Therapeutic Benefits of Watercress
In my last post, I talked about some of the many benefits of watercress. There are so many benefits to this amazing plant/food that I had to cover them over two posts. Here are the therapeutic benefits watercress is credit with:
Therapeutic uses have included: coughs, head colds, bronchial ailments, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema, stress, pain, arthritis, stiff back and joints, diabetes, anemia, constipation, cataracts, failing eye sight, night blindness, leukemia, cancer, hemorrhaging, heart conditions, eczema, scabies, body deodorizer, edema, bleeding gums, weight loss, indigestion, alcoholism, intestinal parasites, circulation, sluggish menstruation, lack of energy, kidney and gall stones, as a brain and nerve strengthener; ailments of the spleen, thyroid, and liver; to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure; for improved memory, for mental function decline and to retard ageing; for failing or scant milk supply of nursing mothers; to regulate flow of bile, health of glands and the functions of body metabolism. It is one of the best sources of the element iodine, other than seaweed, such as kelp. Iodine is important to the function of the thyroid gland. The leaves used as a poultice are applied for relief from enlarged prostate gland.
The chlorophyll-rich leaves are chewed to absorb breath odours. Dr. Robert Willner in ‘The Cancer Solution’ states that chlorophyll is an effective anti-cancer substance, with antioxidant action, helping to neutralize free radicals from chemicals, pesticides, cigarette smoke, diesel emissions and many other environmental mutagens. Chlorophyll is rich in digestive enzymes. These enzymes make it easier to digest heavy foods we eat, such as starches and protein. Also, it is said that the enzymes act as a catalyst, so that the food is more fully utilized and the body gets better benefit from the vitamins and mineral content, and for this reason eating sprigs of watercress with our meals, is most beneficial. But note, to get the benefit of the enzyme action the leaves need to be eaten fresh, as the heat of cooking destroys enzymes.
Watercress contains more sulphur than any other vegetable, except horseradish. Sulphur rich foods play an important part in protein absorption, blood purifying, cell building and in healthy hair and skin.
The potassium content of watercress is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body. Dieters will benefit with eating high potassium foods and eliminating or cutting back on high sodium foods, including salt. The rich calcium content of watercress has been encouraged for soft teeth and weak bone conditions. Chew watercress for bleeding gums. A cough medicine, utilized finely chopped leaves steeped in honey overnight. Watercress juice was mixed with vinegar and consumed for lethargy and drowsiness. A folk-remedy for allergies, watering eyes, sneezing and stuffy head, said these conditions could be cleared by regularly eating several handfuls of watercress. The saying ‘to eat cress’, was sometimes directed at people whose wits were believed to have deserted them! To relieve headaches, make an infusion with a handful of chopped watercress leaves and 2 cups of boiling water. Cool. Strain. Soak a soft cloth in the infusion and rest with it placed over the forehead. In the Middle Ages, the Salernitan School of medicine recommended rubbing the juice of watercress into the scalp to strengthen and thicken the hair. A tonic for promoting hair growth, utilized 100g watercress (finely chopped) and placed in a glass jar, covered with 100ml of alcohol (vodka or brandy) and 1 teasp. of geranium oil. This mixture was shaken several times daily for 2 weeks; then strained and bottled. A little of the tonic was rubbed into the scalp daily.
Use watercress as a poultice for swollen feet and sprained ankles. Watercress is valued for clearing and improving the complexion, by eating and applying externally as a lotion. Fresh juice was applied to the face and skin to fade freckles, spots and blotches, and to clear acne, blemishes, pimples, and blackheads. The juice was applied at night, and washed off in the morning. For a beauty skin lotion, mix 1 tablesp. of honey with 4 tablesp. of watercress juice. Bottle and keep in refrigerator. With cotton wool, dab the lotion on the skin morning and evening, taking care to avoid the eyes. Betty Kamen Ph.D. in her book, ‘Germanium, a new approach to immunity’ shares research on the benefits of plants that contain the mineral germanium. Watercress is a source of the germanium. Germanium acts as an antiviral, antibiotic, and body detoxifier; an oxygen carrier and catalyst; strengthening bone-mass, the immune system and biologically stimulating electrical impulses at cell level. Germanium also plays a role as an adaptogen, helping the body to help itself work to alleviate minor or major health imbalances or to keep the body free of problems, acting both as therapeutic and preventative.
