Berros-Watercress (Nastur'tium)
These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of Asia and Europe and are naturalized in North America. They are found growing in cool, flowing streams.N. officinale,the Watercress, forms mats of glossy green leaves that are divided into many leaflets and rounded clusters of white, four-petaled flowers from March to November. The leaves of this plant have a peppery taste and are used in salads and as garnishes.Nasturtiums can be grown on the edges of ponds, in streams or waterfalls.
Watercress Properties:
Stimulant,Diuretic,Scurvy,Chest Afflictions,Purifier and to inhibit Hepetatic Infections.

As a Stimulant:
Eat Watercress in a salad or better yet crush the Watercress, mix in lemon juice then sweeten to taste. This same juice may be given to children to get rid of certain intestinal parasites.

As a Diuretic:
Drink as a daily drink the boiled mixture consisting of 100 grams of leaves and stems to 1/2 liter of water

To prevent Scurvy:
Drink on an empty stomach a boiled mixture consisting of 50 grams of leaves to 1/4 liter of water.
This same mixture used as a gargle will relieve a sore throat and as a mouth wash will prevent gingivitis.

For Chest Afflictions(chest colds,bronchitis and respiratory track infections): Drink slowly a warm glass of a mixture made of 100 grams of Watercress juice(Crush the leaves well till juice is extracted)ad milk and bee honey to taste.

For the treatment of Tumors, Ulcers and Lynfatic seizures: Apply a poultice of crushed cold Watercress leaves over the infected area.

To Remove Spots or Red Birthmarks from the Face: Apply Watercress juice to the said spots or birthmark.

For Hepetatic Infections(gall stones): Mince well a handful of Watercress, let sit overnight, and in the morning take a tablespoon with olive oil. This treatment is done daily until the patient gets well avoiding excessive salt, liquor and spicy food.
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