Herb Weavers Journal #76 - Bittercress - 11th Feb 2025

Herb Weavers Journal - Herbs for Healing

Bittercress - Hairy

Latin name Cardamine Hirsuta, is an annual Brassicaceae and its grows all over the UK and other countries. Also commonly called Lambs Cress, Spring Cress, Hoary Bittercress, Shot Weed and Flick Weed.

It's a good source of antioxidants, rich in Vit C, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene and other nutrients. Reports have shown that Bittercress can help and support a few of our bodies systems.

• Immune system: Hairy bittercress contains vitamin C and other nutrients that can help boost our immunity.

• Digestive health: It has been used traditionally to treat digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

• Respiratory health: Hairy bittercress has been used traditionally to treat respiratory ailments.

• Skin health: Used traditionally to treat skin conditions, by making salves, ointments and poultice to cover the skin with. Good for dry and irritated skin conditions.

• Cancer prevention: Hairy bittercress contains antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds that can help prevent cancer when eaten as part of a good balanced diet.

The great thing about this plant is it is good for us, easy to come by for free and easy to incorporate into our diet. Think of it as ordinary cress, so you can pop it in your egg sandwiches, add to omelettes, sprinkle into salads, it is so versatile.