Terri Teague and Mildred Jackson in ‘The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical Medication’ list watercress as, ‘A wondrous source of nutrients for the body and to help clear cancerous growths’. The Sunday Mail April 1997 reported how watercress can block cancer; ‘Scientists have found that the salad vegetable watercress contains a chemical, which helps prevent lung cancer’. Researchers said that a daily intake of watercress turned one of the four major cancer-causing agents in tobacco smoke, into human waste. It is the first time a vegetable has been found to have a beneficial effect on a lung carcinogen in humans. Scientists were working, to condense the key anticancer ingredient in watercress, into a pill. Monash Medical Centre’s leading research nutritionist, reported watercress was one of a number of foods, including green tea and soy products, which could interrupt one of the key pathways of developing lung, breast and bowel cancer. Read the book, ‘World without cancer, the story of vitamin B17’ by Edward Griffin, which reveals how science has been subverted to protect entrenched commercial and political interests. The book explores the revolutionary concept that cancer is a deficiency disease, the substance missing being B17 (also called laetrile), discovered by German chemist Leibig in1830, and further researched by Dr. Ernst Krebs and others. Their research found vitamin B17 stimulated the hemoglobin (red blood cells), strengthened the immune system, acted as a pain reliever for terminal cancer sufferers and other diseases by releasing benzoic acid, which has a natural analgesic effect. It was found that organic cyanide and benzaldehyde released from the laetrile molecule by an enzyme action, could destroy cancer cells, and leave healthy cells undamaged. Dr. F. Krebs made the point that laetrile was not cyanide poisoning, by injecting himself with a syringe filled with pure laetrile, without suffering any ill effects. A therapeutic dose is listed at 250-1000mg daily, with a toxic dose level of 3,000mg.
Culinary Uses: Watercress stimulates digestive juices. There are few herbs that are richer in the large array of vitamins and minerals, which are essential to the human body. When getting to know and appreciate watercress, if this pungent flavour is too strong, chop up the leaves finely, sprinkle over other salad leaves or vegetables, and the peppery flavour will hardly be noticed.
The very best way to get the full nutritional value of watercress is to pick just before a meal and eat. Add to cooked dishes, salads, soup, stews, and stir-fries, just before serving and of course, serve it English-style in sandwiches at all your garden parties. You might want to wait till the snow clears.Whatever...but add watercress to your diet on a regular basis!
The chlorophyll-rich leaves are chewed to absorb breath odours. Dr. Robert Willner in ‘The Cancer Solution’ states that chlorophyll is an effective anti-cancer substance, with antioxidant action, helping to neutralize free radicals from chemicals, pesticides, cigarette smoke, diesel emissions and many other environmental mutagens. Chlorophyll is rich in digestive enzymes. These enzymes make it easier to digest heavy foods we eat, such as starches and protein. Also, it is said that the enzymes act as a catalyst, so that the food is more fully utilized and the body gets better benefit from the vitamins and mineral content, and for this reason eating sprigs of watercress with our meals, is most beneficial. But note, to get the benefit of the enzyme action the leaves need to be eaten fresh, as the heat of cooking destroys enzymes.
Watercress contains more sulphur than any other vegetable, except horseradish. Sulphur rich foods play an important part in protein absorption, blood purifying, cell building and in healthy hair and skin.
The potassium content of watercress is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body. Dieters will benefit with eating high potassium foods and eliminating or cutting back on high sodium foods, including salt. The rich calcium content of watercress has been encouraged for soft teeth and weak bone conditions. Chew watercress for bleeding gums. A cough medicine, utilized finely chopped leaves steeped in honey overnight. Watercress juice was mixed with vinegar and consumed for lethargy and drowsiness. A folk-remedy for allergies, watering eyes, sneezing and stuffy head, said these conditions could be cleared by regularly eating several handfuls of watercress. The saying ‘to eat cress’, was sometimes directed at people whose wits were believed to have deserted them! To relieve headaches, make an infusion with a handful of chopped watercress leaves and 2 cups of boiling water. Cool. Strain. Soak a soft cloth in the infusion and rest with it placed over the forehead. In the Middle Ages, the Salernitan School of medicine recommended rubbing the juice of watercress into the scalp to strengthen and thicken the hair. A tonic for promoting hair growth, utilized 100g watercress (finely chopped) and placed in a glass jar, covered with 100ml of alcohol (vodka or brandy) and 1 teasp. of geranium oil. This mixture was shaken several times daily for 2 weeks; then strained and bottled. A little of the tonic was rubbed into the scalp daily.
