{"product_id":"watercress-herb","title":"Watercress","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNASTURTIUM OFFICINALE (AERIAL PARTS)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Watercress, Garden Cress, True Cress)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brassicaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart Used:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh aerial parts (leaves and stems); seed secondary\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnergetics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cooling, moistening, gently stimulating\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pungent, peppery, slightly bitter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e W.T. Aiton\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watercress, Garden Cress, True Cress\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brassicaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMorphology:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003eperennial, semi-aquatic herb\u003c\/strong\u003e with creeping, hollow stems that root at the nodes. It typically grows \u003cstrong\u003e15–50 cm (6–20 in)\u003c\/strong\u003e tall, forming dense mats in flowing water. Leaves are pinnate with rounded to ovate leaflets, glossy green, and succulent. Flowers are small, white, four-petaled (cruciform), borne in terminal clusters; fruits are short siliques containing small seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoot system:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdventitious roots emerge from stem nodes, anchoring the plant to substrates in streams and springs and enabling rapid vegetative spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHABITAT, RANGE, AND ADAPTATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress is native to \u003cstrong\u003eEurope, western Asia, and North Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e, and is now naturalized worldwide. It thrives in \u003cstrong\u003ecool, clean, flowing freshwater\u003c\/strong\u003e—springs, streams, ditches, and seeps—preferring alkaline to neutral conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptations include \u003cstrong\u003ehollow stems\u003c\/strong\u003e for buoyancy and oxygen transport, rapid vegetative propagation, and high concentrations of \u003cstrong\u003eglucosinolates\u003c\/strong\u003e that deter herbivory and microbial growth in aquatic environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCULTIVATION AND ECOLOGY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e is easily cultivated in \u003cstrong\u003eflowing-water systems\u003c\/strong\u003e or shallow trays with continuous circulation. It prefers cool temperatures and partial sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEcologically, watercress stabilizes stream margins, provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates, and contributes to nutrient cycling. Because it can accumulate contaminants, it serves as a \u003cstrong\u003ebioindicator\u003c\/strong\u003e of water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTRADITIONAL AND ETHNOBOTANICAL USE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress has a long history as a \u003cstrong\u003espring tonic and nutritive medicine\u003c\/strong\u003e in European traditions. Classical authors, including Dioscorides, described its use for \u003cstrong\u003escurvy, digestive weakness, and respiratory congestion\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross Europe and the British Isles, watercress was eaten fresh to \u003cstrong\u003e“clean the blood,” stimulate digestion, and strengthen the lungs\u003c\/strong\u003e. It was also used for \u003cstrong\u003eanemia, fatigue, skin eruptions, and urinary complaints\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional herbalism, watercress bridged \u003cstrong\u003efood and medicine\u003c\/strong\u003e, valued for its pungency, mineral richness, and ability to stimulate elimination and metabolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern herbalists continue to use watercress as a \u003cstrong\u003enutritive alterative\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially where deficiency, sluggish metabolism, or mild respiratory congestion are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BENEFITS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompound Class\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRepresentative Compounds\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRole in Plant\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHuman Benefits\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlucosinolates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGluconasturtiin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChemical defense against herbivores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDetoxification support, antimicrobial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIsothiocyanates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBreakdown products for pest deterrence\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAntioxidant, chemoprotective\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVitamins\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVitamin C, vitamin A (β-carotene), vitamin K\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth and stress resilience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImmune support, antioxidant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinerals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIron, calcium, iodine (trace)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStructural and metabolic support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHematopoiesis, thyroid support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlavonoids\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuercetin, kaempferol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUV protection and oxidative buffering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnti-inflammatory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorophyll\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorophyll a \u0026amp; b\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhotosynthesis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDetoxification, nutritive support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is particularly well studied for its \u003cstrong\u003eantioxidant and xenobiotic-modulating properties\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetabolic and Detoxification Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGlucosinolates are enzymatically converted to isothiocyanates, which activate \u003cstrong\u003ephase II detoxification enzymes\u003c\/strong\u003e and support hepatic clearance of metabolic waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRespiratory and Digestive Effects:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pungent, warming compounds stimulate digestion and gently loosen mucus, supporting respiratory clearance without drying tissues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNutritional Repletion:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHigh vitamin and mineral density supports \u003cstrong\u003eblood health, immune resilience, and connective tissue repair\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially in deficiency states.