Origin, Distribution and Composition
The watercress is a perennial, aquatic herb, with hollow angular stems, and many branches. It has dark green, shining leaves divided into several leaflets. It has a pleasant and pungent flavour and is used in salads.
The Greeks regarded watercress as a psychic stimulant and the Romans used it with vinegar as a remedy for mental disorders. Old English physicians recommended its use as a remedy for
headaches and biliousness.
Watercress is a native of Europe. It is widely distributed in a wild state in Great Britain, South and Central Europe and Western Asia. This plant is now cultivated in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hawaii, West Indies and East Africa and grows wild in the Himalayas.
Watercress contains all the essential vitamins and is rich in alkaline elements. An analysis of this vegetable shows it to consist of moisture, protein, fat and carbohydrates. Its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamins A and C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 19. The herb also contains nicotinamide, a glucoside, gluconasturtin and a volatile oil.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Watercress has a cooling effect on the body and, aids digestion. Hippocrates described it as a stimulant and expectorant.
Anaemia
As a rich source of iron, watercress is beneficial in the treatment of
anaemia. A cup of its fresh juice with a teaspoon of lime juice and a pinch of commonsalt can be taken every morning for a month in the treatment of this condition.
Asthma
The herb is considered an excellent food remedy for chest troubles. It has been found effective in treating
asthma and cough as it facilitates expectoration.
Disorders of the Thyroid Gland
Watercress is one of the best sources of iodine which is very important to correct the functioning of the thyroid gland. Its regular use is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of thyroid gland disorders.
Piles
A combined juice of watercress, carrot, spinach and turnip leaves is effective in dissolving the coagulated blood fibrin in piles. About a litre of this if taken daily it cures this condition within 2 to 6 months. However, all white flour, sugar products and meat have to be eliminated from the
diet.
Skin Disorders
A paste made of seeds and water, can be applied in
skin diseases caused by the impurities of blood. Bruised seeds, mixed with lime juice and spread on linen, can be applied with beneficial results in case of internal inflammation and rheumatic pains. The seed is also effective as a rubefacientβa pain relieving ointment.
Precautions: The juice extracted from watercress is exceedingly rich in sulphur, which represents more than one third of all the other combined mineral elements and salts present in it. It is, however, a very powerful intestinal cleanser. It should, therefore, never be taken by itself but always in combination with other juices.
Other Uses
Dietary Deficiencies: Dr. Harold Scurfield, an eminent British physician has advocated the greater use of watercress among urbanites on the plea that it probably contains all the vitamins which are likely to compensate dietary deficiencies caused by urbanisation
Malnutrition: Watercress is good for malnutrition. Dr. S. Monckton Copeman, formerly of the Ministry of Health in England, says, "In many instances, excellent results, especially in the case of ill-nourished children, have been found to follow on the addition of watercress to their ordinary food.2
Pregnancy and Lactation: The use of watercress is very beneficial during
pregnancy and lactation. An invigorating and nutritious tonic is prepared by boiling the seeds in milk to get a thin, soft mass and adding sugar or jaggery, to it. This tonic removes the imminent general debility during
pregnancy. It also increases the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.
Hiccups: An emulsion made by soaking the seeds in water is taken as a drink at frequent intervals to relieve hiccups.
Watercress is mostly used as vegetable. Its rich green leaves make an excellent salad. The flowers of the plant are also palatable.