In addition to being consumed in salads and soups, watercress can also be used to fight coughs, flu and colds because it is rich in vitamins C, A, iron and potassium, which are important for strengthening the immune system.
In addition, it has a substance called gluconasturoside, which acts to fight bacteria that cause infections in the body, but do not affect the intestinal flora, keeping the digestive system healthy.
So that this vegetable does not lose its properties, it must be used fresh, as the dehydrated form loses the healing powers of this plant.
Watercress tea
This tea should be consumed 2 to 3 times a day, preferably warm, to also help to eliminate secretions from the airways.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of tea leaves and stalks of watercress1 tablespoon of honey (optional) 100 ml of water
Method of preparation
Put the water to heat and when it boils, turn off the heat. Add the watercress and cover, letting the mixture rest for about 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink warm. See also how to use thyme to fight cough and bronchitis.
Watercress syrup
You should take 1 tablespoon of this syrup 3 times a day, remembering that children and pregnant women must first talk to the doctor before using this home remedy.
Ingredients
- A handful of washed watercress leaves and stalks1 cup of water1 cup of sugar1 teaspoon of honey
Method of preparation
Bring water to a boil, turn off the heat when it boils and add the watercress, letting the mixture rest for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and add the sugar to the strained liquid, taking to cook over low heat until it forms a thick syrup. Put out the fire and let it rest for 2 hours, then add honey and keep the syrup in a clean and sanitized glass jar.
To properly sanitize the glass bottle and avoid contamination of the syrup by microorganisms that cause it to spoil quickly, the bottle should be left in boiling water for 5 minutes, allowing to dry naturally with the mouth facing down on a cloth clean.
See more recipes to fight cough in the following video:
