Nasturtium flowers: application, useful properties, photo

Long since the flowers of nasturtium were appreciated not only for their natural beauty, but also for their useful properties. Preserved a large number of recipes based on this plant, used today in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology.

Description of nasturtium flowers

The plant is perennial, capable of reaching up to 2 meters in height. On the creeping branched stalk there are orange, yellow and salmon-colored flowers. They are quite large - 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 sinuses of leaves alone. A brightly colored cup has a spur in the base. A free-petal corolla consists of five or more petals. Nasturtium is appreciated by gardeners for a long flowering period, which begins in June and ends late in the fall, when frost sets in.

One interesting feature of these colors is noticed: during sunset, when the sky turns orange-red, the flowers of the nasturtium seem to flare up with fire.

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 beneficial to the body, nasturtium is used as an antiseptic, diuretic and antiscorbutic agent. This is a great source of vitamins. Especially rich in nasturtium with vitamin C. Not for nothing that these flowers have long been used to strengthen the body's defenses.

With inflammation of the lymph nodes, hormonal restructuring during the menopause is helped by funds that include nasturtium flowers. Useful properties of these normalize metabolic processes, improve the general state of the body. As part of this plant there are antibiotics, so a good result is the use of nasturtium for colds associated with the respiratory system.

Application in folk medicine

When creating various medicines, almost all parts of the plant are used. Broth, prepared from buds, well helps with diseases of the kidneys, as well as the urinary tract.

Tincture on 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 the juice of nasturtium. Inside it is used for anemia, rheumatism and gout, liver and thyroid diseases one teaspoon per day. For a long time, flowers of nasturtium for hair have been used to strengthen them and prevent falling out. In doing so, add the root of the cotton seed. Squeezed juice is rubbed into the roots of hair or used as a conditioner.

In cosmetology, nasturtium is often used due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Regular use of products containing extract of nasturtium, can rejuvenate the skin, giving it firmness and smoothing wrinkles. In addition, the plant has a whitening effect.

Recipes from nasturtium

The broth is made 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 ready for use after cooling. Strain and drink 2 tablespoons. Spoon 3-4 times a day.

Infusion on wine can raise vitality. Fresh leaves of nasturtium are put in a jar, pour white wine and put on 14 days in a dark place. Drink a teaspoon three times a day.

Tincture, which helps with bronchitis, is prepared from a mixture of leaves, flowers and plant seeds. They insist on vodka for 2 weeks and take three drops a day for 20 drops.

Application in Cooking

A rare gardener does not grow nasturtium. But the fact that you can use the flowers of nasturtium for food, know not all. This plant has been used in cooking for a very long time. As food ingredients are all its parts. In France, nasturtium flowers complement salads, which gives a piquant dish, and decorate sandwiches. Due to its special smell and slightly sharp taste, this plant is added to many dishes as a spice and an appetite enhancer. Various collections of culinary recipes very often mention nasturtium flowers in the list of products necessary for the preparation of salads, seasonings and marinades. Flowers nasturtium application found even in some beverages.

Dishes from nasturtium

In the old days a salad recipe was kept in great secret called "cardinal", which included nasturtium. This dish was considered a source of health and youth. Modern nutritionists confirm the fact that the addition of nasturtium to various dishes gives them dietary and medicinal properties. This is a useful and very original component.

Flowers of nasturtium are used not only in the form of ornaments 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 produce an unusually tasty jam. And in dried form, flowers are added to tea and home wine as a flavor.

The original paste for sandwiches is obtained from garlic-chopped petals of nasturtium, if you add mayonnaise to them.

Especially widespread use of nasturtium flowers in various salads. They are combined with boiled eggs, potatoes, nettle leaves, green peas. Undiluted buds can be marinated along with vinegar and dill, as well as with any other vegetables.

Contraindications to the use of nasturtium

In some diseases, this plant is not recommended for use in food. Before using the above dishes, it is worth making sure whether it is possible to eat nasturtium flowers with the existing health problems, and whether it will cause any allergic reaction.

When taking medicines prepared with the use of nasturtium, do not exceed their dosage, so as not to injure the gastric mucosa. To preserve all the useful properties, it is not necessary to expose this plant to heat treatment.

Peculiarities of growing nasturtium

Nasturtium is popular throughout the European part. Plant the plant in both single and group plantings. To successfully grow the flower requires well-drained soil, rich in composition. It is not necessary to add fresh manure to the land, because Excess of nitrogen can worsen the flowering. During the summer, supplementation with superphosphate is repeatedly performed.

The place for planting should be chosen open, well lit by the sun. Next to the plants, you need to install supports to prevent the flowers from spreading all over the site. In order to create a large number of flowers of nasturtium, the properties of which are so many-sided, you need to limit watering during the flowering period.

Nasturtium multiplies with seeds. The sowing is usually carried out at the end of spring, when the period of the first frosts will pass.