Wild Watercress soup |
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Wild Watercress soup is a delicious and nutritious recipe with the leaves available in spring and early summer. Watercress is rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, iodine and phosphorus. It can be used in the treatment of:
 Watercress has been used as part of a holistic response to cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, prostate, bladder, uterus, stomach and intestines. There are some dangers in collecting wild watercress though. Watercress may cause cystitis in some people and its medicinal use is not advised for those who have a delicate stomach or suffer from acidosis or heartburn. Excessive or prolonged use can lead to kidney problems. Some doctors advise against its use during pregnancy.
Wild watercress often grows in streams inhabited by water snails which carry liver fluke. There is also the possibility of bacterial infection. Eating wild watercress in a raw state is not advised for this reason. Cooking the leaves for a short period removes the dangers. Also make sure that the watercourse feeding the stream in which the wild watercress grows is free from industrial or agricultural pollution. Pick the watercress from clean water areas by pinching out the tops of the plants. Uprooting them will destroy this resource for everyone. Gather a good handful for each person who will be sharing this delicious spring treat. Other ingredients for a soup for 4 people are:
 1. Peel and cube the potatoes and cook them gently in the oil and butter until they are starting to soften.
2. Add boiling water and dissolve the stock cube. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. 3. Coarsely chop the watercress and add to the mix for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Liquidise and add in some single cream to taste. Salt and pepper to taste. 5. Use some purchased raw watercress leaves and pepper to garnish This nutritious soup is warming when hot and a refreshing summer soup when served cold. Watercress is part of the Nasturtium family whose peppery leaves are well known for their nutraceutical value.
Dracea Dr.A. Eat and Heal. Bodywell. 2000 |
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Here is the WHY and the HOW of reaching for a holistic lifestyle from the heart of your home. Discover for yourself the power of Mother Nature’s Gifts – a real integrated medicine working for you from your very own kitchen. Hiding in your meals, is a whole FOOD MEDICINE for health, for healing – and for fun! |
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In addition to containing high vitamin C contents and antioxidant Beta-carotene, it contains vitamin E and is a natural antibiotic. It is sometimes used in complementary medicine to speed up the body's detoxification processes.
. Bantam Books. 1974