Nasturtium, known botanically as Tropaeolum majus, is rarely mentioned in any of the herbal books commonly available. Even the Godmother of modern herbalism, Mrs. M. Grieves makes no mention of it in her now classic work “A Modern Herbal”.
It shares its common name with another plant many people know as watercress, or Nasturtium officinale. Although the two belong to completely different plant families and look nothing alike, early herbalists grouped them under the same name because of the curious peppery sensation both plants create when chewed. The Latin roots of the word “Nasturtium” loosely translate to “nose-twister,” and anyone who has tasted the bright, spicy leaf of a garden nasturtium understands the reasoning immediately. That lively heat, which rises quickly to the sinuses and tingles in the nose, is the shared feature that links these two otherwise unrelated plants. It is a sensation created by natural compounds within the plant that act as its internal defence. Over the centuries, this signature pepperiness became a marker of the plant’s character and usefulness, and the name endured.
The Nasturtium familiar to most gardeners today is the cheerful, sprawling Tropaeolum majus, with its large round leaves and brilliantly coloured flowers. Unlike watercress, which prefers damp, cool places, Tropaeolum majus thrives in sunshine and in conditions many plants would find too poor or dry. It has become a favourite in gardens around the world for its edible leaves, petals, and seeds, but also for its gentle medicinal reputation. While Nasturtium is not a plant of complicated remedies or formal preparations, it has long been valued in kitchen gardens and cottage gardens for qualities that straddle the line between food and herbal support.
The same natural compounds responsible for the plant’s peppery bite also give Nasturtium its traditional healing qualities. In the garden, these compounds help the plant protect itself from pests and environmental stress. In the kitchen and in home herbal traditions, they offer a mild cleansing, stimulating presence. People often notice this instinctively. A fresh leaf feels alive on the tongue, bright and vibrant. This liveliness has been interpreted by generations of herbal cooks and gardeners as a sign of a plant that “wakes up” both appetite and general vitality. Although Nasturtium is gentle, its character is unmistakable, and this is part of what makes it interesting as an everyday herbal ally.
How to get the benefits?
The easiest way to enjoy Nasturtium’s benefits is simply to eat it fresh. Leaves and flowers add a spark to salads, sandwiches, or summer dishes, supplying colour and a pleasant warmth. Many people use it as they would use peppery greens such as rocket or mustard, though Nasturtium’s flavour is rounder, softer, and more floral. Because it is mild enough to be eaten regularly, it fits naturally into the idea of food as medicine, a philosophy rooted in using whole plants in modest daily amounts. The more regularly a person encounters fresh, colourful, living foods, the more connected they become to simple, nourishing rhythms that support overall wellbeing. Nasturtium lends itself beautifully to this style of self-care.
Beyond eating it fresh, there are a number of traditional kitchen preparations that make good use of the plant’s natural vibrancy. One of the most common is Nasturtium-infused vinegar. This is made by loosely filling a jar with fresh leaves and flowers and covering them with apple cider vinegar. After steeping for a few weeks, the vinegar takes on a gentle heat and a bright colour. It becomes an easy way to bring Nasturtium into meals throughout the year, whether drizzled on salads or added to warm water as a morning tonic. Homemade fire cider blends sometimes include Nasturtium for the extra liveliness it adds.
A very simple preparation sometimes used in older folk traditions is a warm Nasturtium drink. While the plant does not make a classic herbal tea, placing a few torn leaves in hot water yields a mild, peppery infusion that many people find comforting in cold weather. It is not a strong remedy but rather a gentle, warming cup that aligns with the idea of encouraging circulation and warmth during colder seasons.
Nasturtium seeds are another part of the plant that finds its way into the kitchen. Immature green seeds can be lightly brined to make homemade “capers.” This practice was once so common in cottage gardens that many families considered it a normal part of summer preserving. Although this is not a medicinal use in the strict sense, it is a good example of the way food plants can contribute to health by encouraging creativity, colour, and freshness in daily meals.
Topically, Nasturtium has also been used in simple and practical ways. Crushed leaves were once applied as poultices or washes, especially where a mild, fresh plant was desired. Modern home herbalists might instead use a diluted Nasturtium vinegar as a skin-friendly rinse or add the leaves to homemade salves. These practices come from a tradition of making use of what is available and relying on the gentle, supportive qualities of garden herbs rather than harsh interventions. As with all topical herbs, it is wise to test for sensitivities, but many people find Nasturtium agreeable and pleasant to work with.
