Edible Weeds: Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Masses of Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) cover the banks of our local creeks in Summer, their bright yellow and orange flowers cheer up walkers and gardeners alike.

Masses of Nasturtiums line the creek banks

Nasturtiums are commonly used in salads, both leaves and flowers where they add a peppery bite to the meal. The seed pods are picked and pickled as a substitute for capers.

Nasturtium leaves gather little galaxies of water droplets after rain.

These bright flowers and round green leaves have other properties that are beneficial to us at this time of year, with autumn colds just starting in Australia. They'll die back when the really cold weather comes, then pop back by the end of winter from many of their prolifically sown seeds.

Taken at the onset of a cold, their vitamin C and mustard oil can stop a cold in its tracks. They are useful later too, as the cold progresses.

Those qualities also make Nasturtiums valuable allies as both internal and external antifungal and antibiotics, especially for minor cuts and scrapes. It is interesting that they have an affinity for the urinary tract and can be used for infections and inflammations in this area. It can also be suggested for yeast and fungal infections in that area.

The dry, ripe, buds have a laxative effect too.

So for something to warm you up and clean you out at the end of winter, Nasturtiums are the go.