Watercress

Watercress belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Raw brassicas contain chemicals (goitrogens) that can block thyroid function. These chemicals are relatively inactivated by steaming or cooking.

Watercress is excellent for clearing phlegm conditions from the Kidney and urinary tract while the rich content of minerals is beneficial for the musculoskeletal system.  

Properties

Taste: pungent, bitter

Natural Attributes: light, sharp, dry, clear, mobile, contractive

Tissue impact (Vipak): pungent (reducing)

Thermal impact (Virya): warming

Dosha impact: Increases Pitta, decreases Vata and Kapha

Digestive impact (Agni): easy to digest

Channels (Srotas): opens

Feces: retains

Urine: diuretic

Strength (Bala):  clears congestion and obstruction

Mind (Manas): Rajasic

Effect: digestive stimulant, spleen tonic, alterative, blood thinner, hypolipidemic

Chinese five element impact: Water

Chinese medicine syndromes: regulates bladder and kidneys Qi, purifies and builds blood, removes stagnant blood, stimulate the liver out of stagnancy

Medicinal properties 

• Blood-circulation-liver: night vision, facial blemishes, stimulates bile formation, jaundice, bad breath, edema, liver rejuvenation
• Reproductive and hormonal systems: gonorrhea
• Kidney-Bladder: urinary difficulty, scanty urine
• Respiratory system: hiccups (soak seeds in water, drink)
• Digestive system: intestinal gas
• Cleansing: reduces cancerous growths

Harmful for: hypothyroidism, frequent urination