Stinging nettle can be found on river banks, wastelands, and roadsides. Thickets of this stinging plant, sometimes reaching two meters in height, are a common sight in areas with a temperate climate.
Nettle is a perennial plant; its stems are tall, tetrahedral, and its leaves are ovate-lanceolate.
It blooms from June to September with greenish flowers, united in inflorescences.
Although the plant is considered a weed, due to its unique chemical composition it has been used in folk medicine for a long time.
All the wealth is in the leaves; they contain not only vitamins K, C, E, B, carotene, but also tannins, organic acids, salts, and chlorophyll. The list could take a long time.
A clear indication of the benefits is that nettle contains almost twice as much vitamin C as lemon and black currant, and is ahead of carrots in terms of carotene.
By eating a salad seasoned with nettle leaves, you can provide yourself with vitamins for a day.
In the old days in Rus', nettle leaves were added to bread, soup, porridge and thereby saved themselves from vitamin deficiency and scurvy.
Hippocrates and Dioscorides - scientists of Ancient Greece discovered the healing properties of the juice of fresh nettle leaves, described them in their treatises, and advised using the juice to treat wounds. Vitamin K provides hemostatic properties; it improves blood clotting and prevents inflammation.
Chlorophyll, which is part of the leaves, also accelerates wound healing. But its beneficial properties do not end there. It is beneficial for the respiratory system, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, improves metabolism, and tones the intestines. Chlorophyll is used in the production of drugs for the treatment of radiation therapy.
Hair, skin and nails need vitamins that are found in nettles, namely E and B. They also accelerate the healing of burn wounds, slow down aging, relieve chronic fatigue, and help reduce the harmful effects of medications.
Nettle preparations can be used to treat diseases that are based on allergies. These include urticaria, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, and pruritic dermatitis. The effect in the treatment and prevention of these diseases is achieved due to its antihistamine effect, the ability to relieve inflammation, and relieve pain.
Nettle can be used to treat anemia. Iron, protein, vitamins help improve blood quality. More red blood cells are produced, and hemoglobin levels increase. Infusions and decoctions of nettle leaves help to get back on your feet faster after operations and restore skin after burns.
Nettle contains secretin, a hormone essential for the pancreas, which can stimulate the production of insulin. Taking drugs with nettle extract reduces sugar levels in diabetic patients. Nettle helps in treating the pancreas.
Nettle has good diuretic and choleretic properties; drugs are made on its basis, the purpose of which is to treat diseases of the main human organs, such as:
- Liver.
- Kidneys.
- Gallbladder.
- Bladder.
Men appreciated nettle, it is good for men's health. It is very useful for men to drink nettle tea to prevent prostatitis. The phytosterols included in the composition help normalize the functioning of the prostate gland, and together with vitamins improve potency.
May nettle: video
Like any medicinal plant, nettle has contraindications. Harm may occur if infusions and decoctions of nettle are used simultaneously with pharmaceutical medications.
The effect may be negative. First of all, this concerns hypertension. You should not take medicine to lower blood pressure or drink nettle infusion.
It is not advisable to take antidepressants and nettle medications at the same time, as it suppresses the central nervous system and enhances the effect of medications on it.
Consulting a doctor will help you understand whether nettle preparations can be taken together with other medications.
The hemostatic properties of the plant can harm patients diagnosed with:
- thrombophlebitis;
- varicose veins;
- atherosclerosis.
Taking nettle preparations increases blood clotting and increases the risk of blood clots.
Bleeding: cysts, polyps, tumors should not be treated with nettle preparations, they should not be used by women at any stage of pregnancy, it is fraught with uterine contractions and miscarriages.
At home for treatment you can use:
- decoction
- infusion
How is the juice used?
The juice helps with various diseases. If you suffer from stones in the gall bladder, bile ducts or bladder, drink a dessert spoon of freshly squeezed juice before each meal, but no more than 4 times a day.
If there is internal bleeding, drink 1 teaspoon of juice, no more than 5 times a day. To prevent hypovitaminosis, it is enough to take a teaspoon 3 times a day.
The juice can be consumed freshly squeezed or prepared for future use. Vodka taken in the same proportion as the juice is suitable as a preservative. Store this infusion in a tightly closed bottle, placing it in the refrigerator. If you drink fresh juice with a teaspoon or a dessert spoon, then you should drink the vodka tincture in double size.
Juicing is easy.
- Grind,
- roll the gauze several times
- put the pulp in it and squeeze out the juice.
You can prepare a decoction of the roots, seeds and leaves of nettle. A decoction prepared from the roots treats cholelithiasis, urolithiasis, prostate adenoma, gastritis, colitis, and cough.
For preparation:
chop dry roots, take 2 tbsp. l, pour a glass of water, boil the mixture for 10 minutes, placing it on low heat. Cool. Strain. Add boiled water, you should get at least a glass. Drink six tablespoons throughout the day.
A decoction of the seeds treats cough and insomnia. To prepare you will need:
- seeds 2 tbsp. l;
- water 1 tbsp.
Bring the mixture to a boil, cook for 8 minutes, leave for an hour. The finished broth is filtered and topped up with chilled boiled water. The broth should be no less than a glass. If you have a cough, drink a tablespoon 4 times a day; if you have insomnia, then before going to bed drink a quarter glass of the decoction.
Decoctions prepared from the leaves can be used externally for hair problems. You can wash your hair with it without using detergents at least three times a week for a month. Grind the dry leaves, take 100 grams, add water and 9% vinegar. Proportion 1:1. Boil for half an hour. Cool. Strain.
Infusions
A tincture prepared from the roots helps: with bleeding, diarrhea, irregular periods, prepare it for 10 days. You will need:
- vodka 0.5 liters;
- dried roots, chopped 2 tbsp. L.
Take 30 drops*3 times a day.
An infusion of dry leaves can treat gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontal disease. Used for rinsing.
Easy to prepare:
3 tbsp. Pour l dried and crushed leaves into a glass of boiling water, close, and let it brew. You can rinse your mouth with warm infusion after 30 minutes, strain first.
Helps lose weight, cleanses the body of toxins, strengthens the walls of the blood vessels.
Both dried and fresh leaves of the plant are suitable for brewing tea.
First, they should be placed in a bowl and filled with plain water at room temperature. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over low heat. Immediately after boiling, remove the broth from the heat.
The tea should steep for 25-35 minutes. Drink nettle tea no more than 3 times a day, 20 minutes before meals.
Nettle is very useful for men. Helps increase the production of the male hormone testosterone, treats the prostate, helps with frequent emissions, urological inflammation and male infertility.
Seeds 1 tsp infused in 1 tbsp will increase potency. boiled water. Leave for half an hour. Drink a glass twice.
A very effective tincture prepared from 0.5 liters of dry red wine and 5 teaspoons of dry stinging nettle seeds. Boil the mixture for at least five minutes, then leave and strain. Drink a tablespoon before each meal. Daily norm 3 tbsp. l.
Nettle juice will help with heavy periods. It can be prepared only from fresh leaves that are picked when the nettle blooms profusely. When your period arrives, dilute 1 teaspoon of juice in a quarter of a glass of water and drink before each meal.
A decoction of dried nettle also helps normalize menstruation; you can dry it yourself, or it’s easier to buy it at the pharmacy.
For a glass of boiling water 1 tbsp. l, boil for several minutes. Leave for two hours, strain. The norm is 3 times * 0.5 tbsp before meals.
Taking the decoction significantly reduces the amount of discharge. There is also a pharmaceutical preparation containing nettle, it is produced in the form of tablets - Secrets of Longevity.
You can force menstruation if it does not occur on the desired day. Pour 1 tbsp. l leaves 1 tbsp boiling water, leave for an hour, drink in one go. Your period should come the next day.
Nettle has a stimulating effect on hair roots, promotes their growth, and increases thickness. A rinse made from nettle makes hair stronger and more beautiful.
You will need:
fresh leaves 10 tbsp. l, 2 l of boiling water, can be used after an hour. First wash your hair with shampoo and then rinse with infusion.
This product will not only add beauty to your hair, but also reduce hair loss.
Looking into ancient medical books or handwritten books of folk healers, you will notice: the benefits of nettle are undeniable.
