Nettle is a plant with healing properties that almost everyone knows. Many people remember those "indescribable" sensations from a nettle burn. There is a plant on the territory of the country almost everywhere, especially in forests, ravines, on the banks of rivers and streams. Due to its ubiquitous distribution, it received the “title” of a weed.
Application
In folk medicine, grass is indispensable, with its help an incredible number of ailments are treated. Official medicine recognizes the healing properties of the plant, therefore, today many preparations contain nettle. But nettle is used not only in medicine.
Thanks to its taste properties, soups, salads, sauces are prepared from it. Widely used in cosmetology, few people know about the beneficial effect of herbs on. And in ancient times, sails were made from nettle cloth, ropes and ropes were twisted. It was believed that devilry very afraid. In a word, the plant is unique.
Useful properties of the root
It is also surprising that almost all parts of the plant are used: leaves, seeds, stems, roots. In medicine, most often I use the leaves and roots, both fresh and dried.
What are the properties of the nettle root:
- contains a substance that enhances the production of interferons that protect our body from various viruses;
- have a strong diuretic and choleretic effect;
- pronounced expectorant action;
- healing properties;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- a strong stimulant and tonic;
- hemostatic agent for all kinds of bleeding (uterine, nasal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal);
- purifies the blood.
Moreover, remedies from the roots are often more effective than remedies from the leaves of the plant. The range of diseases for the treatment of which the nettle root is used is huge:
- ulcers, worms, furunculosis;
- bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, prostatitis;
- impotence, anemia, asthma.
And it's far from full list. Specific and female diseases are treated with nettle for a long time, long before the appearance official medicine. It is not only used to treat various diseases, but is actively used as a means to raise the general tone, to give strength. The rich vitamin and mineral composition allows it to be such a popular, widely used remedy.
The benefits and harms of the root
Having the richest set of trace elements in its chemical composition, nettle is able to have the most beneficial effect on the human body.
Benefit
- Vitamin K - is responsible for increased blood clotting and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Ascorbic acid in nettle is contained even in greater quantities than in currants, and in combination with other microelements contained in the plant, it has a beneficial effect on the bronchi. It is a means of preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- The amount of carotene in nettles exceeds that of carrots, sea buckthorn and sorrel, which strengthens the retina.
- A large amount of chlorophyll causes anti-radiation action.
- Bioflavonoids included in the composition make nettle an effective remedy for asthma.
- The content of potassium and calcium normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system.
This plant is often used as a means of normalizing metabolism and reducing blood sugar, so nettle is used in the complex fight against diabetes.
Interesting! Taking a nettle broom with you to the bath, you can cope with radiculitis pains.
Harm
Means are contraindicated in people who have diseases such as:
- varicose veins;
- thrombophlebitis;
- thick blood;
- increased coagulability.
This is due to the fact that the funds affect the blood and increase clotting. It is also not recommended for use in various kidney diseases, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Important! during pregnancy, because it can cause uterine tone.
Harvesting roots
Since the therapeutic effect of the roots is higher, you can think about harvesting this raw material. Before flowering, the roots are dug up. Rinse thoroughly, grind and dry, avoiding contact with sun rays.
Then, as needed, nettle roots are brewed and nettle infusions are taken to fight ailments.
There are several ways to weld roots. Depending on the needs, the roots are soaked in water overnight, then boiled, milk is used for cooking.
Traditional medicine recipes with nettle root
The choice of prescription depends on the ailment that needs to be dealt with.
Febrifuge
Take nettle roots, garlic, vodka in a ratio of 1:1:5. Garlic with nettle pour vodka and leave for a week. This relieves heat, and can also serve as a means for rubbing a cold.
To remove kidney stones
Medicine fee required:
- 45 g of calendula flowers;
- 25 g of cornflower flowers;
- 15 g of dandelion roots;
- 12 g of nettle roots;
- 3 g sweet clover.
2 tbsp. l. brew the herbal mixture in a thermos with boiling water, add a few tablespoons of sugar (if desired, sugar is replaced with honey, but added to the cooled infusion), let it brew for several hours. Take the remedy 4-5 times a day, a whole glass 15 minutes before meals.
Decoction for liver diseases
You will need:
- 3-4 st. l. crushed nettle;
- 1 st. l. honey.
Pour the nettle with half a liter of water. The mixture is put on the stove, brought to a boil, then kept on small fire another 5 min. After they are removed from the fire, filter through several layers of gauze. In a slightly cooled broth, add honey. Drink warm in half a glass 4 times a day.
A good addition in the treatment of the liver is a salad of nettle leaves and dandelion for breakfast, seasoned with kefir. Leaves, so as not to "burn" need to be doused with boiling water, and dandelion leaves are kept in cold water 20 minutes.
For acne
Nettle effective remedy to fight acne. Both external agents and decoctions for internal use are used.