Finding Nasturtium is not difficult. It grows in countless home gardens, spilling over raised beds, climbing fences, or brightening children’s gardens with its bold colours. Because it self-seeds easily, it sometimes appears around older homesteads or garden edges, tumbling through cracks in stone walls or running along paths. In some regions it has naturalised in the wild, especially in coastal or temperate areas, often near streams or in forgotten corners of gardens that have gone feral. Even if one has never seen it in person, it is almost always available as seed. Many seed companies offer a wide variety of colours and growth habits, from compact bush types perfect for containers to long trailing types suited to trellises and walls.
Growing Nasturtium is simple, which is part of its charm. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground once frost has passed or started indoors a few weeks early. The seeds are large, making them easy for beginners or children to handle. Nasturtium prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in very hot climates. Surprisingly, it thrives in poor soil. Rich soil tends to produce lots of leaves but few flowers, while leaner soil encourages abundant blooming. This makes Nasturtium a forgiving plant for new gardeners. In pots, it appreciates regular watering, but in the ground it often survives with very little care.
As the plant grows, it may sprawl or climb depending on the variety. Some forms create neat mounds that look lovely along borders; others cascade dramatically over the edges of planters. Regular picking keeps the plant productive and encourages more flowers. Because Nasturtium grows quickly, it can fill bare garden spots in a short time and is especially satisfying for those who enjoy immediate results.
Nasturtium plays an interesting role in the garden beyond its beauty and usefulness as food. It can act both as a companion plant and as a sacrificial one. Its natural liveliness tends to deter some pests, making it a friendly neighbour to more vulnerable crops. At the same time, aphids adore Nasturtium. Some gardeners intentionally plant it near vegetables so that aphids gather on the Nasturtium instead of on edible crops. In this way, it becomes a natural part of the garden’s ecosystem, supporting the whole without requiring much attention.
In the context of a backyard pharmacy, Nasturtium is an approachable herb that encourages daily interaction with the garden. It is safe for most people when eaten normally, and its flavour entices regular use. This familiarity builds confidence. A person who grows Nasturtium usually finds themselves harvesting small handfuls while watering the garden, tasting leaves as they go, or tucking flowers between slices of tomato. These quiet rituals cultivate a sense of agency and connection that is central to home herbal practice. Real herbal confidence comes not from rare ingredients but from understanding plants that grow outside one’s own back door.
Nasturtium’s various parts each offer something unique. The leaves are thin, round, and almost lily-pad-like, with a crisp texture that works well in salads or on top of savoury dishes. The flowers are the jewels of the plant—fiery reds, golds, and oranges that lift the spirits and brighten even the simplest plate of food. Their flavour is milder than the leaves, carrying a hint of sweetness. The young seeds pack a surprising punch and are often the strongest tasting part of the plant. When pickled, they develop a satisfying tang. The stems, particularly when young, can be snipped into spreads or sauces for an extra touch of peppery freshness.
From a practical standpoint, Nasturtium can be integrated into everyday health routines without fuss. A handful of leaves added to meals each week brings colour, freshness, and a gentle herbal warmth. The flowers encourage creativity in the kitchen and make salads more inviting. Seasonal herbal preparations such as vinegars or capers extend the plant’s influence into the cooler months. Because the plant is cheerful and abundant, it invites experimentation rather than caution.
Growing Nasturtium and using it regularly also teaches observation, which is a cornerstone of herbal understanding. Watching how the plant responds to heat, rain, shade, or being picked gives insight into the rhythms of living things. These small acts of noticing deepen the relationship between gardener and plant, reminding us that the most reliable herbal allies are often the simplest ones—those we see and touch every day.
There is a humble generosity about Nasturtium. It offers colour, flavour, nourishment, and gentle herbal support without demanding expertise. A single packet of seeds can fill a garden bed, spill over a trellis, and provide months of harvest. It brightens meals, contributes to seasonal wellness, and brings delight to anyone who grows it. For many households, it becomes a dependable part of the backyard pharmacy, a plant that embodies the idea that health can grow in ordinary soil and be strengthened through ordinary habits. The nose-twisting herb of old has become a friendlier companion today, yet its lively spirit and cheerful usefulness remain unchanged.
