TROPAEOLUM MAJUS, BETTER KNOWN AS NASTURTIUM
This beautiful and happy plant originates from Peru. The abundance of blooms in an array of sunny yellows, bright oranges, and vibrant reds decorate many gardens year round. They self-seed and flourishes in well-drained soil and full sun. If planted in the shade you will have more leaves than flowers.
Perhaps you have Nasturtiums in your garden and you grow them mostly for their beauty. All is well for cultivating for the beauty of this plant; we can all certainly can do with more sunshine in our lives.
However, did you know that Nasturtiums has been a natural remedy through the ages? Used in a number of ways from boosting the immune system to stimulating hair growth.
THE MAIN POINTS
- You can grow them for ornamental purposes
- You can grow them as a herb to flavor your food
- You can use them as a home remedy for colds and flu
- Flowers can heal on physical and metaphysical levels
AS FOOD
As with most herbs, you will find these beautiful flowers are available in shops to add to your salads. Not only are the flowers edible, so too are the leaves and the seeds. The leaves have a peppery taste and the seeds are a substitute for pepper. An excellent companion to cheese and a wonderful addition to your sandwiches.
Nasturtium Infused Vinegar
- Ingredients
- Vinegar of your choice, I used Kombucha vinegar, you could use Apple Cider or white wine vinegar if you prefer
- Nasturtium flowers, I used fresh flowers, dried flowers will also work well
Method
Using a sterilized jar, add your chopped leaves and flowers. Top up with vinegar and seal. Vinegar will rust metal lids so I recommend that you use a cork or plastic lid or if you do not have those, you can add a plastic layer between the lid and the vinegar. Shake daily, and infuse for 2 weeks or longer. The longer the vinegar stand the stronger the taste, so if you like it more peppery let it take its time to infuse.
I found this wonderful recipe from Martha Stewart and I am definitely going to try this out.
Nasturtium Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups nasturtium leaves,
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced nasturtium stems,
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts,
- 4 cloves garlic, 1 cup olive oil,
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; prepare an ice-water bath and set aside. Add nasturtium leaves to boiling water; cook for 10 seconds. Drain and transfer to ice-water bath until cool. Drain and set aside. Place leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and oil in the jar of a blender; blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and fold in stems and cheese.
You can also try out this wonderful recipe for Nasturtium Hot Sauce
Nasturtium Hot Sauce
Nasturtium Flowers
Nasturtium Vinegar
NATURAL HEALING
Nasturtiums are rich in vitamin C, historically used to combat scurvy. Nasturtiums are also adequate to promote healing from colds and flu, especially helpful for related respiratory problems. If you are going to use your Nasturtiums, please remember that they should be organic and free from pesticides!
Nasturtium Tincture
A tincture is created by adding fresh or dried plant matter into alcohol to extract the medicinal properties of the herb and to preserve the medicine for later use. What I love about tinctures is that they are easy to make yourself and will last for many years if preserved properly. I would use this tincture the same way I would use the fresh plant when I feel a cold coming on, by adding a few drops in some water and taking that as often as necessary. This is also a great way to preserve the plant when there is abundance and to keep for later when they have died back. After all, colds and come at their own pace and not necessarily when your Nasturtiums are blooming.
Color Chart
Nasturtium Flower Essence
COLOR THERAPY
Reds Yellows and Oranges all have corresponding meanings when it comes to color therapy. I am not a therapist; however, I can resonate with the energy of the color and certainly feel the warmth and joy generated from my interaction with these beauties.
VIBRATIONAL REMEDY
I believe in a deeper connection with nature. As my own journey to personal growth raised my vibration, I was surprised to experience the spontaneity and eagerness with which some plants communicate. I studied Reiki and during that time, trees started to talk to me. The truth is, I think they spoke to me all along; I was only able to “hear” them now. I have also since experienced cheeky ferns, boisterous lilies and warm and inviting flowers.
In a recent course that I have completed (Intuitive Plant Medicine), I have learned how to make flower essences and how powerful their healing can be on an emotional level.
Nasturtium happens to be the first flower to call upon me to make an essence. Joyful, full of laughter and sunshine, this essence is nostalgic and takes you back to your childhood. Nasturtium asks that you remember who you were before you were told who you are supposed to be.
I’naturals stock Nasturtium flower essence and invite you to open up to the opportunity to integrate this remedy into your life, experience the gentle healing that this essence can bring. If you are interested to try this essence out, you can find more detail on the following link http://inaturals.co.za/products/nasturtium-flower-essence/
Side Note*** This beautiful essence contains the very life force of the Nasturtiums that called to me. They were extremely persistent in asking me to write them a song, and I have been told by a customer that they asked her to paint them. I am almost certain that your experience would be one of joyous discovery.
In conclusion, this beautiful and versatile herb should be appreciated to its fullest and I recommend you engage a new way of life by creating wonderful vinegar and exciting pasta dishes.
Do you have Nasturtiums growing in your garden? Did you know that both the flowers and the leaves were edible? What do you do with your abundance?
