Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications for the human body

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The medicinal properties of nettle have been valued since the times of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Pliny. It is one of the most common wild medicinal plants in Russia. The properties and chemical composition of nettle are unique. The pungent herb contains more vitamin C than black currants, and is richer in carotene than carrots. Treats bleeding and obesity, anemia and hypertension, dandruff and tuberculosis, and many other serious and not so serious diseases. And at the same time it grows literally underfoot and is considered a weed.

Types of nettles

Experts count more than 50 species of this plant. Some of them can be used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. Nettle can be divided into the following species growing in Russia:

Photo: stinging nettle

dioecious,
burning,
Kyiv,
flat-leaved,
deaf,
narrow-leaved,
hemp,
piculifolia,
Sondena,
light green,
urtica mairei,
ball-bearing.

Dangerous species of nettle

The most dangerous species of the family: Ongaonga nettle
The most dangerous species of the Nettle family is the Ongaonga nettle tree. Its woody stem can reach a height of up to 5 meters, and its thickness is 12 cm. This plant grows only in New Zealand. Its side shoots are densely covered with stinging hairs. In some cases, such a plant can kill a dog, horse or even a person. Nettle tree, popularly called "fierce nettle", is rich in histamine, acetylcholine, formic acid and hydroxytryptamine.

A little botany

This herb has several types, let's look at the most famous ones.

Dioecious is a tall perennial plant, sometimes up to two meters, completely covered with small stinging hairs, with elongated shoots, a powerful root system and oblong, heart-shaped, serrated leaves.

Stinging nettle is the “younger sister” of stinging nettle, annual, no higher than 35 cm, a herb with a straight stem, small oval leaves, and just as stinging, despite its short stature.

Hemp is a one and a half meter long perennial plant with a branched strong root, large carved leaves and stinging properties, like its relatives.

All three species bloom with small pale green flowers, collected in inflorescences, from May until late autumn. The only exception is hemp, which in August already fades and begins to bear fruit. Each of these species has beneficial properties almost equally, but stinging nettle still finds wider use in medicine.

Very often in our gardens and orchards, in meadows and forest edges there is a plant that is popularly called dead nettle. It is very similar to burning, but does not have this unpleasant property. Its leaves and trunk are smooth, without poisonous hairs. You can assemble it with your bare hands without fear of getting burned.

This plant actually does not belong to the Nettle genus and in botany is called white yasmotka. Another characteristic difference is its noticeable white flowers, collected in necklaces in the axils of the upper leaves. Dead nettle is also used as a medicinal plant, although to a lesser extent than its stinging counterparts, but it blooms from April to October and is an excellent honey plant.

How to properly collect nettles

Harvesting nettles is a responsible undertaking, so you need to know some nuances that will help you harvest this plant correctly. The leaves have long been considered the most beneficial, but nettle roots also contain many useful substances. Roots are harvested in the fall, when the plant is preparing for the winter.

First you need to mow the nettles and dry them a little. This will make it less hot during further processing. The leaves are then torn from the stems and dried in a well-ventilated area. You should avoid direct sunlight on raw materials. Stinging nettle is considered the most useful. Only it can be used in homeopathy. Stinging nettle is considered no less useful , but it is less common in the cosmetic, medicinal or culinary industries.

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications

Chemical composition

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. Due to its rich chemical composition, this plant has pronounced medicinal properties. It contains the following elements:

copper,
magnesium,
protein,
iron,
potassium,
lignin,
zinc,
cystine,
fiber,
manganese,
beta carotene,
carbohydrates,
cobalt,
theonine,
nickel,
calcium,
glycine,
vitamins K, B, C and E,
tannins,
chlorophyll,
glycosides,
oil.

The rich combination of useful substances allows the leaves and other parts of nettle to be used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine.

What are the benefits of nettle for the body?

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. Traditional medicine recommends the use of leaves, shoots and roots, and the pharmaceutical industry offers several drugs based on this plant. Liquid e- extract , produced by pharmacology , is a tincture from the leaves of a young plant.
Nettle teas serve as an excellent tonic and antibacterial agent. Dried seeds, roots and leaves are used to strengthen hair.

Curbside Cure

In most countries of the former USSR, two species grow - stinging nettle and stinging nettle. The first species is considered the most useful for humans, found in wastelands, near rivers and houses, in park recreation areas and on forest edges. The plant has equilateral bright green leaves with long petioles. Stinging nettle can be easily distinguished from stinging nettle by the presence of dense small hairs on its leaves.

Today, this medicinal plant can either be prepared independently or purchased at the nearest pharmacy for pennies. To get an effective cure for colds, simply brew tea from this herb. And if you want to pamper your taste buds with healthy and tasty food, be sure to prepare cabbage soup with nettles!

Of course, when collecting raw materials yourself, you must follow several important recommendations. For example, the first rule for procuring medicinal plants is that raw materials should be collected only in ecologically clean areas located far from factories and highways.

Important: Never eat or use dusty nettle leaves that grow on roadsides! Otherwise, you risk seriously harming your own health!

Composition of nettle

For thousands of years, humanity has been actively using the power of medicinal plants to restore and maintain health. It is worth noting that stinging nettle occupies one of the leading places in herbal medicine, not yielding to its popularity even today!

The stems and leaves of the plant contain a lot of microelements that have a beneficial effect on all important systems of the human body. Vitamin K, contained in large quantities in the leaves, is one of the main participants in the process of blood clotting. In addition, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Also, nettle is rich in tannins, formic acid, flavonoids, calcium and other chemical elements.

Introducing dishes with this herb into the diet helps to effectively cleanse the body of harmful toxins in a short time. Like carrot pulp, nettle contains a lot of beta-carotene, which helps restore and protect vision.

Fresh stinging nettle leaves contain a lot of vitamin E, as well as B vitamins, coumarins, chlorophyll, iron and, of course, flavonoids, which are powerful natural antioxidants. It is worth noting that not only plants, but also people need chlorophyll. Today, pharmacological companies produce a lot of food supplements that contain green molecules of this substance.

Young stems and leaves of May nettle are an excellent ingredient for any salad, and aromatic tea from the dried plant can be drunk all year round, strengthening the immune system.

How to preserve nettles

Dried nettles should be stored in a well-ventilated area for no more than 2 years. An excellent storage option would be paper bags or products made from natural materials.

nettle leaves

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. The stinging leaves contain large amounts of ascorbic acid. Leaf-based infusions and decoctions effectively cope with skin problems and also enhance the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Nettle leaf tea helps with anemia, nervous disorders, cough, bronchitis or shortness of breath.

Nettle root

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. Syrup from nettle roots will help activate liver function and normalize bile secretion, as well as improve appetite. Taking this syrup will help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. By stimulating the production of interferon, the body is protected from viruses.

Nettle seeds

With the help of nettle seeds, you can significantly strengthen your erection, as well as save a man from prostate adenoma. The main therapeutic indications for taking drugs based on nettle seeds:

problems with the female monthly cycle,
presence of swelling,
bleeding of internal and external organs,
performance problems,
chronic fatigue.

Contraindications

Any medicinal plants have a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to use nettle-based preparations for the following diseases:

hypertension,
cyst,
undergoing therapy based on medications for insomnia or antidepressants,
increased blood clotting,
intolerance to this plant,
thrombophlebitis,
severe kidney disease,
atherosclerosis,
varicose veins,
first trimester of pregnancy.

Animals

Nettle, rich in ascorbic acid, vitamins A, K, B2 and many useful compounds and elements, is included in animal menus.

This plant improves immunity, stimulates appetite, improves cardiac activity, and regulates digestion. The decoction is used for pathologies of the kidneys, liver, bladder, skin lesions, gastrointestinal bleeding, joint problems, and colds.

It is prepared from dried leaves, 25 g of which are steamed with 500 ml of boiling water. Cook for a minute and remove from the stove. The cooled product is placed on gauze. Give three times a day to birds - 4 ml, cats - 1.5 - 2 tsp, dogs - a dessert spoon.

Nettle medicinal properties

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. Young leaves and shoots of nettle are great for making sauces, soups, borscht and cabbage soup. Dietary salads made from nettle leaves will help restore the lack of vitamins in the body. Tea with nettle will normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and stabilize the functioning of the cardiovascular system. To increase milk yield, steamed nettle shoots are added to the feed of cows and goats. Nettle-based masks are often used to care for facial skin. Preparations based on nettle have:

antiseptic,
multivitamin,
tonic,
vasoconstrictor,
choleretic,
expectorant
hemostatic,
blood purifying,
wound healing,
painkiller,
choleretic,
mild laxative effect.

For women

Nettle is excellent for treating gynecological diseases. For heavy menstrual flow and uterine bleeding, nettle infusions will help reduce bleeding. For uterine endometrium and benign formations, a decoction from the seeds and roots of this plant will perfectly help relieve the inflammatory process. A decoction of the seeds will help expand the fallopian tubes.

Infusions from the leaves will help restore the structure of hair that has been singed during dyeing. Nettle seed oil is also great for fighting dandruff. Herbal teas based on this plant will help increase lactation when feeding a baby.

Tampons with freshly squeezed juice diluted with water are used as an adjuvant in the treatment of cervical erosion or vulvovaginitis. Due to the high magnesium content, women increase their libido when taking herbal teas and decoctions.

For children

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. You can use nettle for children of any age. A decoction of nettles is added to the infant bath. Using a bath with nettle infusion is useful at any age, as this plant helps heal wounds, improve immunity and get rid of skin diseases. For constipation, a decoction of nettles will help greatly. This natural and environmentally friendly product has a gentle effect on the child’s body.

For pregnant

Salads with fresh nettle leaves, pre-processed by heat, will increase immunity and restore the lack of vitamins in the body of a pregnant woman. You should not use this plant only if you have a personal intolerance; in severe cases, pregnant women can take baths, drink tea, and otherwise consume nettle leaves, seeds or roots. Taking nettle should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as it has some contraindications.

For men

It is very useful for men to take nettle syrups and teas. She helps them:

Remove toxins from the body,
Get rid of anemia
Improve the condition of blood vessels,
Remove inflammatory processes
Get rid of furunculosis or acne,
Reduce blood sugar levels,
Normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract,
Heal wounds and ulcers,
Increase potency.

Reviews from doctors

According to doctors, nettle is an excellent remedy for many diseases. The presence of many useful elements in its composition makes it an indispensable means for improving the condition of the body, getting rid of many diseases and increasing immunity. Due to the many active components, it is best to take nettle-based products after consulting a doctor.

For lactation

Nettle is useful for women during breastfeeding. It helps to cope with problems such as mastitis, cracked nipples, lactostasis, and lack of breast milk. The plant increases hemoglobin, strengthens and restores the female body after pregnancy and childbirth. That is why it is included in lactation teas.

You can also make tea from ordinary pharmacy dry nettle. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water over the dry leaves of the plant and let it brew for a few minutes. Take the decoction three times a day, one tablespoon.

Use of nettle for medicinal purposes

Many diseases can be prevented, cured or aggravated with the help of nettle leaves, roots and seeds.

In gynecology

A decoction of dry leaves is used for congestion, inflammation, bleeding and heavy menstruation. In case of significant bleeding, a decoction of nettle leaves will help restore the number of blood cells and stabilize the woman’s condition. You can increase your chances of conceiving with the help of decoctions and tinctures of nettle seeds. Due to the unique composition of this plant, the fallopian tubes expand. Ectopic pregnancy is almost completely excluded when taking such drugs.

For liver diseases

Nettle has choleretic properties, so it is often used to treat the bile ducts and liver. To improve the patient's condition, he is given freshly squeezed juice of this plant. In winter, you can take nettle extract.

For joint diseases

Tincture or extract from nettle roots is widely used to treat joints. The root must first be cleaned, crushed and dried. After this, the raw material is filled with vodka and infused for a couple of weeks in a dark place. It is better to use a dark glass bottle to prepare the tincture. Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications.

In the treatment of stomach ulcers

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. This plant is often used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In combination with other herbs, it is effective for;

Acute gastritis,
Increased acidity
Cramps in the stomach
Chronic constipation,
Dysentery,
Hemorrhoids,
Ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Stomach ulcers are treated with nettle roots mixed with milk, but you should consult a doctor before taking such a medicine.

