Herb's Introduction
Lepidium sativum Linn., commonly known as Garden Cress, is an annual herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It's a fast-growing, edible plant with a long history of use in both culinary and traditional medicine. Native to Europe, Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Himalayas, it has been cultivated since ancient times for its pungent leaves and seeds. The plant can reach up to 50 cm in height and is known for its quick growth and ability to thrive in various soil types.
Name in Different Countries & Terminology
The plant is known by various common names across the globe, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance.
English: Common Cress, Garden Cress, Pepper Grass, Pepperwort.
Sanskrit: Chandrika
Hindi: Chansur, Halim
Bengali: Chand Shura, Halim
Gujrati: Aseriya, Aseliyo
Marathi: Ahaliva, Haliv
Oriya: Chandasara, Chandasura
Punjabi: Holan, Taratej
Urdu: Halim
Kannada: Allibija, Kapila
Malayalam: Asali
Tamil: Allivirai
Telugu: Adityalu, Aadalu
Arabic: حب الرشاد (Hubb al-Rashed)
Amharic (Ethiopia): Fetto
French: Cresson alénois
German: Gartenkresse
Spanish: Mastuerzo
The term "cress" is used for several plants in the mustard family with a pungent flavor, and Lepidium sativum is often distinguished as "garden cress" to differentiate it from others like watercress. The seeds, in particular, are often referred to as Halim seeds in South Asia.
External Look
The plant is an erect, fast-growing herb. Its leaves are alternate and irregularly pinnate, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets. The young leaves have a spicy, tangy flavor and are often used in salads. The flowers are small, typically brownish-purple or white, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small, dry, elliptical pod (a silicle) that splits open when ripe. The seeds themselves are a key feature; they are small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown, measuring about 3-4 mm in length. When soaked in water, the seeds develop a mucilaginous, gelatinous coating.
Availability
Garden cress is widely cultivated and available globally. It is commonly found in temperate biomes and is native to a broad region spanning Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is also naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North and South America. You can find garden cress leaves and seeds in most grocery stores and health food shops, particularly in regions where it is used as a common culinary and medicinal herb.
Healing Properties & Advantages
Garden cress is a powerhouse of nutrients and has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Unani systems. Its seeds, leaves, and roots are all used for their medicinal properties.
The plant is known for its:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat cellular damage and reduce swelling.
Antihypertensive and diuretic effects, which can help lower blood pressure and increase urine production.
Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic potential, as it may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Laxative and prokinetic effects, which aid in digestion and relieve constipation.
Antiasthmatic and bronchodilatory properties, useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
One of its most significant advantages is its high nutritional content. The seeds are a rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and protein. This makes it an excellent remedy for iron-deficiency anemia and a valuable food for bone health and muscle function. The seeds are also a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Its galactagogue properties are particularly noted, as it is traditionally used to increase breast milk production in lactating mothers.
Uses
The various parts of the Lepidium sativum plant are used in many ways, both for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Seeds: The seeds, known as Halim seeds, are the most commonly used part. They are used to treat a wide range of ailments, including cough, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. They are also used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and for their ability to help heal bone fractures.
Leaves: The fresh leaves have a peppery taste and are used in salads, soups, and sandwiches. They are rich in vitamin C and are used to treat scurvy.
Roots: The roots have traditional uses in treating conditions like secondary syphilis.
Whole Plant: Extracts from the plant are used in herbal remedies for various inflammatory conditions and to promote overall health and immunity.
Using Way
There are several ways to incorporate Garden Cress into your diet and medicinal routine:
Soaking the Seeds: A common method is to soak a teaspoon of the seeds in water for a few hours. The seeds will swell and form a gelatinous mixture. This can be consumed directly or added to milk, yogurt, or smoothies. This method is particularly popular for improving iron levels and aiding digestion.
Powdered Form: The dried seeds can be ground into a fine powder and mixed with water, milk, or honey. This is a simple way to use it as a daily supplement.
In Culinary Dishes: The fresh leaves can be added to salads, sandwiches, and various cooked dishes like soups and stir-fries to add a peppery flavor and a nutritional boost. In some cultures, the seeds are used in specific food preparations, such as ladoos (sweet balls) in India, which are particularly beneficial for new mothers.
External Application: A paste made from the ground seeds and water or lemon juice can be applied topically to soothe joint pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.
Conclusion
Lepidium sativum Linn., or Garden Cress, is a highly versatile and beneficial plant with a rich history in traditional medicine. Its various parts, especially the seeds, are a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential minerals like iron and calcium. It offers a wide range of healing properties, from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to aiding in digestion and boosting milk production. Whether consumed as soaked seeds, powdered supplements, or as a fresh culinary ingredient, Garden Cress is an easy and effective way to enhance one's health and well-being. Its widespread availability and numerous uses make it a valuable addition to both food and medicine cabinets.
