The watercress is a plant known for its use in the kitchen; however, do you know all the benefits that this plant offers? The watercress contains multiple properties that allow its use obtaining incredible results both internally and externally. Currently, we try to take care of ourselves by avoiding industrial products, in favor of those natural products that nature gives us. In this article we inform you about the benefits of watercress.
Watercress characteristics
Watercress, also known as water cress or water cress, is a plant located in land where water is abundant throughout the year, such as swamps, streams or streams. It is one of the oldest vegetables consumed by humans and, at present, its use is very widespread in salads. This plant is submerged in one 15 centimeters of water, its leaves are dark green and its flowers are small and white. The benefits of watercress are made up of the following components:
- Iron, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid and iron.
- Vitamin A and C.
- Source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
- Iron properties: antiviral, antibronchitic, diuretic, depurative, antidiabetic, excpectorant, etc.
- Beta-carotene and fiber.
Internal benefits of watercress
The benefits of watercress can take care of the health of our body internally.
- Respiratory system. Its antiviral, antibronchitic, expectorant properties and its high content of vitamins A and C, allow to combat diseases of the respiratory system, such as the cold and its symptoms, such as cough, fever, snot, sneezing, etc. In addition, being a plant rich in minerals, it helps the sick person to recover energy and avoid the fatigue that usually accompanies colds. Within these conditions of the respiratory system, the benefits of watercress can be used to treat bronchitis.
- Metabolism. The benefits of watercress are also found in its purifying and diuretic capacity,which allows eliminating toxins accumulated in the body, eliminating liquids, purifying the blood and filtering organs of the body. Magnesium, calcium and potassium give it a cleansing property with great effect. Likewise, vitamin C, zinc and copper of watercress, make this plant a powerful antidiabetic medium widely used to regulate excess blood glucose in diabetes. Similarly, it can be used to prevent gallstones and kidney stones, in addition to cleaning the liver and facilitating its recovery in case of liver damage.
Preparation of watercress for internal use
- Watercress juice. We can make it in specialized establishments, such as herbalists, or make it ourselves. To do this, we crush the plant with a mortar, squeeze its juice and filter the content with a strainer.
- Boil watercress. We only have to boil a few grams of the plant in a pot and let it cool before consuming.
External benefits of watercress
Some of the most powerful watercress benefits are due to its antiseptic and regenerative properties of the skin, due to its zinc, ascorbic acid and zinc content. In addition, it has flavonoids that give it bactericidal properties and help preserve vitamin C. For all this, we can use watercress in the following situations:
- Wounds. One of the benefits of watercress for the skin is its healing effect that can be used on wounds, as well as to treat acne. We only have to apply the crushed watercress on the area that we want to heal, and let it act for a while.
- Ulcers in the mouth. Just as it helps heal wounds on the skin, it also increases how quickly mouth sores heal. In addition, it is as simple as chewing a few leaves to get all the benefits of watercress.
- Gingivitis. In the same way that mouth ulcers, the benefits and properties of watercress are effective in ending the inflammation of the gums caused by gingivitis.
- Alopecia. Another benefit of watercress is its repairing effect on hair. Its zinc and biotin content help to preserve hair and keep it in good condition. In fact, the lack of these two components can lead to hair loss. Watercress for alopecia can be used by applying crushed watercress to the hair and massage for a few minutes.
Watercress contraindications
Like all plants that can be used as natural remedies, a number of precautions must be taken into account.
- Do not use watercress in case of stomach problems such as: gastritis, stomach ulcers or gallbladder problems.
- Excessive consumption can lead to irritation problems in the kidneys and bladder.
- Acquire the plant in trusted places and clean it thoroughly before use.
- It can cause respiratory problems in case of allergies.
- It is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women.
