Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, including in European and Middle Eastern folk remedies. While watercress is not as widely cited as some other herbs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it has historically been used to support general inflammatory conditions, which may include arthritis. The traditional rationale for its use stems from watercress's reputation as a "blood purifier" and its high content of vitamins (A, C, K), minerals, and phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. Early herbalists believed these attributes could help address chronic inflammatory diseases by supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes and reducing systemic inflammation. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting watercress for rheumatoid arthritis is extremely limited. Most available research highlights the plant's general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but these studies are mostly in vitro or animal-based and do not directly address RA. There are no high-quality clinical trials in humans evaluating watercress as a treatment for RA. Therefore, its use for this condition remains rooted in traditional practice rather than scientific validation, and any potential benefit is speculative rather than evidence-based. Anyone considering watercress for RA should do so as part of a balanced diet and not as a substitute for proven medical therapies.

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