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Watercress is a small plant that grows in water bodies and is renowned for its healing properties for the body. It’s so well known that Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is said to have built his first hospital by streams full of watercress to heal his patients.
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) belongs to the Brassicaceae family and thrives near water. This aquatic plant is anti-estrogenic and is used to supplement nutritional requirements. (1)
Its therapeutic use is due to its presence of isothiocyanates, polyphenols, glucosinolates, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, E, and C), terpenes (including carotenoids), and elements. (2)
It is also rich in sulfur, which is a mineral needed for the production of many proteins, including those forming hair, muscles, and skin. Thus, it improves hair, makes the skin soft and supple, and plays a role in cell formation.
Small studies have also shown that Watercress has antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antigenotoxic effects. (1)
Article Contents
Does Watercress Oil Help in Hair Growth?
Watercress seeds act as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. (3)(4)
As per a recent study done in 2022, watercress extract stimulated RSPO1 secretion, which is regarded as anti-hair loss agent, that activates the growth of hair follicles, stimulates hair growth, and reduces hair loss by inhibiting the effect of DHT which is known to induce hair loss. Thus, it helps resolve hair disorders. (5)
According to one study, watercress is a nutraceutical, and its seed oil is used as a home care remedy for hair growth. It protects the scalp from the harsh UV rays. (6) However, more scientific evidence is required to back up the claim that watercress seed oil boosts hair growth.
Watercress is abundant in plant compounds that are highly beneficial for the skin and scalp. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E and other phytonutrients, including carotenoids, chlorophyll, and phenolic compounds. They work cohesively to protect your skin, scalp, and hair from the harsh UV rays, pollution, and other damaging factors in the environment.
Hair Benefits of Using Watercress Oil
The use of watercress oil benefits the hair in the following ways.
1. Promotes scalp health
Watercress seed oil is full of vitamins C, K, and A, which help in strengthening your tresses, improving the condition of your scalp, and promoting the growth of strong and healthy hair. (7)
The zinc (8) and sulfur (9) in watercress seed oil protect against bacterial infections and improve hair growth. It is rich in antioxidants and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, and B6, iron, calcium, and iodine, which help in improving scalp health. (10)
2. Clarifies the scalp and hair
Using harsh hair products can damage your hair and make it weak in the long run.
Watercress oil can help cleanse the scalp and hair and naturally remove excess oil and buildup. It also detoxifies the scalp and hair.
3. May protect the scalp and hair from UV damage
The sun can wreak havoc on your scalp and hair strands. Watercress oil can protect against pollution and other damaging factors that can make your hair vulnerable.
This effect may be due to its antioxidant activity, (10) which may help in fighting oxidative damage caused by the sun’s rays. However, direct scientific evidence is still lacking.
How to Use Watercress on the Hair
Method 1
Take 2–3 drops of watercress seed oil extract and mix it with your shampoo, or try a shampoo that already contains watercress as an ingredient.
Method 2
Take some watercress seed oil and dilute it with a carrier oil. Massage it on your hair and scalp to remove dandruff and curb bacterial infections on the scalp.
Method 3
Add 2–3 drops of watercress oil to a hair pack and apply it before you wash your hair.
Side Effects of Using Watercress Seed Oil
Watercress may react with the medications you are using and may not work well, so speak to a health consultant before applying the oil, especially if you are taking some prescription drugs.
It can also cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive stomachs, so consult a doctor before consuming watercress or if you experience unpleasant symptoms.
Is Watercress Oil Beneficial for Your Skin?
Yes, it contains elastic and collagen that acts against UV rays. Its isothiocyanate and vitamin content stops the breakdown of collagen, thus reducing fine lines and other signs of aging and giving you a youthful look.
Final Word
Watercress is a green leafy aquatic plant loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which protect your skin from the harsh rays and strengthen your hair follicles, thereby promoting growth.
To avoid any side effects, consult a dermatologist before using watercress.
References
- A review on phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Watercress Plant. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329607192/.
- Klimek-Szczykutowicz M, Dziurka M, Blažević I, et al. Phytochemical and biological activity studies on nasturtium officinale (watercress) microshoot cultures grown in rita® temporary immersion systems. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696031/. Published November 11, 2020.
- Chemical composition of the garden nasturtium essential oil and … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357930643/.
- Jurca T, Baldea I, Filip GA, et al. A phytocomplex consisting of tropaeolum majus L. and salvia officinalis L. extracts alleviates the inflammatory response of dermal fibroblasts to bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7261326/. Published May 21, 2020.
- Hashimoto M; Kawai Y; Masutani T; Tanaka K; Ito K; Iddamalgoda A; Effects of watercress extract fraction on R-spondin 1-mediated growth of human hair. International journal of cosmetic science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35133683/.
- Author links open overlay panelMohammedAl brattyHassan AhmadAlhazmiNeelaveniThangavelPersonEnvelope, bratty MA, AhmadAlhazmi H, NeelaveniThangavelPersonEnvelope, AbstractWatercress oil (WCO) is the seed oil of Nasturtium officinale. GC–MS profiling and in silico prediction of MAPK receptor activation by fatty acids of watercress oil for hair growth marketed in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Saudi Chemical Society. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319610321000016. Published January 9, 2021.
- Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive compounds for skin health: A Review. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/. Published January 12, 2021.
- Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc therapy in dermatology: A Review. Dermatology research and practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120804/. Published 2014.
- Wall D, Meah N, Fagan N, York K, Sinclair R. Advances in hair growth. Faculty reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8808739/. Published January 12, 2022.
- Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/. Published March 2019.
