Watercress

Identity

Common Name

Watercress

Scientific Name

Nasturtium officinale

Botanical Family

Brassicaceae

Native Region

Europe and western Asia

Cultivation Regions

Europe, North America, Asia

Plant Parts Used

Aerial parts

Synonyms

Cress, Watercress, True Watercress

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A low creeping aquatic perennial with compound leaves of small rounded oval leaflets on hollow stems and tiny clusters of white four-petalled flowers; the aerial parts are used.

Historical Background

Watercress has been a peppery aquatic of European, Greek, and Persian tables for millennia, prized as a vitality food and a source of vitamin C. A gentle watercress tea is traditionally sipped for its fresh, peppery, green cup and antioxidant traditions.

Earliest recorded uses: European, Greek, and Persian traditions for millennia; a peppery aquatic and a vitality herb.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Peppery, fresh, green, slightly mustard-like

Tea Information

Research Summary

Watercress is rich in vitamin C, K, and glucosinolates with antioxidant activity. Clinical evidence for specific benefits is limited; it is not a treatment for cancer, scurvy, or any disease, and vitamin K content may interact with blood thinners.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources