Nettle properties
Nettle is a herbaceous plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae). It grows wild all over the world, found in gardens, forests, fields, along the edges of rivers or lakes, and even along roads. It is also cultivated for its medicinal properties and nutritional value.
Stinging nettle is a weed with properties that will help you take care of your health in a comprehensive way, both for prevention and for painful conditions. The greatest amount of nutrients is found in the leaves of this plant, but the roots can also be used. The hairs on the shoots, when in contact with human skin, can cause itching and burning.
It can grow up to 2 meters in height, has a tufted root and a stiff, upright stem. Nettle leaves are heart-shaped and dark green in color. Nettle flowers are tiny, collected in light green spike-shaped inflorescences. It blooms from May to late autumn.
Source of vitamins and minerals
The healing properties of stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica) are primarily due to the richness of vitamins and minerals contained in this popular perennial.
Valuable organic compounds necessary for the proper functioning of the body:
- vitamins;
- minerals;
- carotenoids;
- flavonoids;
- tannins;
- fatty acids such as linoleic.
Nettle is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B12, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron and organic acids. Infusions of this plant have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and immunostimulating properties. They can be drunk and also used topically as an antibacterial facial tonic, hair rinse, or mouthwash.
Vitamin C strengthens natural immunity and helps to remove excess water from the body (has a diuretic effect), which has a positive effect on the kidneys. Controls metabolism, leading to better digestion, and also rids the body of unwanted metabolic products.
Vitamins B and K are involved in blood clotting, wound healing and in improving the condition of hair and nails. Trace elements help in the proper functioning of the whole organism.
Note! An important component is iron, the content of which is above average. Therefore, nettle is recommended for pregnant women and during menopause.
Nettle is known for its versatile uses:
- cleanses the body;
- improves metabolism;
- has a diuretic effect, removing excess water from the body;
- relieves pain, especially with rheumatism;
- promotes the breakdown and removal of kidney stones:
- remove toxins and heavy metals from the body;
- replenishes the deficiency of vitamins, trace elements and mineral salts;
- relieves states of nervous tension, copes with fatigue;
- supports the body’s immunity.
The easiest way is to include nettle in the daily menu in the form of an infusion. It has a characteristic taste that not everyone will like, but it can be neutralized by adding a little honey or lemon to the tea. For medicinal purposes, both leaves and roots of stinging nettle are used.
Nettle tea will restore health and energy
Regular consumption of nettle leaf infusion perfectly supports the body in the fight against viruses and bacteria that attack the immune system in the autumn-winter period. It may be useful in the treatment of the following diseases:
- allergic diseases;
- rheumatic pains;
- inflammation of muscles and joints;
- skin problems;
- diabetes;
- elevated cholesterol levels;
- urinary tract diseases;
- anemia.
Using a decoction of nettle, you can get rid of unpleasant ailments with digestive problems and even accelerate the effect of losing weight.
Note! Nettle leaves perfectly speed up the metabolism and cleanse the body. All this is due to the content of secretin, which stimulates the pancreas and affects the production of bile by the liver.
Nettle infusion increases the production of gastric juice and allows you to get rid of the negative by-products of metabolism. Therefore, the action of nettle can be characterized as detoxification.
Nettle in the fight against anemia
Anemia is a fairly common disease. The most common symptoms of anemia are weakness and fatigue, headaches and dizziness. You can deal with this by supplementing with iron. Regular consumption of nettle tea is the best way to naturally promote red blood cell production and thus a great way to fight anemia.
The use of nettle in diabetes and high cholesterol
Recent studies have shown that it lowers blood sugar levels and also eliminates excess bad cholesterol.” Nettle reduces the production of an enzyme that converts food sugars into simple ones, prevents the entry of carbohydrates into the blood, and reduces the amount of glucose present in the blood. The healing properties of nettle are also due to the content of beneficial plant sterols and tannins that fight cholesterol.
Nettle in cosmetology in hair and skin care
Nettle counteracts free radicals, helps reduce puffiness, nourishes and cleanses the skin, regulates sebum secretion. Especially recommended for oily skin. Creams and tonics with this plant are better suited.
Nettle for acne
Nettle leaves are used in the treatment of skin diseases, helps to get rid of acne and pimples. Thanks to bactericidal substances, it also helps to treat minor wounds and spots.
Additional information! With acne, you can use the beneficial properties of other herbs: tricolor violet, yarrow, horsetail chamomile. Chamomile is especially recommended for people who have acne as a problem.
Stinging nettle improves the condition of the hair: strengthens them preventing hair loss. Regular use of a nettle rinse will strengthen your hair, give it a healthy look and reduce oiliness.
For cooking, you need a few stems with leaves or a tablespoon of dried nettle. Pour the raw material with boiling water and keep under the lid for about 10 minutes. Strain and let cool. At the end of washing, rinse clean hair with rinse, do not rinse.
Nettle for wrinkles
Nettle is especially rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and helps neutralize free radicals that speed up the skin aging process. Vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, a component responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Nettle is rich in silicon, which is also necessary for the production of these substances. Flavonoids are a natural antioxidant that protects the epidermis from harmful external factors such as UV radiation or air pollution.
How to make an infusion and how to use it
Too often you should not drink nettle infusion. It is recommended to consume nettle for no more than a month (drink one cup a day), and then take a break for a few weeks. You can use nettle as a cosmetic product for the face – for example, washing your face with infusion.
To make an infusion, use dried herbs:
- 1-2 tablespoons of dry nettle leaves are poured with boiling water and covered with a lid
- After a quarter of an hour, the infusion should be ready.
- Strain the herbs and let the drink cool.
- Wipe clean skin with cotton pads soaked in the solution.
How to make a nettle face mask?
Homemade nettle masks are one of the many home remedies for acne treatment. Usually they are easy to prepare, and at the same time can bring an effect.
Ingredients:
- 1 st. a spoonful of olive oil;
- a handful of oatmeal;
- 1 st. a spoonful of dried nettles.
Mix all the ingredients together to get a homogeneous mass. Apply the mask on a cleansed face and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
How to make a nettle tonic for acne? The tonic is prepared in much the same way as the infusion.
- 3 art. spoons of dried nettle pour 0.5 liters of very hot water.
- Cover and leave the herb to infuse.
- Strain the liquid, cool and pour into a spray bottle.
Store prepared tonic in the refrigerator as it contains no preservatives,
Vinegar-nettle decoction
You can combine nettle with apple cider vinegar. This option allows you to achieve amazing results. Used as a hair conditioner. Nettle hair rinse, enriched with vinegar, will strengthen the hair strands and protect them from dandruff and oiliness.
To prepare the mixture, take three teaspoons of dried nettle and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Dry nettles are first poured with boiling water, and left under the lid until cool. Strain and add apple cider vinegar. The product prepared in this way should be used to rinse the head after washing it, and then leave the product on the hair. You can take advantage of the beneficial properties of nettle by choosing pharmacy cosmetics.
Nettle: contraindications
Nettle does not have a large number of contraindications for use, but in some cases special care should be taken.
Nettle infusions should not be used after recent operations, as well as in acute renal failure.
Since nettle contains substances with diuretic properties, its consumption should be limited to a maximum of 4 cups per day. Otherwise, we can lead to the leaching of mineral salts from the body and instead of improving health.
People with diabetes should definitely consult a doctor about its use.
The versatile use of nettle is due to the rich content of many vitamins and minerals that help with all sorts of ailments – from problems with the urinary and digestive systems, through improving blood clotting, to supporting natural immunity.