- The variety of recipes for all kinds of decoctions, solutions, tinctures and ointments based on it is amazing.
- Since ancient times, it has served as a raw material for the manufacture of ropes, ropes and fabrics.
- The luxurious braids of our grandmothers were also explained by the use of nettles for hair.
The juicy and burning queen of herbs has marched in triumph since ancient times and confidently entered our reality.
To this day, she is respected and revered both by herbalists and modern pharmacology and cosmetology. It occupies a worthy place among medicinal herbs on pharmacy shelves. There are two known varieties: dioecious and stinging. Both types have been proven to be useful, but the latter is preferable.
Why is nettle useful?
It's all about the amazing properties of this plant. Its fatty green pulp is enclosed in a stem, and on it there are leaves at an angle, containing a storehouse of vitamins, microelements, minerals, flavonoids and other biologically active substances.
It has been noticed that the apogee of their activity in young shoots occurs in spring.
100 grams of nettle contains:
-
vitamins - C, E, K, group B, carotene;
trace elements - Ca, K, Zn, Cu, Mn, S, Ba, Al, Fe;
organic acids - formic, halusic;
proteins and carbohydrates - 1.5%/100 g, 5%/100 g;
other components - carotenoid, phytoncides, chlorophyll, histamine.
Nettle: benefits and harm
Nettle is definitely useful. However, it also has contraindications, so before taking this folk remedy, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
And another very important point: despite the fact that you can find this medicinal plant near your home, you still need to collect it away from:
busy roads,
passable roads,
industrial enterprises,
places with poor ecology.
Plan your collection for the spring. Young shoots are important(you need to pick off the tops 5-7 cm high).
Benefits of nettle
It has already been proven that nettle is useful, both in general and for male and female organisms separately. First, let's look at the general beneficial properties of this plant.
- The high content of ascorbic acid or vitamin C (10 times more than in apples and black currants) helps improve immunity and normalize the gastrointestinal tract.
- Vitamin E is famous for its antioxidant effect. By getting rid of free radicals, it delays old age. Especially necessary in old age:
during menopause,
diseases of muscles and joints,
under high physical and mental stress.
- Rare fat-soluble vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties, ensures healthy bones (promotes the absorption of calcium), and also regulates the process of blood clotting upward, therefore it is in demand to stop bleeding.
- Of particular value is the “company of energizers” - B vitamins. Their main function is energy. They give strength to the body as they help in energy production. The need for them increases significantly when:
stress,
lack of sleep,
lack of fat in the daily diet,
pregnancy and breastfeeding,
for coffee and alcohol lovers,
for certain diseases (arthritis, migraine, mental disorders).
- The microelements contained in nettle somewhat replenish the huge list of the periodic table present in our body, contributing to its normal functioning. For example, iron, zinc, manganese, copper are extremely important for immunity, and it, in turn, determines resistance to viral infections and diseases in general. They also determine healthy metabolism. Calcium and potassium - for bone tissue and cardiac activity.
- Chlorophyll is classified as a biologically active food additive. It is even available in liquid forms for those whose diet is deprived of green leafy vegetables.
Important! The chemical formula of chlorophyll is similar to the formula of hemoglobin. It increases the number of red blood cells in the blood, which helps provide the body with oxygen. In addition, it is a powerful antioxidant, an effective weapon against oncology and inflammatory processes of any etiology.
- The main function of organic acids is to stimulate metabolism.
Benefits of nettle for women's health
Since ancient times, nettle has been used in gynecology due to its specific properties. For example, with heavy menstrual flow, it reduces bleeding. Plus, it stabilizes the cycle.
During breastfeeding, when there is a lack of milk, nettle juice or brewed young nettle leaves are very useful.
To achieve maximum effect, this plant can be combined with lungwort, yarrow and horsetail.
Nettle for men's health
Our ancestors noticed long ago that nettle seeds support male strength. To achieve this effect, you need to make a special decoction and consume it before meals (about half an hour before). To prepare the decoction, nettle seeds are brewed in boiling water.
If signs of prostate adenoma are noticed, then you need to drink tea from nettle leaves. Just brew two tablespoons of dry leaves with a glass of boiling water, wait five to ten minutes and take morning and evening for 1-2 months.
Indications for use of nettle
Indications for use are determined by the composition of the drug and its properties.
So, let’s present only a partial list of “why”:
- Improves metabolism and enhances immunity.
- Prevention and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.
- Visual acuity and lower blood sugar.
- Normal functioning of all internal organs and systems.
- Increases libido and potency in men.
- Normalization of discharge during menstruation and normalization of the cycle.
- Prevention of cancer and inhibition of existing ones.
- Skin cleansing for dermatitis and allergic rashes.
- Stimulation of lactation in nursing mothers (in moderate doses).
- Regulating the consequences of physical and mental stress.
- Purifying the blood and improving its composition, removing waste and toxins.
- Saturation of the body with vitamins and microelements.
Nettle for hair
Nettle is effective for hair. This is most clearly manifested during course exposure for at least two weeks.
The broth is used to rinse washed hair, and the juice in its pure form is used as a mask. The scalp and hair itself are coated with it. Leave for 20-30 minutes and rinse with warm water. After doing this for the entire intended course, you will notice that your hair has acquired silkiness and shine.
Alopecia (hair loss) is also treated in this way. There are known cases of favorable dynamics in the treatment of baldness.
Another great remedy that accelerates hair growth is nettle oil. Can be used as a mask before washing your hair, or as a balm after. Nettle oil is sold in pharmacies.
Contraindications
This miracle herb, oddly enough, also has contraindications. They are associated with a high content of vitamin K, which can thicken the blood, and therefore fall into the prohibited category:
- patients with thick blood susceptible to thrombosis;
- those suffering from thrombophlebitis (varicose veins);
- pregnant women (in large doses can cause miscarriage);
- suffering from migraines and insomnia.
By the way, in the Tula region there is an entire village dedicated to this plant. That's what it's called - Krapivna. And the annual International Nettle Festival takes place there!
Medicinal decoction of nettles
To prepare a general medicinal decoction of nettles, you need:
pour two tablespoons of the dry mixture into a jar,
pour a glass of boiled water (t=70C),
wrap in a towel and let sit for at least 2 hours.
Herbalists advise drinking a quarter glass of the strained mixture half an hour before meals, 2-3 times a day.
Important! According to traditional healers, the therapeutic effect depends on the time of administration: they recommend taking the decoction only at odd hours (9, 11, 13, 15, 17), preferably before sunset.
And you can drink tea from several leaves of the herb freely and without fear throughout the year. It will give you strength and energy.
Culinary delights
Nettle soup
The soup is easy to prepare and does no harm if you don’t get too carried away with it. We have already spoken above about contraindications.
- Pour water into a three-liter saucepan. Boil.
- Add salt, 3 pieces of chopped potatoes and 2-3 tablespoons of pearl barley.
- Boil for 15 minutes.
- Rinse a medium bunch of nettles under running cold water, rinse with boiling water, chop on a cutting board and place in a saucepan.
- Add beef stew and 2 bay leaves there.
- In the absence of contraindications from the gastrointestinal tract, the taste can be improved by frying (saute the onion until golden brown, adding the spice hops-suneli).
- Boil for another 5 minutes.
The dish looks more appetizing if served in white soup bowls, garnished with half a boiled egg. Add sour cream to taste. Bon appetit!
Green nettle salad
- Wash a large bunch of nettles, pour boiling water over them, chop them, and place them in a salad bowl.
- Chop 3-4 boiled eggs, homemade tomatoes, and cut salted cheese into cubes.
- Add 3 tablespoons of sour cream.
- Stir.
Real jam!
The material presented may open your eyes and allow you to look at nettles a little differently. Nettle, of course, is not a complete alternative to medications, but it is an excellent addition to them.
Nettle is famous for its beneficial properties and the impressive list of vitamins included in its composition. The pungent plant is added to medicinal tinctures, decoctions and preparations. Nettle helps cope with radiculitis, low immunity, rheumatism, kidney and bladder problems. But if used improperly, you will most likely cause harm to the body. To prevent this from happening, consider the main aspects.
Composition of nettle
This peculiar “weed” is loved by many for the presence of vitamins. For example, nettles contain more vitamin C than apples, red currants and carrots combined. Thanks to this, you can boost your immunity by drinking a little tea with the plant.
The plant is not deprived of retinol or vitamin A. The natural antioxidant has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is responsible for the health of the skin and hair, as well as the female reproductive system.
A special place is given to vitamin K, which is otherwise called vikasol. This substance is responsible for blood viscosity; nettle juice has regenerating and hemostatic properties.
Nettle contains B vitamins; they normalize a person’s psycho-emotional environment. Nettle decoctions and teas fight poor sleep and depressive disorders.
Carotenoids have the ability to improve vision. These compounds prevent the formation of cataracts and are prescribed for use by patients with eye diseases.
In addition to beneficial vitamins, nettles contain many mineral compounds. Of particular value are manganese, sulfur, aluminum, barium, chromium, copper, iron, molybdenum, potassium, calcium and others.
Nettle contains tannins, organic acids, glycosides, chlorophyll, flavonoids, phytoncides, and histamine.
In terms of the amount of vitamin K contained, nettle is 3 times greater than spinach. Organic iron and copper are present in a volume that is 2 times higher than the levels of these elements in cabbage.
Calorie content 100 gr. plants is small - 43 Kcal. Most often, nettles are used in sauces for main courses and appetizers, salads, first courses and side dishes. From 100 gr. 85% is allocated to water, the rest is occupied by carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fiber. There is practically no fat in the plant (less than 0.5 g).
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Effect of nettle on the body
- enhances metabolism;
- increases the body's protective functions;
- blocks the flow of blood to cancer cells (fighting cancer);
- treats hemorrhoids;
- has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties;
- reduces glucose levels in diabetes;
- fights hypertension;
- improves the activity of the pancreas;
- cleanses blood channels and seals their walls;
- has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle;
- treats mental disorders, neuroses, insomnia;
- increases appetite and salivation;
- relieves painful cramps in the stomach;
- controls the activity of the reproductive and urinary systems;
- widely used for dermatological problems.
The benefits of nettle do not end with the listed actions. This is only a small part of how the plant affects the functioning of vital organs and systems.
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Benefits of nettle
- The plant is used for pancreatitis and other diseases of this nature. This becomes possible thanks to the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb.
- Nettle has the ability to block blood circulation and prevent the appearance of new capillaries in cancer formations. Some substances from the plant have been successfully added to cancer drugs.
- For diabetes mellitus, nettle tincture is indispensable. It gently lowers sugar levels and removes bad cholesterol. To prepare the product, grind 40 g. greens and brew in 0.5 l. boiling water Leave for several hours, take a teaspoon before meals.
- “Weed” facilitates the functioning of the kidneys and improves the functioning of the entire urinary system. To normalize the processes of urination, remove sand and small tumors (up to 0.5 cm), you need to take an infusion. It is prepared from dry nettle and bird knotweed.
- Nettle will help the male half of humanity cope with prostatitis. The plant improves urine output, relieves pain, kills harmful microorganisms and alleviates the general course of the disease.
- Traditional healers successfully use nettle in the fight against bleeding of various natures (stomach, pulmonary, intestinal, kidney, etc.). The accumulation of chlorophyll tones the internal organs and stops harmful processes.
- Due to its high iron content, nettle is used to treat anemia (anemia). Nettle is used for allergic reactions; it accelerates the release of histamine, which stops the reaction to food or medications.
- Decoctions based on the “weed” are widely used for the treatment and prevention of thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, and peptic ulcers. For girls during menstruation, such infusions will help get rid of abdominal pain and heavy discharge.
- Nettle strengthens the immune system and is used to treat helminths in adults and children. The herb also accelerates the production of red blood cells, enriches the blood with oxygen and nutrients, and improves its composition. The weed is used for various problems by dermatologists (psoriasis, eczema, etc.).
- Those who like to take a steam bath will find it useful to know that a nettle broom eliminates pain in the lower back, cervical region and back. Patting a hot body eliminates radiculitis, heart pain, and swelling of the limbs. All this becomes possible thanks to increased blood circulation.
- Nettle is the best wound healing and disinfectant. The plant is used to eliminate suppuration, dry out acne and other similar problems. Nettle decoction is effective for acne, oily facial skin, and cellulite.
Benefits of nettle for women
- Beneficial qualities have been noticed during heavy menstruation. Since nettle has hemostatic properties, it can be used to control the intensity of discharge and the general condition of a woman. During menstruation, the body experiences a decrease in hemoglobin. The weed makes up for this lack.
- Women's doctors unanimously say that nettle will be useful for new mothers who are breastfeeding. The abundance of minerals and vitamins supports the health of the child and woman.
- Not without the valuable qualities of the plant on the female body during menopause. Burning herb reduces the number of hot flashes, eliminates excessive sweating and normalizes the general condition of a woman.
- Nettle tinctures and freshly squeezed juice are used in cosmetology to treat hair and stimulate its growth. The composition increases blood circulation in the scalp and fights alopecia (hair loss).
- The plant is used to combat acne, severe pigmentation, swelling, furrows and wrinkles on the face. Nettle rejuvenates, removes vascular networks and comedones.
Benefits of nettle for men
- The plant contains mineral compounds that are necessary for the male body. These elements include zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Substances increase blood circulation in the groin area and regulate potency.
- Nettle improves sexual activity and increases libido, increases sperm count and reproductive activity. The herb is used to treat and prevent impotence.
- Men who experience difficulties with premature ejaculation need to take nettle decoctions and tinctures. Such means will increase the duration of sexual intercourse.
- It is useful to use the plant for those who play sports and lead an active lifestyle. It's all about nettle's ability to give the body strength and energy.
- Men are more likely than women to suffer from alopecia - severe hair loss. To remove bald spots, you need to rub freshly squeezed nettle juice into your scalp.
- Thanks to the accumulation of B vitamins, the plant controls the psycho-emotional environment, relieves chronic fatigue and normalizes sleep.
- Various folk remedies based on the plant cleanse the liver of toxins, remove ethyl alcohol from the body, eliminate hangover syndrome and reduce cravings for nicotine.
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Benefits of nettle for children
- In most cases, nettle is used for children as infusions and all kinds of decoctions to strengthen the body's protective functions. Medicinal formulations can be given to a child only after prior consultation with a specialist. Otherwise, the child’s body may develop an allergy.
- The benefits of this unique plant for the child’s body are manifested in the fact that the raw materials effectively eliminate stomach pain. Infusions relieve severe coughs, strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammation in the mouth due to herpes. Decoctions cope with constipation.
- Numerous observations have shown that nettle infusion is a good remedy for anemia. The weed completely replenishes iron deficiency in the body. A simple infusion allows you to avoid taking heavy medications that adversely affect the liver and kidneys.
- Nettle has long established itself as an effective remedy for various dermatological diseases. To cope with an allergic reaction, it is recommended to use the stems, flowers and leaves of the weed. Wipe the skin with the product, drink infusions and teas.
Benefits of nettle during pregnancy
- During the period of gestation, representatives of the fair sex need to be especially careful when using any medicines and herbs. Nettle will help improve overall health, and side effects are also possible.
- Reasonable intake of the weed will help the expectant mother strengthen her cardiovascular system. Nettle has a positive effect on the kidneys. As a result, the swelling disappears. Raw materials fight bad mood, giving strength and suppressing depression.
- Nettle infusion is allowed to be taken only after consultation with a doctor. Large dosages can cause severe migraines, poor appetite, miscarriage, insomnia and dizziness.
Nettle treatment
- To exclude the manifestation of vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to regularly drink a decoction or tea based on nettle. The weed has immunostimulating and restorative properties. The herb will help the body resist seasonal viruses and colds.
- During illness, the plant will ease inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract. The weed is famous for its expectorant effect. Nettle qualitatively cleanses the lungs and bronchi from mucus and phlegm. Medicinal infusions are often prescribed for asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis.
- The medicinal properties of nettle allow the composition to be used for internal bleeding. The raw material promotes rapid blood clotting and allows wounds to heal in a short time. Freshly prepared gruel from the plant is used to eliminate calluses and corns.
- The healing properties of the weed can effectively combat various types of skin diseases. It has been proven that nettle is excellent for eliminating warts, boils, acne, lichen and eczema. To achieve maximum effect, the plant is recommended to be used in the form of compresses and lotions. Along with this, you need to drink tea with nettle.
- If you systematically use nettle infusion, you can soon get rid of problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The composition also eliminates pathologies of the genitourinary system. The decoction allows you to completely remove sand and salts from the bladder and kidneys. The composition eliminates inflammatory processes in the urinary canals. Swelling of the limbs disappears.
- Systematic consumption of the infusion will improve metabolic processes and improve intestinal function. The composition relieves nausea, heartburn and flatulence. Therapeutic tea helps eliminate problems with loose stools, enteritis, spasms and colitis. The drink prevents the development of the acute stage of gastritis.
- In addition to the general strengthening properties of the plant, infusions can be used to treat hair and scalp. The composition allows you to stop the loss and development of dandruff. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to systematically apply the decoction. For the best effect, use burdock oil in parallel.
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Harm of nettle
- In most cases, people believe that nettle can cause harm due to its burning properties. A similar effect is achieved due to a special light-colored pile that is located on the surface of the plant.
- A solution of apple cider vinegar and plain water will help get rid of unpleasant itching on the skin after contact with nettles. The ratio of components should be 1:1. Wipe the affected area of skin with a cotton swab.
- You can also get burns to the mucous membrane if you consume raw materials without pre-processing. If you are preparing salads, the nettles should be doused with boiling water. Otherwise, you can cause significant harm to the body.
- Nettle collected in an environmentally polluted place is contraindicated for consumption. This product can cause serious poisoning. Also, all beneficial properties will be completely absent in the weed.
- If nettle grows near roads and industrial enterprises, the raw material absorbs all the dirt and heavy metals. This plant is dangerous to health and is strictly prohibited for consumption. The harm of raw materials to the body is irreparable.
- Nettle in rare cases provokes an allergic reaction. It is prohibited to take the plant in any form during lactation. During pregnancy, you should also take weed-based infusions with extreme caution.
Nettle is rightfully considered a unique plant. Its healing properties have long been known to humanity. With the help of the described weed you can cope with most ailments and skin lesions. Before eating the plant, consult a specialist.
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Video: healing nettle powder
For most people, nettle, the harm and benefits of which are not known to many, is an absolutely useless and scalding weed. Due to this, people mercilessly destroy him. But in fact, the plant has become famous for its interesting ability to “sting”, it is also an excellent food product and an excellent medicine. 
Story
People said in ancient times that the benefits and harms of nettle for the body can be replaced by 7 healers. Our ancestors knew for sure about the miraculous properties of this plant. Nettle is a universal medicinal remedy for a huge number of diseases; it is a raw material for the production of ropes, fabric, ropes, an excellent food product that can enrich the diet with necessary and useful substances. The plant deserves close attention as an excellent remedy for human health. In it, nature has collected a vitamin-mineral rich complex, due to which it has become almost omnipotent and very useful. 
Compound
Possessing a vitamin-mineral rich composition that nature has endowed the plant with, nettle helps the human body cope with all sorts of inflammatory processes that occur in the body, in addition, replenish the deficiency of substances that are required to maintain its performance. It is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, selenium, sulfur, iron, zinc, barium and other elements, in addition, it contains:
- tannins;
- vitamins;
- pantothenic acid;
- acetic acid;
- caffeic acid;
- folic acid;
- formic acid,
- gallic acid;
- phytoncides;
- histamine;
- chlorophyll;
- betaine;
- lycopene
In terms of the content of valuable and nutritional components, small stems are much ahead of those that have begun to actively grow. And they or their tops should be used for preparing various medicines according to recipes. 
Young leaves and greens of nettle contain more vitamin C than lemon, but are not inferior to sorrel, sea buckthorn and carrots in terms of the amount of carotene. It should be noted that the unique medicinal properties of the plant are not lost during heat treatment, while dry grass is a natural first aid kit.
Effects of nettle on the body
It is difficult to list all the beneficial substances that spring nettle includes (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article). It is endowed by nature with an anti-inflammatory, general strengthening effect, in addition, it helps improve blood clotting, which is very valuable for cuts, ulcers and wounds as a hemostatic agent.
Use for anemia
The herb is also used as a remedy for anemia. Nettle decoction (its benefits and harms are due to the beneficial substances contained in the plant) facilitates menstruation and helps eliminate dark circles that appear under the eyes. It should also be noted that a powerful hemostatic effect can bring both benefit and harm. Persons who suffer from thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and anyone with very thick blood are strictly prohibited from consuming nettle, as this may cause blood clots.
In addition to everything else, this plant is used as a remedy for muscle pain, diseases of the bladder and liver, and against radiculitis. Nettle stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, and also helps improve heart function. Carotenoids contained in the grass have a beneficial effect on vision function.
Boosting immunity
The benefits and harms of nettles for the body have been of interest to people for a long time. The organic acids present in the plant help increase immunity and overall strengthen the body. Nettle helps restore the body after surgery, can resist radiation, and also protects tissues from oxygen deficiency.
Fight dandruff
Nettle is also used as a remedy against dandruff. The harm and benefits of the plant are simply amazing - if you rinse your head with nettle decoction every day for 2 weeks, hair loss will stop.
Compresses
As we have already found out, not everyone knows the health benefits and harms of nettles. Often the herb is used in the form of compresses, applied to ulcers, abrasions, cuts and wounds. A decoction of it is used in the treatment of bleeding - it promotes the active production of red blood cells. Among other things, this plant also contains secretin, a substance that can normalize blood sugar levels.
Use in cooking
Nettle is widely used in cooking. It is added to soups, drinks and salads. In addition, chefs have learned from this plant to prepare very aromatic and tasty fillings for pies, as well as other forms of baking.
Nettle: harm and benefit
We have already talked about the beneficial properties of this interesting plant, now let's find out what harm it can cause. Most people believe that the worst thing it can do is burn the skin. The burn is caused by white hairs covering the plant. Upon contact with human skin, they release a rather caustic substance, which causes severe itching and redness. Unpleasant sensations can be smoothed out by wiping the inflamed area of skin with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.
Eating fresh herbs without cooking will also lead to burns. When preparing salads, greens should be scalded with boiling water, otherwise there will be great harm to the esophagus or stomach.
Plants that were collected along dusty roadsides and roads are also contraindicated for oral use. They completely lack medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb heavy metal salts, all dirt and other harmful substances, thereby making possible consequences for our health unpredictable.
Nettle (the harm and benefits of this plant are described in detail in this article) can sometimes also cause allergies. But mainly they relate to the use of decoctions. At the same time, herbal teas with it are not so concentrated, therefore, they are quite harmless.
Nettle can cause serious harm to a pregnant girl’s body, causing premature contractions or miscarriage. At the same time, the plant, famous for its tonic and vasoconstrictor properties, will help to recover during the postpartum period. It will prevent anemia, reduce labor bleeding, and also restore the tone of the uterus. There are no contraindications during lactation.
Let's talk today about a wonderful medicinal plant - nettle. Let's consider the medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle, its benefits and harm to the body, the origin of the name, the participation of nettle in the creation of armor for ancient warriors and its role in the treatment of various diseases, as well as its use in cosmetology and folk recipes with nettle.
Most often, two types of nettle are used for medicinal purposes - stinging and dioecious - both are useful and have the same effect on the human body.
As children, we all got blisters on our hands when we accidentally touched the leaves and stems of these plants. Nettle stings everyone...
I remember how my grandmother in the village frightened us with a nettle twig when we disobeyed and played pranks, instead of helping to pick the young tops of nettles to add to the feed of poultry - ducks, geese, turkeys, especially chicks. They did not get sick then and grew quickly.
A vivid childhood memory is green nettle borscht, which my mother prepared from the newly sprouted green leaves of the plant. It was incredibly delicious! And it turns out that it is very useful, especially in the spring, when the body lacks vitamins.
Nettle medicinal properties and contraindications, harm and benefits, folk recipes
You need to know the medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle so as not to harm your body, but, on the contrary, to bring maximum benefit.
Let's start with a fairy tale... Do you remember the fairy tale “Geese and Swans”, where the sister wove shirts from nettles for her enchanted brothers? Throwing a shirt over her brother, enchanted into a swan, she turned him into a good fellow... Such a wonderful power is hidden in this unsightly plant!
Nettle and the epic knight Alyosha Popovich
In Rus' there was a custom to weave a shirt from nettles and wear it under chain mail. It was introduced by the wife of the famous knight from Rostov, Alexander, who became the prototype of Alyosha Popovich. His wife Lyubava, preparing him for a hike, went out under the full moon and collected nettle stems.
She paid special attention to old nettles. According to folk legends, it is the old nettle that has the most powerful healing and magical properties. Nettles must be collected in such a way as not to damage the rhizomes - they must remain in the ground so that the plant does not lose contact with Mother Earth, otherwise its strength will be lost.
The collected nettles were dried for a long time in the shade, then they were torn, separated from the scorching leaves, and men's shirts were woven from the remaining stems. Alexander Popovich wore such a shirt under his iron chain mail. Today it becomes clear that such a shirt protected the skin from oxidation by metal, protected the skin from minor abrasions and wounds, improved blood clotting, and helped in the disinfection and healing of the skin.
Origin of the name of the plant
According to one version, it is believed that the name nettle comes from the name of the supreme Slavic sun god - Ra and the ancient Slavic verb Pi Va, that is, nettle - drinking the sun.
Indeed, the leaves of this plant contain a lot of chlorophyll - just a colossal amount of it. Its leaves really collect the sun. And in those places where there is not enough sun, where there is a lack of warmth, nettle makes up for this deficiency through nutrition and ingestion.
Among the Northern peoples there is a belief that the gods gave us nettles so that people would not get sick during the gloomy off-season. After all, it appears in early spring, when the body of the inhabitants of the North is greatly weakened by the long and cold spring.
I’ll share another interesting fact about nettles in heraldry - yes, there is such a coat of arms:
There is a coat of arms of the village, which uses the leaves and stems of nettles - the village is called Krapivna, Tula region, and every year there are nettle festivals with various master classes on products made from it. Nettle branches are intertwined on the coat of arms.
You may be interested in learning about a plant such as calendula, medicinal properties and contraindications, recipes for infusions, tinctures, ointments and oils with it. You can also learn in more detail about the features of such a plant as rose hips, beneficial properties and contraindications for its use.
Medicinal properties and benefits. What does nettle treat?
What are the benefits of using nettle and how well are its medicinal properties known? Let's look at it in order. Nettle is a plant that has been used by healers since ancient times in healing diseases, as well as in people’s everyday lives.
As people say, one nettle replaces seven doctors... Nettle may be stinging, but it is powerful!
The plant contains a large amount of potassium and no less calcium. There is carotene, without which the growth of the body is not possible at all.
Nettle is useful for its micro- and macroelements: manganese, chromium, copper, vanadium, very high iron content. Many synthetic drugs, such as Ferroplex, are inferior to nettle in their ability to saturate the blood with hemoglobin.
Nettle leaves contain up to 7% protein and its content is not inferior to soybean.
Healthy and tasty dishes are still prepared from it, infusions and decoctions are made, healing various diseases.
Remember:
Nettle juice before flowering - thins the blood
Nettle juice after flowering - thickens the blood
Let's consider the beneficial and medicinal properties of this medicinal plant:
- Hemostatic property. Nettle contains large quantities of vitamin K, a hemostatic vitamin. Therefore, it is used for bleeding and for various old wounds. If with a cut or open wound add chopped leaves, then the bleeding stops before the eyes. The same happens with internal bleeding (with ulcers or uterine bleeding). Stopping bleeding occurs due to the formation of blood clots, which can pose a threat to people with cardiovascular diseases. Still, I’ll give you advice not to joke with internal bleeding and immediately call an ambulance, since such a phenomenon most likely requires surgical intervention or intensive drug therapy. With frequent nosebleed You can suck infusion of nettle or powder of dried leaves into your nose.
- Nettle contains a large amount of vitamin A, which is involved in maintaining good vision in humans. Vitamin A is necessary for the creation of skin and all elastic structures of our body, connective tissue.
- The plant contains a lot of vitamin C. It is necessary for the synthesis of our collagen fibers, plays the role of a powerful antioxidant.
- Nettle satiates and speeds up calorie burning. If you want to lose weight, eat nettles. Due to the high chlorophyll content in the leaves, the effect of rapid saturation occurs. It also speeds up metabolism in the body.
- Nettle lowers blood sugar levels. Of course, you will not be able to completely cure diabetes with nettle, but with the help of its infusion or decoction you can get rid of sudden jumps in blood glucose due to its content secretin, which stimulates the formation of insulin.
- Wound healing and cleansing properties associated with the high content of pantothenic acid in the plant. Studies of this plant have shown that it disinfects and heals wounds better than any medicine. It's all about the rare acid that is found on the tips of nettles. In contact with a foreign body, nettle throws out thousands of small needles, which dig into the enemy and spray with their special acid, similar to formic acid, and histamines are also released, and all this together leads to the formation of a nettle blister and skin irritation.
This acid has a special effect on humans - disinfects blood and saturates it with useful substances. - Nettle broom is an excellent remedy for lower back pain and rheumatism.. You collect nettles, make a broom and burn yourself on your back and arms. The same procedure saves from swelling and pain in the heart. It is useful to sip with young nettles in a bathhouse. The acid contained at the tips of the leaves and stems has an excellent effect on joints and skin.
- Nettle is fantastic cleanses the skin. With the help of nettle you can cope with the strongest neurodermatitis, even when the whole body is covered with blisters and wounds and the doctors helplessly shrug their shoulders. Then nettles are collected, the bathtub is filled to the top with it, hot water is poured (50-55 degrees) and it is infused. When the infusion has cooled to 40 degrees, the patient goes into the bathroom and steams in this nettle infusion. There is no need to wipe yourself off - let's dry off. After a week, not a trace of wounds or blisters will remain - the body becomes completely pink.
- Nettle leaves contain 41% iron, so nettle is an essential food for nursing mothers and patients with iron deficiency anemia. Nettle increases hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells, which is very important for anemia, especially in childhood.
- Nettle is anabolic- it dramatically increases muscle mass building.
- Nettle - excellent infertility remedy. The healer Avicena also noted the unique properties of nettle in the treatment of infertility in women, which he reflected in his “Canon of Medical Science.” He recommended that all young women eat nettles with onions and eggs or drink a decoction of nettles and dry red wine.
Recipe for infertility:
Avicena advised taking 100 grams of nettles, pouring them with 2 liters of dry red wine and leaving the mixture in a dry, dark place. After 5 days, the mixture should be shaken well, brought to a boil, cooled and taken 50 grams three times a day before meals. Recent studies have provided a scientific basis for this recipe. It has become known that nettle juice improves blood circulation in the female genital organs and promotes pregnancy.I hope I have already convinced everyone of the benefits of water infusions, alcohol infusions and nettle decoctions and you are ready to consume and apply it. For its proper preparation and use, I will give you their recipes.
Prepare nettle infusion. The amount of raw materials and method of use is indicated in the image. Please note that for diabetes mellitus, the dose is increased from 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day. Also, if urine stagnates, make a more concentrated infusion and drink 200 ml 3 times a day.
Prepare nettle tincture. To prepare the tincture you need alcohol (70%) or vodka - half a liter. The infusion time is 9 days, of which one (the first day) is in the light, and the next eight are in a dark place. Take 1 teaspoon morning and evening half an hour before meals. Course - until the tincture runs out.
Prepare a nettle decoction. It differs from previous recipes in that we boil the nettles for three minutes. Then cool, strain and take two tablespoons three times a day before meals.
Prepare fresh nettle juice. We collect May nettles before flowering. Soak for several minutes in cold water and pass through a juicer. Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and prepare a new portion again. We use it morning and evening for 3-4 weeks.
How to use:
- adults - 1 tablespoon and wash down with 3 tablespoons of water before meals
- teenagers - 1 dessert spoon of juice in 50 ml of tea in the morning and evening
- for children - 1 teaspoon per 100 ml of tea, and divide it over two days
Now you have a clear guide to action - recipes for preparing nettle extracts in different ways.
Now let's talk about eating nettle as a separate dish in our diet.Traditional recipes with nettles
Nettle juice for high blood pressure. Ingredients: nettle - 1 kg, kefir - as much as nettle juice will be obtained, honey - 1 teaspoon.
Preparation and use:
Take 1 kg of nettle leaves and pass through a meat grinder or juicer. Separate the juice and pulp. The juice should be about 100 ml. Add the same amount of kefir and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix everything and Take three times a day before meals for a month. Can also have a drink accept indefinitely- to increase immunity and increase the body's resistance.
You can also rinse your mouth with it - this will help get rid of bleeding gums and strengthen tooth enamel.
Nettle honey for cleansing and boosting immunity, accelerating metabolism. We collect 3 kg of nettles and pass the washed plants through a juicer. At the end we get 300 ml of juice and add the same amount of natural honey. Stir and leave for a day in a dark place. Take 1 teaspoon of nettle honey with a glass of warm water three times a day before meals. Take until the prepared portion of nettle honey runs out.
Before cooking - read the contraindications of nettle and find out a little below who should not use it, since instead of benefiting the plant, it can cause harm to the body.
Vitamin nettle salad with cottage cheese. Take live nettle and finely chop it. To prevent it from burning, you need to mash it. Add finely chopped green garlic and dill. Mix and add homemade cottage cheese. A little salt and pepper. Mix again. There is no need to season it with anything - the cottage cheese just needs to be fresh.
Useful for vitamin deficiency and during infectious diseases, as a means of prevention.Nettle salad with wild garlic. Chop fresh nettles, mash them a little, add a chopped bunch of wild garlic and three boiled beets on a grater. Salt and pepper. Season with sunflower oil. It cleanses the intestines well, nourishes the body with vitamin C, and eliminates constipation.
Nettle salad with eggs and onions. Prepares quite quickly. Chop the nettles, mash them, add a bunch of chopped green onions, a bunch of dill and two eggs - they need to be coarsely chopped. Add spices to taste. Season with vegetable oil or sour cream.
Vitamin tea from nettle. For one serving of tea, take a pinch of nettle, add dried carrots, a handful of rose hips, dried black currant leaves, and lingonberry leaves. Mix everything and pour boiling water - 0.5 liters. It is better to do all this in a thermos. After two hours the tea is ready. Add a little honey to the cup.
The drink cleanses the body, the kidneys, liver and the entire gastrointestinal tract feel great. At the same time, the vessels are also cleansed! By the way, if you like herbal teas, check out the article on how to make ginger tea with lemon and honey recipes.
If you want to bake nettle pies or make an energy drink like nettle milk, watch this video:
Nettle recipes will help you prepare healthy dishes that will give you strength and health.
Hair care. Nettle mouthwash
I was convinced from my own experience that rinsing with nettle after washing your hair brings life back to dyed hair, shine and fluffiness appear, and they become manageable. They also grow faster. Skin itching goes away. Dandruff decreases and eventually disappears completely.
The rinse can be prepared either from fresh nettles, or you can buy dry herbs at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself in May.
The rinse is prepared simply - pour 2-3 tablespoons of dry grass or a bunch of live young nettles into 1 liter of hot water and let it cool until it cools. Pour it into a basin and lower your head there - hold it for a while until your hair absorbs more nutrients. After this, there is no need to rinse with water - just wipe with a towel. Additionally, you can watch the video, there are useful tips for blonde hair:
Nettle face mask
A powerful restorative face mask will remove wrinkles and leave your skin smooth, even and clean. It will remove minor inflammations and regenerate the top layer of skin.
Compound:
- 1 tablespoon nettle (fresh or dried)
- 1 chicken yolk (preferably from domestic chicken)
- 1 tablespoon warm milk
Preparation and use:
Place all the gradients in a cup, mix thoroughly and apply to the face for 15 minutes. then wash off with warm water. The skin becomes velvety and radiant.
The properties of nettle that are used in cosmetology are tannins, formic acid, silicic acid, a set of macro- and microelements.
Collection and storage of nettles. When and where to collect, how to store and dry
When is the best time to harvest nettles? Nettle is most useful in May. It is during this period that it is a natural vitamin concentrate that contains vitamin C many times more than it is in lemon and currants, and vitamin A twice as much as in carrots. Here you will find a complete set of essential minerals - calcium, iron, copper, magnesium. This advice concerns the collection of the above-ground parts of the plant - leaves, stems.
Rhizome must be collected late in the fall, after the plant has finished bearing fruit and has accumulated a supply of nutrients in the rhizome in order to have the strength to germinate in the spring.
Where is the best place to collect? Since nettle is a very unpretentious plant, it grows everywhere, from garbage dumps and old wastelands to forest edges and river banks. It is believed that the plant grows in places with negative energy, which it takes away. Therefore, you can place a nettle leaf in each corner of the room - you are guaranteed to clear the space. Just remember to throw the leaves outside every other day.
So where to collect? In environmentally friendly places, away from cars and roads. Meadows, forest edges and river banks are most suitable. but even in the city you can find a secluded corner in the city park where this vitamin miracle grows. We do not collect raw materials from landfills or near garbage heaps.
Collection time- before lunch, no later than 16.00, and we begin collecting when the sun has completely dried the morning dew on the leaves of the plant.
There is a belief not to lift or take anything from nettle thickets, even if a valuable object has fallen there. What fell was lost. This expression is specifically about nettles.
How to dry nettles. The plant is dried like any other - in the shade, without direct sunlight, spreading the plucked plants in a thin layer on paper. The room should be well ventilated. To make the drying process faster, you need to mix the raw materials with your hands from time to time. Some healers do not recommend hanging nettles in bunches - the stems are thick and may not dry out.
How to store finished raw materials. After the raw materials have dried, they are placed in jars with lids. It can also be stored in bags, but there is a fairly high probability of moths appearing in it. And in jars there is no threat of dried nettles becoming damp and insects will not get in there.
Harm and contraindications
If a person suffers from a high level of hemoglobin in the blood, he has blood thickening and increased coagulability, then nettle is contraindicated in such cases. This is what they write in all articles about nettles! But…
I'll tell you a little secret:
those with thick blood can use nettle together with sweet clover, which compensates for the effect of nettle on blood thickness - by thinning it. It’s just that the beneficial properties of nettle are so high that it would be a sin not to use it if this negative effect can be compensated for with a natural anticoagulant!Also, before flowering, nettle does not thicken the blood; it thins it during this period. It begins to thicken after flowering.
You should not use nettle if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs), as it will block their action.
Also, infusions, decoctions and dishes made from nettle are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women precisely because of the high content of vitamin K, since an increase in blood clotting can lead to increased formation of blood clots, which is dangerous, and a miscarriage may occur. Pregnant women should not raise hemoglobin using any mixtures based on nettle - it tones the uterus and provokes the threat of miscarriage.
The use of nettle is prohibited for people with cardiovascular problems, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins.
Its use is not advisable for tumors of the uterus and appendages.
Photo of nettle, its appearance
We, as I said above, have two types of nettle with amazing medicinal properties - Stinging nettle and Stinging nettle. This is what they look like in their natural habitat - look at their photos:
This concludes our fascinating excursion into the world of nettles. Today we looked at:
- medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle
- its benefits and harms for the body
- origin of name
- participation of nettle in the creation of armor for ancient warriors
- its role in the treatment of various diseases
- application in cosmetology
- folk recipes with nettles
Use this storehouse of beneficial properties of a medicinal plant and you will always be healthy!
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BE HEALTHY DEAR READER!
The healing qualities of nettle have been known since ancient times. This culture has many useful components that have a beneficial effect on the body. A significant amount of medicinal elements accumulates in its leaves. The rich composition of the culture helps strengthen the immune system, heals the body and is successfully used for cosmetic purposes.
So, let's find out why stinging nettle is needed, as well as its beneficial properties and contraindications. The culture is included in many phytotherapeutic recipes.
Features of healing culture
The leaves and stems of nettle have many fine hairs, which are used to protect against being eaten by animals. These hairs, upon contact with the skin, release a mixture of formic acid with choline and histamine. This causes redness of the skin, burning and blisters. The medicinal plant contains a large amount of chlorophyll.
Compound
The effect of nettle on the body is determined by its composition. It contains the following useful components:
- retinol (vitamin A);
- vitamin K;
- tocopherol (vitamin E);
- B vitamins;
- carotenoids.
Of the microelements, it is worth noting potassium and calcium, copper, manganese, barium, sulfur and molybdenum. The plant also contains tannins, flavonoids, histamine and phytoncides. The product contains more copper and iron than cabbage leaves. Nettle helps the body get rid of harmful toxins and also cleanses the skin.
Nettle is used as food. Fresh herbs are added to salads, and nettle tea can be brewed from dried leaves.
Useful properties of the plant
Active components stimulate metabolic processes and increase immunity. The plant is useful for atherosclerosis and tuberculosis. Nettle tea is used to treat problems with the digestive system and nausea.
Here are some beneficial properties of stinging nettle:
- Vitamin K contained in the composition is necessary for bleeding and old wounds.
- Improves the functioning of the immune system.
- Helps the functioning of the heart muscle.
- Effective for hemorrhoids.
- Positively affects metabolic processes.
- Stimulates pancreatic function.
- Reduces blood sugar levels.
- Helps reduce blood pressure.
- Has protective properties against viruses.
- Useful for the functioning of the genitourinary system.
- Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
- Effective for neuroses.
- Reduces pain and cramps in the stomach.
The health benefits of nettle are recognized by official medicine. It contains a large amount of vitamin A, which helps maintain good human vision. In addition, nettle speeds up the burning of calories. Eating nettle nourishes the body. You can make salads and green borscht from this herb. The plant helps reduce blood sugar.
Nettle infusion is used to cleanse the skin. With its help you can get rid of neurodermatitis, when the body is covered with pimples and blisters. The leaves are also used during pregnancy, as the product increases hemoglobin levels. But this is done only after consultation with the doctor, since the herb can stimulate early labor. The healing culture significantly improves blood composition. Herbal decoctions are also effective for constipation.
Infusions from perennials are used for all kinds of diseases. However, when using the product, you need to take into account that it helps flush potassium from the body. Nettle infusion is used for diabetes. Since the plant contains components that reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.
The plant is used for pancreatitis. It stimulates tissue repair and also has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect.
The herb is also used for prostatitis. It helps to get rid of painful sensations when urinating, and also has an antibacterial effect.
Benefits for men
Let's look at the beneficial properties for men. Components such as phosphorus, zinc, copper or iron will help strengthen the male body, and the product also affects the normal functioning of the body.
So, here are the healing properties for men's health:
- Stimulation of prostate tissue.
- Increased sexual desire and increased sperm count.
- Preventing baldness and strengthening hair.
- Restoring strength under various loads.
The use of perennials helps remove toxins and poisons from the body. The plant is relevant when drinking strong drinks. The roots are used to prepare a decoction.
Benefits for women
It is worth noting the beneficial properties of nettle for women. The plant has healing effects for the female body. Since ancient times it has been used in gynecology.
It is worth noting the effect of decoctions on hair and skin. At the same time, the skin becomes more elastic, and the strands become stronger and healthier.
In some cases, the plant can be used after consulting a doctor. You also need to find out when nettle is used, as well as what its benefits and harms are for the body.
Medicinal culture is used in the following cases:
- Helps normalize the menstrual cycle. Use a remedy to contract the uterus after childbirth.
- Young shoots are used in gynecology and for hemorrhoids. Juice is made from them.
- It is used during lactation, as it helps to increase it.
- Monoecious or dioecious herb is effective for severe bleeding during menopause.
- The herb helps with acne, which heals quickly and leaves no scars on the skin. You can use nettle root or leaves to make decoctions.
Use during diet
Nettle can be used for weight loss. The stems and leaves of the herb are often used to prepare herbal teas for weight loss. Tea from this plant helps remove excess fluid and eliminate swelling. Salad helps stimulate peristalsis and cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Soup from this plant reduces hunger. In addition, nettle tea has a calming effect.
Tea from a medicinal plant is especially useful. It gives strength and vigor, increases concentration and removes fatigue and nervousness. It is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of the drink per day.
Contraindications
In addition to the indications, you need to know about the contraindications of the herb. It is worth considering that
powder or juice from this culture increases blood clotting, so you should use the product after consulting a doctor.The plant should not be used for varicose veins or thick blood as there is a risk of blood clots. The decoction should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause contractions ahead of schedule.
It is also worth noting the following contraindications:
- For atherosclerosis.
- With high blood pressure.
- For kidney diseases.
- At risk of heart attack.
- For heart problems.
- For oncology.
You should not combine decoctions from this plant with medications for insomnia.
When used correctly, nettle will only bring benefits, and decoctions of medicinal herbs will help with many health problems. Just before using the plant, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and features of using nettle.
For most people, nettle, the harm and benefits of which are not known to many, is an absolutely useless and scalding weed. Due to this, people mercilessly destroy him. But in fact, the plant has become famous for its interesting ability to “sting”, it is also an excellent food product and an excellent medicine.
Story
People said in ancient times that the benefits and harms of nettle for the body can be replaced by 7 healers. Our ancestors knew for sure about the miraculous properties of this plant. Nettle is a universal medicinal remedy for a huge number of diseases; it is a raw material for the production of ropes, fabric, ropes, an excellent food product that can enrich the diet with necessary and useful substances. The plant deserves close attention as an excellent remedy for human health. In it, nature has collected a vitamin-mineral rich complex, due to which it has become almost omnipotent and very useful.
Compound
Possessing a vitamin-mineral rich composition that nature has endowed the plant with, nettle helps the human body cope with all sorts of inflammatory processes that occur in the body, in addition, replenish the deficiency of substances that are required to maintain its performance. It is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, selenium, sulfur, iron, zinc, barium and other elements, in addition, it contains:
- tannins;
- vitamins;
- pantothenic acid;
- acetic acid;
- caffeic acid;
- folic acid;
- formic acid,
- gallic acid;
- phytoncides;
- histamine;
- chlorophyll;
- betaine;
- lycopene
Young leaves and greens of nettle contain more vitamin C than lemon, but are not inferior to sorrel, sea buckthorn and carrots in terms of the amount of carotene. It should be noted that the unique medicinal properties of the plant are not lost during heat treatment, while dry grass is a natural first aid kit.
Effects of nettle on the body
It is difficult to list all the beneficial substances that spring nettle includes (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article). It is endowed by nature with an anti-inflammatory, general strengthening effect, in addition, it helps improve blood clotting, which is very valuable for cuts, ulcers and wounds as a hemostatic agent.
Use for anemia
The herb is also used as a remedy for anemia. Nettle decoction (its benefits and harms are due to the beneficial substances contained in the plant) facilitates menstruation and helps eliminate dark circles that appear under the eyes. It should also be noted that a powerful hemostatic effect can bring both benefit and harm. Persons who suffer from thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and anyone with very thick blood are strictly prohibited from consuming nettle, as this may cause blood clots.
In addition to everything else, this plant is used as a remedy for muscle pain, diseases of the bladder and liver, and against radiculitis. Nettle stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, and also helps improve heart function. Carotenoids contained in the grass have a beneficial effect on vision function.
Boosting immunity
The benefits and harms of nettles for the body have been of interest to people for a long time. The organic acids present in the plant help increase immunity and overall strengthen the body. Nettle helps restore the body after surgery, can resist radiation, and also protects tissues from oxygen deficiency.
Fight dandruff
Nettle is also used as a remedy against dandruff. The harm and benefits of the plant are simply amazing - if you rinse your head with nettle decoction every day for 2 weeks, hair loss will stop.
Compresses
As we have already found out, not everyone knows the health benefits and harms of nettles. Often the herb is used in the form of compresses, applied to ulcers, abrasions, cuts and wounds. A decoction of it is used in the treatment of bleeding - it promotes the active production of red blood cells. Among other things, this plant also contains secretin, a substance that can normalize blood sugar levels.
