Very common and not very popular - it brings back memories of blisters after a burn while walking. However, it's worth getting to know it better to find out what healing properties they hide in it. Gardeners are trying their best price it eradicate. Common nettle (urtica dioica) It has a reputation as a noxious weed that not only doesn't look very pretty, but isn't particularly pleasant to the touch. Found practically everywhere, it grows wild almost everywhere on the globe. Despite its unattractive tactile associations, it's gaining enormous popularity. popularity among herbal medicine enthusiasts who care about their health. What ingredients does nettle contain and what effects does it have?
What is common nettle?
It's a perennial, undemanding plant—hence its widespread use. It blooms between June and October, grows up to two meters high, and its most valuable source of nutrients are the leaves, harvested before flowering (usually in May), and the roots, dug up after the season. The list of nutrients in nettle is incredibly rich, and begins with I vitamins: A, C, B2 and K1. Its composition includes also a rich representation of microelements: iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, silicon, iodine and sodium. This inconspicuous plant contains many medicinal ingredients: also organic acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, tannins, chlorophyll, serotonin and histamine. The multitude of these ingredients is responsible for the numerous medicinal properties of nettle.
What does nettle help with?
Natural medicine has long known the effects of this common weed. For centuries, it has been used to strengthen the body, both preventatively and therapeutically. The increase in immunity is caused by the effect on production T lymphocytes, i.e. cells that produce antibodies. Nettle has immunological and immunomodulatory properties, This means it is used in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, thanks to the ingredients contained in nettle, it has strong hematopoietic properties, promoting the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
The anti-inflammatory effects of nettle are also well known. for them cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, i.e. the same substances found in drugs to combat inflammation.
Nettle also has a diuretic effect, as described as early as the 1st century AD. This plant is traditionally used to protect the urinary tract, as it supports the excretion of urea, chlorine, and uric acid. It is effective in preventing kidney stones, precisely because of its cleansing properties. For the same reason, it is recommended for people who feel swollen, and complain of excessive water retention in the body.
However, this is not the only effect on the urinary system. Nettle root also has anti-prostatic properties., Not only by reducing residual urine levels, but the lipid compounds and sterols it contains also contribute to its effectiveness in treating first and second stages of prostatic hyperplasia and combating the accompanying symptoms.
What are the properties of nettle tea?
The high iron content predisposed using nettle infusion to combat anemia. Its rich vitamin composition, in turn, makes it useful for vitamin deficiencies. The compounds contained in nettle have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. It helps with hair loss, which it significantly weakens, as well as dandruff and seborrheic scalp conditions. Its antibacterial properties mean it can also help fight acne, cleansing the skin and accelerating its regeneration.
Nettle has antioxidant properties due to its high level vitamin C, and also thanks to the three flavonoids found in it: quercetin, rutin and kaempferol. This means that nettle has an anti-free radical effect, which contributes to contribute to skin aging and the development of many diseases, including cancer.
The plant sterols contained in nettle help lower cholesterol levels, thus protecting the heart and circulatory system. Diabetics appreciate its effect on blood sugar levels. This is due to the content of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Nettle can also be used as a supportive treatment for allergies, due to the tyrosine derivatives it contains, which have antihistamine properties. Nettle tea also relieves allergy symptoms, such as hay fever or watery eyes.
There is a lot of talk also about the effect of this plant on metabolism, which is supposed to facilitate weight loss. It contains secretin, which actually stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and also regulates the functioning pancreas. Equally valuable during the diet, however, are its properties such as body cleansing and high micronutrient content.
How to use nettle?
The most popular form, known in folk medicine for centuries, is infusion of dried leaves. You can try to collect nettles yourself - if you have the necessary equipment wearing thick gloves, it won't be dangerous for our hands. It's worth choosing nettle growing in the least polluted place possible, and only collect the top leaves. After rinsing, dry them, and once done, use one or two tablespoons of the dried leaves to make nettle tea. Pour hot water over them and brew for about 10 minutes.. It is advisable to drink about 2-3 glasses a day. Larger amounts of nettle tea can flush mineral salts out of the body.
People without gardening line can easily get herbs in herbal shops, or just buy ready-made tea bags. Its specific flavor can be softened with honey, lemon, or ginger. It is also available on store shelves. nettle juice.
Nettle doesn't sting after cooking, so it can be easily added to dishes, for example, as an alternative to spinach. There are plenty of recipes for soups, salads, and even nettle pesto and omelets.In this case, culinary creativity is definitely encouraged. Some people may also enjoy using nettle leaves to create a spirit-based tincture, which has similar properties to tea or juice.
If the taste of nettle tea is not to our liking, its healing properties can be used in a much simpler way - an alternative to the infusion are supplements in the form of Capsules or tablets. These preparations contain nettle extract, ensuring that we receive the same daily dose of nettle. It's worth choosing supplements with the simplest possible composition, without the addition of unnecessary substances.
Nettle dosage
Nettle leaf infusion is recommended Drink it daily on an empty stomach for two weeks, then take a week off and repeat the treatment. Within a year, you can support yourself This can even be done for several months. Of course, the duration of use and dosage should be adjusted to the intended purpose: the treatment of urinary tract ailments will be different than if you want to support a weight-loss diet. Nettle tea contains many minerals and vitamins, but it should be remembered that it has strong diuretic properties, so it should be used in moderation.
It is accepted that the safe daily dose of nettle is 20 ml in the form of infusion. In the case of supplements and cosmetics, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Nettle in cosmetics
Applying nettles externally can be just as beneficial as drinking them or taking them as a supplement, and directly improves the quality of your skin and hair. Nettles often appear as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners, especially those aimed at those struggling with oily hair or hair loss. It also helps combat dandruff and protects the color of dark-dyed hair – this is due to the chlorophyll it contains.
Due to nettle's antibacterial properties, it can also be beneficial for those fighting acne. Ready-made face creams can be are just as effective as homemade masks. You can also make your own nettle tonic, packed with vitamins.
Nettle extract will also help take care of the health of your oral cavity: in the form of mouthwashes, it will have a disinfecting effect and will also soothe any inflammation.
Nettle during pregnancy and for children
According to current research, children can safely begin using nettle's medicinal properties after the age of 3. This will be especially helpful if your child suffers from anemia, but you should monitor your body's reaction and consult a doctor if necessary.
Pregnant women can also use nettle because it is not enough that it will replenish minerals, it will help get rid of water accumulated in the body (and thus reduce swelling), and after the birth of the baby it will support lactation.
Contraindications to the use of nettle
When using nettles as a supplement, as with other herbs, the recommended daily doses should be followed, which increase Only if you are dealing with anemia. Nettle is contraindicated in cases of chronic kidney disease and reproductive organ diseases. Diabetics and those who have undergone surgery should consult a doctor before using it. Nettle supplementation should be used with caution while taking blood thinners and diuretics, as these two effects may be mutually exclusive. cover with properties of nettle. People with hypertension should note that nettle may increase blood pressure.
Why is it worth using nettle?
Nettle tea has been used for generations to combat various ailments throughout the body. In folk medicine, it was a remedy for inflammation and a prescription for strengthening the immune system. It contains a very rich composition and has relatively few contraindications. And because it's relatively easy to supplement, it can benefit health not only as a preventative measure but also when we already experience symptoms.
