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Nasturtium

The cultivation and use of useful properties of nasturtium


Botanical characterization of nasturtium

Nasturtium is a perennial plant (for warm climates), reaching a height of two meters, however in the conditions of Central Russia are grown as annuals. Nasturtium has a smooth, creeping stem, which is very highly branched. The leaves of the plant are alternate on long stalks, have many veins and smooth edges. The flowers of nasturtium wrong, arranged singly in the leaf axils. Nasturtium blooms from early summer to early autumn. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that growing splits into 3 parts, inside each of which contains one seed. Ripening occurs in early autumn.

Nasturtium grows throughout Europe. It can be seen as the plant alone, or in small thickets.


Growing nasturtiums

Nasturtium is a photophilous plant. For this reason, it and planted in a Sunny and open places. Nasturtium does not tolerate frost. Best of all, this plant grows in light and drained soil containing fertilizer (except fresh manure). If the soil will contain a lot of nitrogen, it will only bring harm to the plant, as it will produce many leaves, and this means that flowering will be impaired.

Nasturtium does not need frequent watering. But watered it regularly and abundantly. If humidity is not enough, nasturtiums lost decorative.

Most often the nasturtium is propagated by seed. For this you need to collect the seeds and sow them in April (for seedlings), or at the beginning of may to sow them in the ground. Seeds need to be sown in rows or nests. Make nests at a distance of 40 cm from each other. In one nest can be placed no more than 5 seeds. As emergence makes them thinning. If the seeds are very large, then you can sow them one by one in pots and when the seedlings, transplant them into the ground.

During the growth of nasturtium need to make phosphate fertilizers, as they are stimulants flowering of this plant.

Useful properties of nasturtium

Due to the fact that nasturtiums contain nutrients, it is used as medicinal plants. Nasturtium has a diuretic, antiseptic, and antiscorbutic action. The plant contains essential oil, which has a positive effect on blood circulation in the veins.

In the leaves of nasturtium available in a large amount of ascorbic acid,therefore, the raw material of nasturtium is a source of vitamins. The plant has antitussive, expectorant and uroseptic properties.

Nasturtium kills disease-causing microbes, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves protective functions of the body. The nasturtium plant contain antibiotics, which is used for bronchitis, lung diseases, colds and respiratory diseases. Nasturtium is useful in cholelithiasis, inflammation of the lymph nodes, it has a good effect on the body during menopause.


The use of nasturtium

In the medical purposes apply to all parts of the nasturtium. For example, the leaves of the plant find use in scurvy and influenza. Dried leaves are used in depression, irritability and nervous excitability. Nasturtium is useful for older people because it contains carotene and sulfur, which are preventive substances in multiple sclerosis.

The infusion of nasturtium at fault in case of a breakdown. To prepare it, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant, put them in a quart glass jar and fill the rest dry wine (white). After closing the lid, put the jar in room temperature and do not touch within 14 days. Ready infusion strain and take 1 teaspoon three times a day before meals.

Broth nasturtiums if you have kidney disease. Take 1 tablespoon of the fruit and buds of the plant and fill them two cups of boiling water. Put everything in a water bath for 15 minutes. Next, remove the composition from the water bath and leave for 45 minutes to infuse. After straining the finished broth take 100 ml three times a day. The same drug is used for kidney stones and urinary tract diseases.

Tincture of nasturtium in chronic bronchitis. Preparing tincture quickly and easily. For its preparation take 1 tablespoon of crushed buds and leaves along with the seeds. Fill all the raw materials of 150 ml of vodka and leave in a dark place for 2 weeks, not forgetting to stir. Ready infusion filter. To take the medicine needed three times a day 25 drops.

Nasturtium to strengthen the hair. Take the leaves of nasturtium and pass them through a meat grinder. Added to these the roots of tormentil, also minced. All mix and squeeze the juice. This juice is smeared on the roots of the hair or mixing it with water, used as a means for rinsing.


Contraindications to the use of nasturtium

The nasturtium inside cannot be taken in large doses, as it will lead to irritation of the intestinal mucosa and stomach. But people with gastritis and ulcers the use of nasturtium generally contraindicated.