Use in cooking
Nettle is widely used in cooking. It is added to soups, drinks and salads. In addition, chefs have learned from this plant to prepare very aromatic and tasty fillings for pies, as well as other forms of baking.
Nettle: harm and benefit
We have already talked about the beneficial properties of this interesting plant, now let's find out what harm it can cause. Most people believe that the worst thing it can do is burn the skin. The burn is caused by white hairs covering the plant. Upon contact with human skin, they release a rather caustic substance, which causes severe itching and redness. Unpleasant sensations can be smoothed out by wiping the inflamed area of skin with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.
Eating fresh herbs without cooking will also lead to burns. When preparing salads, greens should be scalded with boiling water, otherwise there will be great harm to the esophagus or stomach.
Plants that were collected along dusty roadsides and roads are also contraindicated for oral use. They completely lack medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb heavy metal salts, all dirt and other harmful substances, thereby making possible consequences for our health unpredictable.
Nettle (the harm and benefits of this plant are described in detail in this article) can sometimes also cause allergies. But mainly they relate to the use of decoctions. At the same time, herbal teas with it are not so concentrated, therefore, they are quite harmless.
Nettle can cause serious harm to a pregnant girl’s body, causing premature contractions or miscarriage. At the same time, the plant, famous for its tonic and vasoconstrictor properties, will help to recover during the postpartum period. It will prevent anemia, reduce labor bleeding, and also restore the tone of the uterus. There are no contraindications during lactation.
Almost every person knows prickly nettle. In our plot or garden, we try to remove it in every available way, without even knowing what benefits it has for the human body. During growth, its green leaves and stems accumulate a large amount of vitamins, minerals and other valuable substances. This plant is used in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetology and cooking. Ointments, creams, decoctions, infusions, teas, soups and fresh salads are made from nettle.
But it should also be remembered that this plant has both its advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account before using it frequently.
There are two types of nettle found in our area – stinging nettle and stinging nettle. Dioecy is considered much more useful for humans. This plant can be found in your yard, in the forest, near the river and road, in vacant lots. It reaches a height of 2-2.5 meters. It has bright green equilateral leaves and small flowers with a light green tint. Stinging nettle can be distinguished from other species by the finely dense hairs located on the leaves.
This product can be purchased in a package, or collected independently, and then either consumed fresh or dried for the winter.
A very long time ago, people began to use this plant for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, because it contains a large amount of much-needed and beneficial substances for the human body.
- Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, C, K, E, H and niacin, cartine, carotenoids.
- Microelements: iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc, chromium, aluminum.
- Macroelements: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, phosphorus.
It is important to take into account that the rich and varied composition of nettles is also valuable in that there is much more vitamin C than in lemon and apples, and the amount of carotene is greater than in carrots and sea buckthorn.
The benefits of nettle for the human body
People say “Nettle is stinging and powerful,” which is completely confirmed in reality.
- Vitamins, minerals and biological substances speed up the metabolism in the human body and strengthen the immune system.
- Helps in the fight against chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and tuberculosis.
- Decoctions from this medicinal plant are recommended for use with digestive problems, especially with nausea and bloating.
- Nettle leaves are used to treat throat diseases, as well as nosebleeds.
- In dermatology, decoctions, soups and teas are consumed as a remedy for irritation caused by allergies, various rashes, dermatitis and urticaria.
- Decoctions from the roots of this plant are an excellent diuretic.
- Nettle is very nutritious in its composition, but low in calories, so it will be a useful product for those losing weight.
- The composition of greens and roots includes a substance that produces interferon - proteins. They protect our body from the appearance of cancer cells and various viruses.
- Formic acid found in this plant has a general purifying effect, which has a positive effect on all human systems.
- Nettle decoctions have a healing effect on the liver, kidneys and bladder.
- In medicine, this green is used to treat anemia, it normalizes the menstrual cycle, and also helps get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
- Eating various dishes and teas made from nettle improves blood clotting.
- This plant contains a large number of carotenoids, which have a positive effect on the functions of the visual organs.
- Nettle contains a valuable substance called secretin, which helps normalize blood sugar levels. At the same time, the body produces insulin, which is so necessary for people suffering from diabetes.
- For external use, this product is also very useful. Prepared compresses from the leaves stop bleeding from small wounds on the knees, elbows and other parts of the body.
- Nursing mothers are recommended to drink nettle teas in order to improve the quality of mother's milk and strengthen the baby's body.
- The flowers of this plant are used to support male power. They are brewed and consumed 30 minutes before meals, 2 times a day.
Nettle and its benefits in cosmetology
Due to the fact that nettle is rich in a large amount of vitamins and nutrients, it has a beneficial effect on our hair.
- Helps in the fight against scalp diseases.
- The plant prevents hair loss.
- Rinsing with a decoction of the leaves improves the hair structure and makes it stronger.
- Using various masks and infusions, you can get rid of hair breakage, dandruff, split ends, as well as constant oily hair.
- With regular use of prepared nettle cosmetics, your hair will become shiny, thick and healthy looking.
Recipe for strengthening hair from fresh nettle
Rinse fresh nettle leaves along with stems thoroughly under running water. Place 50 g of this plant in a saucepan and pour 0.5 liters. water. Then boil it and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After the broth has cooled, rinse your hair with it, after washing it with shampoo.
Nettle mask for oily hair
Grind the freshly cut leaves of this plant in a blender. Next, add a spoonful of sea salt to the bowl, if not, then you can use regular salt. Stir thoroughly and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Apply the green paste to the scalp using light rubbing movements. Distribute it evenly over the hair roots and wrap with film and a towel for 30 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
Use of nettle for medicinal purposes
Juice for general strengthening of the body and strengthening the immune system
Rinse fresh nettles. Cut the leaves along with the stems and pass through a meat grinder. Then squeeze thoroughly through cheesecloth. Adults take 1 tbsp of nettle juice. l., and for children 1 tsp. on an empty stomach once a day and wash down with water. It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator for no more than three days.
Nettle decoction to improve blood composition
2 tbsp. l. Finely chopped nettle pour 200 g of boiling water. Let it brew for 15 minutes. This decoction should be consumed three times a day, 1 glass.
Nettle to reduce blood pressure
Nettle also has beneficial properties on human blood pressure. Pass green and fresh nettles through a meat grinder or blender. Squeeze the juice through cheesecloth, add a couple of tablespoons of kefir and a spoonful of honey. This infusion should be used 3 times a day before meals.
Vitamin tea from dry nettle
1 tbsp. l. pour boiling water over nettles, dried black currant leaves, rose hips, lingonberries and dried carrots in a saucepan. Cover with a lid and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Add a couple of spoons of honey and drink warm instead of tea. This drink helps cleanse blood vessels and has a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys. Before consuming, be sure to consult a doctor in order to receive benefits and not harm from this plant.
Use in cooking
Green nettle is tasty and useful in cooking.
Fresh nettle soup
Make broth from vegetables or chicken. Then add potatoes and cook until done. When the vegetable is cooked, add finely chopped nettle and sorrel leaves to the soup. Wait for everything to boil and cook for another minute. Serve the finished dish hot with sour cream, boiled egg, dill and parsley.
Fresh nettle salad
This salad is prepared only from young nettle leaves. Rinse the plant thoroughly and finely chop. Add dill, parsley, green onions to it. Pepper, salt and season everything with olive oil.
Cottage cheese with added nettles
Salt low-fat cottage cheese and add finely chopped fresh green nettles to it. Stir and you can eat. This dish is very useful for those who watch their figure or want to get rid of extra pounds.
Harm of nettle to humans
In addition to the burning stem and leaves, this plant has other contraindications. Nettle is a valuable plant whose benefits for the body are priceless, but it should be used with caution, and in some cases, consulting a doctor is recommended.
- Since this product affects the blood, you should not take it if you have varicose veins or thrombophlebitis.
- It is prohibited for atherosclerosis, and especially for those with thick blood.
- During pregnancy, you should absolutely not include dishes or decoctions with nettles in your diet. This can cause premature labor or early miscarriage.
The benefits of nettle for the human body are undeniable, but contraindications must also be taken into account in order to avoid harm to health.
