Nasturtiums for your nose

There’s no arguing that it’s cold and flu weather. Everyone you meet seems to have some kind of sniffle.

Fortunately, there are many wild herbs out there that can relieve, at least some of your symptoms, for free!

One that we’ll look at today is the humble Nasturtium (Trapeolum majus). If you’ve ever had Nasturtiums in your garden, you’ll know how much they love to share their abundance. In fact, once you’ve had Nasturtiums, you may never be free of them. And that’s a good thing!

Nasturtiums are one of those wonderful herbs that come up, just when we need them.

For those of us with clogged sinuses and drippy noses, Nasturtiums can be a blessing. The leaves, seeds and flowers all contain a potent Mustard oil which can blast a blockage and clear your congestion within a few minutes. All you have to do is eat a leaf or flower, or two, chew them as slowly as you can and the ‘fragrant’ oil will do its work!

Nasturtiums also have a decent range of nutrients, including a good dose of Vitamin C - just what’s needed right now. The colours of the flowers are formed from a whole range of antioxidants, so give you an added health benefit. There is a wide range of colours I this species but any can be eaten.

If you find any of the seed pods, be careful. As they ripen, they can pack a punch equivalent to a spoonful of Wasabi or Horseradish!

Nasturtiums are a herb that’s best eaten fresh. Cooking them makes them all yucky, so eat fresh or include some in a winter sandwich.

In the wild, Nasturtiums like moist areas and can be found crowding creek banks. Be careful if you harvest them from these areas because, who knows what toxins are getting washed down the creek. If you have a friend with any in your garden, go nuts! Too much can give you the trots though!

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