- Watercress is diuretic, purification of liver, lungs, stomach
-- Heat cress is favoring contractions of birth
-- Watercress reduces diabetes mellitus
-- Watercress works against vitamin C deficiency (against scurvy) [if scurvy occurs in the countryside and whole grain food is not available]
-- Watercress is effective against inflammation in the oral cavity and rheumatism

External healing effects of watercress
-- Hair tonic
-- Clarification of the skin of the face

Homeopathic
-- Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) against infections, especially against urinary tract infections

Folk Medicine

This ancient medicinal plant is considered to be an aphrodisiac and appetite stimulant, metabolism stimulant, diuretic and analgesic. In naturopathy, it is recommended for the "purification" of the liver, lungs and stomach. [11] It is also said to help with diabetes mellitus. It is used in spring cures and against rheumatism. Used externally, it serves as a hair tonic and to clear the complexion. As early as the 17th century, watercress was considered a valued remedy against lack of vitamin C (scurvy) because of its vitamin C content.[32] That this was a mistake, however, is proven by the fact that watercress, like the equally used spoonwort, could only be used against scurvy on land where fresh and more balanced food was available at the same time. [33] Watercress is also known for its alleged blood-purifying and blood-building effects.[23] Additionally, it is recommended as an anti-inflammatory for the oral mucosa.[28]

Homeopathy
In homeopathy, Nasturtium officinale is used.[34] However, the attributed effect especially against urinary tract infections is not scientifically confirmed.

<Lagerung

Cultivation of watercress: ideal for humid climates - always growing near running water - or in closed greenhouses:
True watercress [web05]
from Mossad Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echte_Brunnenkresse (as of Dec 26, 2022) [web05]

Quote:

Since watercress is very accustomed to humid conditions, it will only last one day at room temperature and must be consumed soon. Wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator at 3 to 5 °C, it can be kept for a week.[25]

Medical importance

Hygiene in cultivation

Once the plants are flowering, water cress plants are not good for consumption any more. Plants should only be harvested when they are groing on flowing waters so the bacteria charge is a minimum. There are infections when the cress plants are not cooked because some water cress in France came from meadows with animal feces and there were infections with greater liver fluke wild (Dönges, Parasitology). And in England there was a case with water cress from sheep pastures which were contaminated. So cress from meadows should never be consumed without cooking because of contamination with faeces of animals with the greater liver fluke. [25]

Side effect of watercress: toxic to cats [web06]:
Watercress: 4 healthy effects, 4 risks + 4 tips for planting [web06]
(orig. German: Kresse: 4 gesunde Wirkungen, 4 Risiken + 4 Tipps zum Anpflanzen) [web06]
https://www.gesundfit.de/artikel/kresse-17276/ [web06]

-- Watercress filters out toxins from water, so the toxins from the water are accumulated and concentrated in the watercress [web05]
-- cats so are poisoned by the watercress, the symptoms are gastrointestinal distress [web05]
-- when cats are eating watercress, they should see a veterinarian to be safe [web05]