Nasturtium

Why You Need It

• Natural Antibiotic Support: Contains compounds that fight bacteria and fungi, helping your body resist infections.
• Respiratory Health: Acts as an expectorant, helping to clear congestion and support healthy lung function.
• Immune Booster: Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it fortifies your defenses against common bugs.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Deep Dive

Nasturtium works primarily through a compound called gluconasturtiin. When you eat it, this hydrolyzes into asturtin, a flavonoid known for its antimicrobial properties. Research suggests that Nasturtium extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.

For the respiratory system, it acts as a mild irritant to the stomach lining, which reflexively increases fluid secretion in the respiratory tract (mucus). This may sound counterintuitive, but it actually helps thin and expel phlegm, making it easier to breathe during colds or bronchitis. It is often paired with Horseradish in herbal remedies (like Angocin) to enhance this effect.

Natural Food Sources

Nasturtium is unique because the entire plant is edible. Unlike synthetic supplements, eating the plant provides a full spectrum of synergistic nutrients.

Supplementation

While eating the fresh plant is best for culinary enjoyment, standardized extracts are available in capsules. These are typically used for acute issues like sinusitis or bronchitis rather than daily maintenance.

Typical Dosage (Extract): 300mg to 600mg, 2-3 times daily. Who should use it: Those prone to respiratory infections looking for natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics.