Nettle is a plant that each of us is familiar with – mostly we have not entirely pleasant first memories of it. Who among us has not at least once fallen into a nettle bush and burned his skin with it? Because of this, we often underestimate it, treating it as an ordinary weed to watch out for. Meanwhile, however, nettle has a huge number of medicinal properties that are worth knowing about.
Nettle characteristics
Nettle, a species of the nettle family, is found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America. It is very popular in Poland and can be found on almost every ground. It is a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to two meters. It is characterized by a branching root, a stiff erect stem, dark green heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip. It is covered with shorter and longer scabrous hairs, which contain formic acid. It is harvested from April and May – that’s when its properties are healthiest, although it blooms until September. Common nettle contains a large amount of vitamin C, as well as folic acid, calcium, silicon, iron and chlorophyll. This plant has been known to us for centuries. The Slavs treated it as a magical plant that protected against demons, and charms. An infusion was prepared from it, and then it was sprinkled on clothes and houses. However, Hippocrates, Hildegard of Bingen, and Albert the Great already spoke of its healing properties.
Nettle properties
Stingingnettle has a huge number of medicinal properties, but it also finds its use in cooking – properly prepared, it tastes similar to spinach. Nettle extracts can be found in popular medicines for liver, pancreas and kidney disorders, but also in cosmetics, soap or shampoo. Nettle is used to treat bleeding, such as hematuria, nose bleeding, uterine bleeding, hemoptysis, hemophilia. In addition, it supports the treatment of anemia, rickets, helps the body with weakness, as well as burns and dermatitis. It alleviates ailments associated with menopause, arthritis, bladder, kidney problems, liver stones, stomach ulcers, jaundice, or the initial stage of diabetes. Nettle stimulates and increases the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It is also used by way of aiding in the fight against lupus, reducing allergies, lowering cholesterol, urea and sodium chloride levels. It also reduces inflammation, relieves pain, but also has a positive effect on the health of our hair – hence its popular use in many hair care products. Nettle supports the inhibition of hair loss, treats dandruff and seborrhea.
Nettle is also used as a soothing agent for excessive sweating, as it reduces perspiration by helping to cleanse the body of toxins and reduce water buildup. It has a diuretic effect. In addition, it is used in oral infections and gingivitis – especially when bleeding, and is also used when struggling with thrush and tonsillitis.
Nettle contraindications
As with everything, so with nettle, moderation should be exercised. Nettle tea should not be drunk more than 4 times a day. In excess, it can cause mineral salts to be flushed out of the body with urine. Since the plant has blood sugar-lowering properties – people with diabetes should consult a doctor before starting a treatment with nettle. Also, nettle infusion should not be consumed in case of diseases of the reproductive organs – tumors, myomas. When a patient has chronic kidney disease, decisions to use nettle therapy should consult a doctor.
Nettle for drinking – juices and infusions.
Nettleinfusion is very simple to prepare. Pour two tablespoons of dried nettle leaves into a cup or mug, and then pour boiling water over them – after a few minutes, the drink is ready for consumption. It is best to drink the tea 2-3 times a day to get satisfactory results. Nettle infusion has a beneficial effect on health, supports the processes mentioned in the earlier part of the article, and also cleanses the body. The infusion can therefore be used in supporting the treatment of ailments related to the kidneys, liver, stomach, excessive sweating, skin problems and many other ailments.
We can buynettle juice from herbal stores or prepare it ourselves. How to make nettle juice? It takes about half a kilogram of young nettle leaves to make about 250 ml of juice. The leaves should be thoroughly washed, dried, and then blended (for example, in a juicer). The blended nettle should then be strained and the juice should be stored for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. It is advisable to drink the finished nettle juice once a day, one tablespoon at a time, for two weeks – then take a break in the treatment for about 5-7 days and repeat it again.
Stingingnettle is a wonderful plant that has very rich medicinal uses. Therefore, it is worth considering it when looking for home remedies to treat certain ailments.