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACTIONS AND INDICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e acts as a \u003cstrong\u003enutritive tonic, alterative, mild expectorant, digestive stimulant, diuretic, and antioxidant\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is indicated for \u003cstrong\u003enutritional deficiency, anemia patterns (supportive), fatigue, spring sluggishness, mild respiratory congestion, skin conditions linked to poor elimination, and metabolic stagnation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eForm\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePreparation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuggested Dose\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh plant (food)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaw or lightly cooked\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAd libitum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest nutritive form\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh juice\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePressed aerial parts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–30 mL daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotent; start low\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInfusion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1–2 tsp fresh herb per cup hot water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 cup, 1–2× daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMild medicinal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTincture (1:5, 30–40%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh herb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–4 mL, 2× daily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess common\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress pairs well with \u003cstrong\u003eYellow Dock\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNettle Leaf\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eDandelion\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eCleavers\u003c\/strong\u003e in alterative and nutritive formulas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSAFETY, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND TOXICITY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress is generally \u003cstrong\u003every safe\u003c\/strong\u003e when sourced from \u003cstrong\u003eclean, uncontaminated water\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid harvesting from polluted waterways due to the risk of \u003cstrong\u003eheavy metals, pathogens, or parasites\u003c\/strong\u003e (e.g., \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c\/em\u003e spp.). Individuals with \u003cstrong\u003ehypothyroidism\u003c\/strong\u003e should use moderation due to mild goitrogenic potential when consumed in very large quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo significant drug interactions are documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Toxicological Reference (LD₅₀)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e aerial-part preparations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAcute toxicity studies indicate \u003cstrong\u003eextremely low toxicity\u003c\/strong\u003e, with oral LD₅₀ values in animal models reported as \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;5,000 mg\/kg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhenethyl isothiocyanate (isolated):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOral LD₅₀ values in rodents reported in the range of \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026gt;1,000 mg\/kg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese values support watercress’s role as a \u003cstrong\u003esafe daily food-medicine\u003c\/strong\u003e with wide margins of safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHARVEST AND PROCESSING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest fresh aerial parts year-round from \u003cstrong\u003eclean, flowing water sources\u003c\/strong\u003e. Cut above nodes to encourage regrowth. For medicinal use, consume fresh whenever possible; drying significantly reduces potency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e is \u003cstrong\u003elocally abundant\u003c\/strong\u003e but sensitive to water pollution. Ethical harvesting emphasizes \u003cstrong\u003ewaterway protection\u003c\/strong\u003e and cultivation in controlled systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a living filter and nutrient cycler, watercress highlights the connection between \u003cstrong\u003eecosystem health and human medicine\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUMMARY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatercress is \u003cstrong\u003emedicine as nourishment\u003c\/strong\u003e—cool, pungent, and revitalizing. It clears stagnation gently, replenishes what is missing, and supports the body’s innate capacity to detoxify and renew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRooted in clean water and rich minerals, \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e exemplifies the principle that \u003cstrong\u003etrue cleansing is inseparable from nourishment\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a cornerstone of restorative and preventative herbal practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","offers":[{"title":"powder \/ 25g","offer_id":50934987292970,"sku":null,"price":5.61,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 25g","offer_id":50934987325738,"sku":null,"price":5.27,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 50g","offer_id":50934987358506,"sku":null,"price":9.53,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 50g","offer_id":50934987391274,"sku":null,"price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 100g","offer_id":50934987424042,"sku":null,"price":17.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 100g","offer_id":50934987456810,"sku":null,"price":16.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 250g","offer_id":50934987489578,"sku":null,"price":38.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 250g","offer_id":50934987522346,"sku":null,"price":35.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"powder \/ 500g","offer_id":50934987555114,"sku":null,"price":70.84,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 500g","offer_id":50934987587882,"sku":null,"price":66.53,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 1kg","offer_id":50934987620650,"sku":null,"price":133.18,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 1kg","offer_id":50934987653418,"sku":null,"price":125.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 2kg","offer_id":50934987686186,"sku":null,"price":253.04,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 2kg","offer_id":50934987718954,"sku":null,"price":237.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 5kg","offer_id":50934987751722,"sku":null,"price":600.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 5kg","offer_id":50934987784490,"sku":null,"price":564.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 10kg","offer_id":50934987817258,"sku":null,"price":1072.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 10kg","offer_id":50934987850026,"sku":null,"price":1141.82,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 25kg","offer_id":50934987882794,"sku":null,"price":2546.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 25kg","offer_id":50934987915562,"sku":null,"price":2711.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 50kg","offer_id":50934987948330,"sku":null,"price":4839.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 50kg","offer_id":50934987981098,"sku":null,"price":5152.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"cut\/sifted \/ 100kg","offer_id":50934988013866,"sku":null,"price":9194.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"powder \/ 100kg","offer_id":50934988046634,"sku":null,"price":9789.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/3547\/6010\/files\/watercress_5714ac0e-dce4-4fc4-883f-7f3d740fb8e6.png?v=1772272303","url":"https:\/\/sugarcreektradingcompany.com\/it\/products\/watercress-herb","provider":"Sugar Creek Trading Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}