From heel spurs

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. If you have spurs on your heels, baths or compresses made from leaves or juice of young nettle will help greatly. Taking them regularly will improve the appearance of your legs and eliminate the feeling of discomfort.

Recipe for treating heel spurs

To treat heel spurs, you need to collect May nettle, rinse and mince. The resulting pulp is applied to the spurs as they are in their raw form . After just a week of such procedures, the pain will bother the person less, and after a couple of weeks, he will completely get rid of this disease.

To thicken the blood

Nettle restores blood and stops bleeding. Fresh plant juice serves as an excellent wound healing agent. Vitamin K contained in nettle increases blood clotting. Chlorophyll, which is an important component of this plant, gives tone to the body and improves metabolism.

For radiculitis

Nettle: medicinal properties and contraindications. To get rid of radiculitis, you can use an ointment made from dried nettle leaves mixed with petroleum jelly and capsicum. The product is applied to problem areas 2 times a day.

For children

In childhood, it is advisable to use medicinal remedies from nettle externally, making sure that there is no allergy to this plant.

For allergies

Nettle, which has pronounced restorative and antihistamine properties, is widely used at home to relieve children from allergies.

A small bunch of fresh stems with leaves is washed and chopped. Place in an enamel pan with 500 ml of water. Boil for 20 minutes and keep under a napkin. The cooled broth is strained through double gauze.

The resulting product relieves itching well and eliminates rashes. A soaked soft cloth is applied to the affected areas for 15 minutes.

You can add the decoction to the bath when bathing babies in the evening. This procedure removes inflammation and has a calming effect.

The use of nettle in folk medicine

Nettle serves as an important component in the preparation of tinctures, decoctions, syrups and other medicines.

Nettle tincture with vodka: recipe

The tincture of this plant is used in the treatment of the following diseases:

constipation,
diarrhea,
enterocolitis,
stomach ulcer,
gastritis,
pyelonephritis,
nervous disorders,
epilepsy,
fear in children
hysteria,
neurosis,
bronchitis,
cold,
ARVI,
heart diseases,
dermatitis,
kidney diseases.

To get rid of heart disease and improve the elasticity of blood vessels, you need to take 25 drops of alcoholic nettle tincture for a month. After this, a 2-week break is taken and the course is repeated again.

Nettle infusion is used for severe abdominal pain, to remove sand and stones from the kidneys and gall bladder, for bleeding and heavy menstruation.

To cleanse the lungs, take 1 tbsp of vodka infusion of nettle. l. 3 times a day before meals. The tincture can be diluted with boiled water.

Nettle decoction: recipe

To prepare a decoction of nettles, you need to pour water over the leaves and bring the decoction to a boil, then simmer it over low heat for 10 minutes. The decoction is used for disposal for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. This remedy is recommended for use after abortion or cesarean section, as well as during breastfeeding. Using nettle decoction, skin rashes are eliminated.

Nettle syrup

This nettle-based product can be purchased in pharmacies in our country. In this case, you must carefully read the instructions for use and follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations. Nettle syrup is especially effective for colds, bronchitis, anemia, allergies and other types of diseases.

Nettle juice

Thanks to nettle juice, you can cleanse the body of toxins, increase hemoglobin, increase the rate of wound healing and activate metabolic processes in the body. Taking a glass of juice every day can significantly improve your immunity. To obtain this healing drink, only young plants collected during their flowering period are suitable.

Nettle soup

Nettle can be added to soups or green borscht. It will give them a rich taste and enrich the body with useful elements. This plant harmonizes perfectly with other herbs and spices. An excellent combination is obtained from young nettle leaves and boiled eggs. Many chefs use amazing combinations with nettles to give a dish an amazing appearance.

Nettle salad

Nettle salad is considered one of the healthiest and most delicious spring dishes. There are a lot of recipes for preparing such dishes. Every gourmet will be able to find a suitable dish that includes nettle. For example, an excellent salad option is a combination of nettles, cucumbers, salt and sour cream. Before cooking, nettles are scalded with boiling water, then crushed with the rest of the ingredients and mixed.

