Watercress (Nasturtium officinale).Plant Part Used: Leaf.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The fresh leaf is traditionally eaten raw or juiced and administered orally for anemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and tuberculosis.Safety: The leaves and stems of this plant are widely consumed and generally regarded as safe. Caution is advised as this plant may carry liver flukes or other parasites if grown in contaminated water.Contraindications: Pregnancy, children under 4 y, stomach or intestinal ulcers, inflammatory renal disease.Clinical Data: Clinical: anticancer, chemopreventive, potential inhibition of oxidative metabolism of acetaminophen (fresh plant).* See entry for Berro in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
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