Health & Well-Being A-Z

Nasturtium

Nasturtium plant
Description

Nasturtium is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

People take nasturtium in combination with other herbs for infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), infections of the airways, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Infection of the airways. Early research shows that taking a specific product containing horseradish root and nasturtium might make infections of the airway happen less often.
  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Early research shows that taking a specific product containing horseradish root and nasturtium might help to prevent recurring UTIs.
  • Cough.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Mild muscle pain, when applied directly to the skin.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of nasturtium for these uses.

Is it Safe?

Action

Nasturtium contains vitamin C and might help fight bacteria, fungi, viruses, and tumors.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. It has been used safely in combination with horseradish for up to 3 months. However, it might cause stomach upset, kidney damage, and other side effects.

When applied to the skin: Nasturtium is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the skin in combination with other natural medicines. It can cause skin irritation, especially if used for a long time.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if nasturtium is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Nasturtium is LIKELY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. There isn't enough reliable information to know if nasturtium is safe for children when applied to the skin.

Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don't take nasturtium if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers. It might make ulcers worse.

Kidney disease: Don't take nasturtium if you have kidney disease. It might make kidney disease worse.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Nasturtium interacts with any medicines. Before taking Nasturtium, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of nasturtium depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for nasturtium. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Capuchina, Capucine, Cresson d'Inde, Goldglanz, Grande Capucine, Indian Cress, Tropaeolum, Tropaeolum majus.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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