• Contains a large amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, folic acid, iodine, iron, protein and calcium

Watercress, sometimes referred to as True Nasturtium, Indian Cress, or simply Cress, is a member of the mustard family and is native to Europe and Asia. It is now grown in the New World as well. Watercress is so named because it naturally favors wet areas, such as around springs and along riverbanks. Watercress is among the earliest green vegetables cultivated by man, first by then Persians, then soon after by the Greeks and Romans. Watercress was a staple for Greek and Persian soldiers, who noticed that it improved their health and conditioning. Though its scientific name is Nasturtium officinale, the Watercress is unrelated to the garden flower called nasturtium. Loosely translated, nasturtium is Latin for "wrinkled nose," which alludes to Watercress' pungent odor.

Watercress contains a large amount of sulfur, which may add to the odor, but also adds to its benefits. In addition to being an important food source, Watercress also has a history of health use. The Ancient Greeks believed that Watercress had the potential to help support insanity. In the not so distant past, Watercress was used to help avoid scurvy and in supporting healthy lungs. It was believed that a lotion made from Watercress could reduce blemishes. Recently, Watercress has been the focus of several studies regarding its immunity-building properties, mainly due to its high anti-oxidant content. As a nutritional supplement, Watercress also excels. It contains a large amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, folic acid, iodine, iron, protein, and especially calcium. The nutritional value alone make supplementing you diet with Watercress a healthy idea.

This peppery green plant, grown all over the world, gets its tingly quality from a key constituent: mustard oil. Long a favorite in salads and sandwiches, watercress also has health qualities.

Potential Health Benefits

Commission E endorses watercress - specifically, the fresh or dried leaves and stems - to loosen phlegm and support inflammation of the respiratory tract. Watercress compresses are used in Italy to help support symptoms of joint pain, and homeopaths prescribe their customary minute doses to deal with a range of maladies that haven't been verified by the commission.

Scientific Evidence

Commission E puts the stamp of approval on watercress without cit ing scientific studies. The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies seconds Commission E, recommending watercress as a means of fighting cough and coughs. The PDR book credits watercress's medicinal powers to "mustard oil, a compound that flushes excess water from the body" and refers to unnamed researchers who "have also shown that the herb acts as a disinfectant."

How to Use the Herb

Commission E recommends a daily dose of 4-6 grams of dried herb; 20-30 grams of fresh herb; or 60-150 grams of freshly pressed juice.

Watercress tea can be made by pouring boiling water over 1/2 teaspoonflul of crushed herb and steeping for 10 minutes.

Purple loosestrife was once a popular European folk supportive for diarrhoea and dysentery and is still used in this manner in a number of products made in France and Switzerland. Research has shown that Purple loosestrife can be useful against typhus bacilli and can also combat the amoeba, which can cause dysentery.

Externally, Purple loosestrife makes a valuable wound herb: use an infusion as a wash to clean cuts and grazes. It can also be tried to help fight nosebleeds (apply a cotton wool swab soaked in the infusion or insert crushed leaves in the nostril). The tea can be used as a douche for vaginal discharges. Make a strong decoction and use externally as a wash on skin irritations, skin sores and irritations.

Internally, Purple loosestrife can be helpful for heavy periods or in severe bladder concerns where there is blood in the urine. For diarrhoea, use a decoction of the aerial parts rather than an infusion.

Usually found in damp, marshy areas, the tall flower spikes of purple loosestrife make an attractive addition to late summer country lanes. Purple loosestrife has been tried for health benefits since Roman times - Pliny talks of the smoke from burning loosestrife as driving away serpents and adds that "the power is so great that, if placed on the yoke, when the beasts of burden are quarrelsome, it checks their bad temper".

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TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.

TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.

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ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.

TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.

TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.

TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.