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Growing and using the beneficial properties of nasturtium
Botanical characteristics of nasturtium
Nasturtium is a perennial plant (for a warm climate), reaching a height of two meters, but in the conditions of central Russia it is grown as an annual. Nasturtium has a smooth, creeping stem that branches very strongly. The leaves of the plant, arranged alternately on long petioles, have many veins and smooth edges. Nasturtium flowers are irregular, arranged singly in the axils of the leaves. Nasturtium blooms from early summer to early autumn. The fruit of the plant is a box, which, as it ripens, breaks up into 3 parts, each of which contains one seed. Fruit ripening occurs in early autumn.
Nasturtium grows throughout Europe. It can be seen as a single plant, or in the form of small thickets.
Growing nasturtium
Nasturtium is a photophilous plant. For this reason, it is planted in sunny and open places. Nasturtium does not tolerate frost. This plant thrives best in light and well-drained soil containing fertilizer (except fresh manure). If the soil contains a lot of nitrogen, then this will only harm the plant, as many leaves will form, which means that flowering will worsen.
Nasturtium does not need frequent watering. But you need to water it regularly and plentifully. If there is not enough moisture, then the nasturtium will lose its decorative effect.
Most often, nasturtium is propagated by seed. To do this, you need to collect the seeds and sow them in April (for seedlings), or you can sow them in the ground in early May. Seeds should be sown in rows or nests. Nests are made at a distance of 40 cm from each other. No more than 5 seeds can be placed in one nest. As the shoots appear, thin them out. If the seeds are very large, then you can sow them one by one in pots, and when shoots appear, transplant them into the ground.
During the growth period of nasturtium, phosphate fertilizers should be applied, as they are stimulants for the flowering of this plant.
Useful properties of nasturtium
Due to the fact that nasturtium contains useful substances, it is used as a medicinal plant. Nasturtium has diuretic, antiseptic and antiscorbutic effects. The plant contains essential oil, which has a positive effect on blood circulation in the veins.
Nasturtium leaves contain a large amount of ascorbic acid, so the raw material of nasturtium is a source of vitamins. The plant has antitussive, expectorant and uroseptic properties.
Nasturtium kills pathogenic microbes, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves the protective functions of the body. Nasturtium contains plant antibiotics, thanks to which it is used for bronchitis, lung diseases, colds and respiratory diseases. Nasturtium is useful for cholelithiasis, inflammation of the lymph nodes, it has a good effect on the body during menopause.
The use of nasturtium
For medicinal purposes, all parts of nasturtium are used. For example, the leaves of the plant are used for scurvy and influenza. Dried leaves are used for depression, irritability and nervous excitability. Nasturtium is useful for the elderly, because it contains carotene and sulfur, which are preventive substances for sclerosis.
Infusion of nasturtium on wine with a breakdown. To prepare it, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant, put them in a liter glass jar and pour dry wine (white) to the top. After you close the lid, take the jar to a room at room temperature and do not touch for 14 days. Ready infusion should be filtered and taken 1 teaspoon three times a day before meals.
Decoction of nasturtium for kidney disease. We take 1 tablespoon of the fruits and buds of the plant and pour them with two glasses of boiling water. We put everything in a water bath for 15 minutes. Next, remove the composition from the water bath and leave to brew for 45 minutes. After straining, the finished broth is taken 100 ml three times a day. The same medicine is used for urolithiasis and diseases of the urinary tract.
Nasturtium tincture for chronic bronchitis. The tincture is prepared quickly and easily. To prepare it, take 1 tablespoon of crushed buds and leaves along with seeds. Pour all this raw material with 150 ml of vodka and leave it in a dark place for 2 weeks, not forgetting to shake it periodically. Ready tincture is filtered. Take this medicine three times a day, 25 drops.
Nasturtium for strengthening hair. We take the leaves of nasturtium and pass them through a meat grinder. To them we add the roots of the cinquefoil, also passed through a meat grinder. Mix everything and squeeze the juice. This juice lubricates the roots of the hair or, mixed with water, is used as a rinse.
Contraindications to the use of nasturtium
Nasturtium inside can not be taken in large doses, as this will lead to irritation of the intestinal mucosa and stomach. But for people with gastritis and ulcers, the use of nasturtium is generally contraindicated.