Overview
Watercress is used for short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis), flu, arthritis, baldness, constipation, sexual arousal, and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, watercress is widely used in leaf salads and as a culinary spice.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Insufficient Evidence for
- Arthritis.
- Constipation.
- Coughs.
- Earaches.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
- Flu.
- Hair loss.
- Itchy skin infection caused by mites (scabies).
- Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis).
- Warts.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: Watercress is LIKELY UNSAFE for use as a medicine in children, especially in those younger than four years old.
Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don't use watercress if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Kidney disease: Don't use watercress if you have kidney disease.
Interactions ?
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) interacts with WATERCRESS
The body breaks down chlorzoxazone to get rid of it. Watercress might decrease how quickly the body breaks down chlorzoxazone. Taking watercress along with chlorzoxazone might increase the effects and side effects of chlorzoxazone.
Lithium interacts with WATERCRESS
Watercress might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking watercress might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with WATERCRESS
Watercress contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, watercress might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
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