Use watercress as a poultice for swollen feet and sprained ankles. Watercress is valued for clearing and improving the complexion, by eating and applying externally as a lotion. Fresh juice was applied to the face and skin to fade freckles, spots and blotches, and to clear acne, blemishes, pimples, and blackheads. The juice was applied at night, and washed off in the morning. For a beauty skin lotion, mix 1 tablesp. of honey with 4 tablesp. of watercress juice. Bottle and keep in refrigerator. With cotton wool, dab the lotion on the skin morning and evening, taking care to avoid the eyes. Betty Kamen Ph.D. in her book, ‘Germanium, a new approach to immunity’ shares research on the benefits of plants that contain the mineral germanium. Watercress is a source of the germanium. Germanium acts as an antiviral, antibiotic, and body detoxifier; an oxygen carrier and catalyst; strengthening bone-mass, the immune system and biologically stimulating electrical impulses at cell level. Germanium also plays a role as an adaptogen, helping the body to help itself work to alleviate minor or major health imbalances or to keep the body free of problems, acting both as therapeutic and preventative.
Terri Teague and Mildred Jackson in ‘The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical Medication’ list watercress as, ‘A wondrous source of nutrients for the body and to help clear cancerous growths’. The Sunday Mail April 1997 reported how watercress can block cancer; ‘Scientists have found that the salad vegetable watercress contains a chemical, which helps prevent lung cancer’. Researchers said that a daily intake of watercress turned one of the four major cancer-causing agents in tobacco smoke, into human waste. It is the first time a vegetable has been found to have a beneficial effect on a lung carcinogen in humans. Scientists were working, to condense the key anticancer ingredient in watercress, into a pill. Monash Medical Centre’s leading research nutritionist, reported watercress was one of a number of foods, including green tea and soy products, which could interrupt one of the key pathways of developing lung, breast and bowel cancer. Read the book, ‘World without cancer, the story of vitamin B17’ by Edward Griffin, which reveals how science has been subverted to protect entrenched commercial and political interests. The book explores the revolutionary concept that cancer is a deficiency disease, the substance missing being B17 (also called laetrile), discovered by German chemist Leibig in1830, and further researched by Dr. Ernst Krebs and others. Their research found vitamin B17 stimulated the hemoglobin (red blood cells), strengthened the immune system, acted as a pain reliever for terminal cancer sufferers and other diseases by releasing benzoic acid, which has a natural analgesic effect. It was found that organic cyanide and benzaldehyde released from the laetrile molecule by an enzyme action, could destroy cancer cells, and leave healthy cells undamaged. Dr. F. Krebs made the point that laetrile was not cyanide poisoning, by injecting himself with a syringe filled with pure laetrile, without suffering any ill effects. A therapeutic dose is listed at 250-1000mg daily, with a toxic dose level of 3,000mg.
Culinary Uses: Watercress stimulates digestive juices. There are few herbs that are richer in the large array of vitamins and minerals, which are essential to the human body. When getting to know and appreciate watercress, if this pungent flavour is too strong, chop up the leaves finely, sprinkle over other salad leaves or vegetables, and the peppery flavour will hardly be noticed.
The very best way to get the full nutritional value of watercress is to pick just before a meal and eat. Add to cooked dishes, salads, soup, stews, and stir-fries, just before serving and of course, serve it English-style in sandwiches at all your garden parties. You might want to wait till the snow clears.Whatever...but add watercress to your diet on a regular basis!
Holy Bananas! Fire your doctor! Let’s fill all the ERs with planter boxes full of watercress. By the time the doctor gets around to you, you may be cured of whatever ails you. Sounds as though we don’t need much else in our diets but watercress. It does everything but walk your dog! I’m working on watercress doughnuts, muffins, burgers and pizza. I’ll let you know when my research is complete.
Bob
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