For men

Nettle decoctions, rich in iron, copper, phosphorus and other important elements, benefit the male body.

They promote the regeneration of prostate tissue, stimulate sexual instincts, and have a beneficial effect on the number and motility of sperm.

For prostatitis and adenoma, nettle leaves and roots are used as raw materials, mixed in dry crushed form in equal parts. Boil 2 tsp. mixture in 200 ml of water for 10 minutes. Leave covered for 45 minutes. Take the filtered product in the evening in small sips.

The course of treatment lasts one and a half months.

Nettle: application in cosmetology

Cosmetologists and dermatologists note the miraculous effect of nettle on facial skin. Based on this plant, masks and anti-dandruff shampoos are made to restore hair after dyeing and to give it the desired shape. Nettle stimulates the production of natural collagen, which promotes facial rejuvenation.

Nettle oil for hair: recipe

Nettle oil stimulates hair growth and nourishes the hair follicles, and also helps restore the structure of curls. For hair loss, experts recommend purchasing a cleanser with nettle oil. If dandruff occurs on the head, then it is difficult to find a better remedy to combat it. Regular use of nettle oil for hair will help prevent premature graying. But it is not always possible to use this unique tool. It is contraindicated in case of renal failure, the presence of small ulcers, wounds or abscesses on the head, as well as in case of individual intolerance.

For skin

The presence of vitamins A, C and K in nettle provides an excellent anti-aging effect, maintains skin elasticity and avoids the occurrence of inflammatory processes. Nettle oil contains many moisturizing components, which allows dry skin to be saturated with essential vitamins and microelements, as well as protect it from environmental influences.

Face masks containing nettle oil can achieve amazing results in skin rejuvenation. When applied to the skin of the face, collagen production is stimulated naturally, which provides a quick and long-lasting effect.

For hair

Various recipes for nettle infusions are used to quickly improve the condition of weakened, brittle, and falling hair.

For dandruff

A glass of dried nettle leaf blades is steamed with a liter of boiled water. Place the dishes in a water bath, heating for 20 minutes. Cover with a woolen cloth and leave for two hours.

The resulting decoction - 100 ml - is combined with shampoo - 2 tbsp. l. and used for washing hair. You can rub it into the roots every two days in the evening or use it as a rinse, dissolving 1:10 in warm water.

Chamomile + nettle for hair loss

To restore weakened hair, combine chopped nettle roots in equal proportions with chamomile inflorescences. Place 3 tbsp in a liter of boiled water. l. mixture and cook for 10 minutes.

The warm liquid is filtered and used for the final rinse of hair. Cover your head with a terry towel for 30 minutes, and then dry your hair without using a hair dryer.

For growth

In order to stimulate the growth of curls, wash them for a month every two days with a specially prepared composition without using shampoo.

Dried nettle leaves - 100 g, ground into powder. Boil for 30 minutes in a solution for which a liter of water is mixed with half the volume of table vinegar with a concentration of 9%. After cooling, the broth is filtered.

For rinsing

Nettle helps restore silky shine to hair, eliminate dandruff, and stop hair loss if you prepare decoctions for rinsing based on it.

A small bunch of nettles is placed in a saucepan and filled with cool water so that it covers all the raw materials. After boiling for five minutes with cooled and filtered liquid, a final rinse of washed hair is carried out.

Reviews

Marina:

I tried nettle oil on damaged hair and was very pleased with the result! My hair stopped falling out, acquired a natural shine and easily began to take the shape I wanted.

Tatiana:

The infusion was used to combat heart failure. The result in combination is good, but I haven’t tried using it individually.

Ruslan:

Spring salad of nettles and eggs is something! A properly prepared dish will become a real table decoration!

A unique plant, which many consider a weed in their garden, can be very useful in the presence of various diseases or their prevention. Before taking this herbal remedy, you should consult your doctor, as nettle has a number of contraindications. But the benefits of nettle can hardly be overestimated! Eat for health and with pleasure!
Health to you and your loved ones! Natalya Belokopytova.