Decoction to fight acne:
- 1 tsp is boiled in a glass of milk. nettle roots.
- Take 2 tbsp. l. during the day at intervals of 2 hours.
The struggle should be waged from the inside and out, using various nettle masks, decoctions for washing, powders and lotions.
- 3 art. l. nettles;
- 1 liter of boiling water.
A decoction is prepared in a water bath for 15 minutes, allowed to cool and used for washing. Also drink on an empty stomach 2 times a day.
Acne mask:
- Olive oil is added to dried nettle leaves, and oils tea tree(a few drops), a teaspoon of honey.
- Before applying the mask, the face is pre-cleansed well.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is treated with tincture of nettle roots:
- 1 kg of crushed roots;
- half a liter of vodka.
Washed and crushed roots are tightly packed in a glass container, filled with vodka. Close the container, hide in a dark place for two weeks. Every day, the container must be taken out and shaken. The resulting remedy is taken orally 1 tbsp. l. before bedtime. Also, tincture is rubbed on sore spots and massages are done.
Interesting! It is very good to go around sore spots with a nettle broom!
Bronchitis treatment
To combat bronchitis, a decoction of nettle roots is prepared:
- 1 st. l. dry roots;
- 300 ml of boiling water.
The root is poured with boiling water, cooked in a water bath until the total volume of liquid has evaporated by a third. The broth is filtered and cooled. As a remedy for bronchitis, take 1 tbsp three times a day. l. before meals.
Asthma
With bronchial asthma, a decoction should be drunk every day:
- 1 st. l. crushed nettle roots;
- 1 cup boiling water.
The roots are poured with water and boiled over low heat for 5 minutes, the broth is infused. Take 1 glass. This decoction will be more effective in combination with other means. traditional medicine.
Traditional medicine knows many recipes, but no matter how miraculous and certain plants, you should not self-medicate. In matters of restoring health, a competent opinion is always required. Before deciding on the use of this or that remedy, consult your doctor.
If anyone did not know about the burning nature of the nettle, but got into its thickets, they will remember this incident for the rest of their lives. And he will recognize the plant from afar, trying not to get closer, because, touching the plant, pain and burning are felt on the skin, a rash appears. After a short time, everything passes, but the unpleasant impression of the "wild disposition" of the nettle remains.
Many believe that the leaves, which have burning hairs, are to blame for this. But in fact, these hairs break from touch - they are so fragile. Formic acid is hidden under them, which, when it appears on human skin, gives such a reaction (it seems that a real burn has occurred).
The plant grows like a weed. You can see it in the most unexpected places: in forest areas where there is a lot of shade and high humidity, in wastelands and scorched places, along ditches and in ravines, in clearings and in vegetable gardens, near houses and reservoirs.
Nettle - dioecious perennial. Its stem reaches a length of about one and a half meters. The leaves are located on rather long petioles, have large-toothed edges. Along the veins and along the stem, it is densely dotted with burning hairs. Contains female inflorescences, which are thickened, and to the touch are quite dense, their color is green. There are male inflorescences. They differ in color - with a yellowish tinge, and are much thinner.
The flowering of the plant falls at the beginning of May and continues until July. And while this period continues, you need to have time to prepare a plant for medicinal needs. Therefore, the leaves are harvested in June and July. But some herbalists believe that the grass should be harvested in the spring and at the very beginning of the summer season. Their opinion is based on the fact that in the future the leaves often attack the caterpillars, and therefore the plant becomes unsuitable for treatment.
Nettles have to be plucked only with gloves, they are also mowed with an ordinary scythe. After the plant has withered, slightly dried up, it already loses the ability to sting. To give nettles the appearance of raw materials, they lay them out in a very thin layer and make sure that the leaves do not turn black. The place for drying should be away from the sun, preferably where there is a permanent shadow. It is possible to determine that the process is completed after the petioles and veins have become completely brittle. If the plant is too dry, it will have almost no healing qualities.Unfortunately, after the nettle has dried - part therapeutic effect irretrievably lost. Before sending for storage, you need to carefully review all the leaves and flowers to discard the darkened ones, as they are no longer suitable. And then put the crop in cloth bags so that there is air access, and place it in a dry and well-ventilated room.
If there are no such conditions, the crop can be stored under freezing conditions. This will require fresh leaves wash, lay out on fabrics. After drying, the leaves will require processing: they are finely chopped and sent to freezer. But, if this method of storage is also impossible, then conservation remains. The recipe is as follows: the leaves are thoroughly washed and very finely chopped. Pre-sterilized jars are taken, and leaves are placed in them. They need to be tamped, only then the plant will begin to secrete juice. When the jars are full, they are corked and sent to a dark room with a low temperature.
Nettle roots are no less useful, even with some diseases it is they who play leading role during treatment. Therefore, they are also harvested, digging up in the spring, until flowering begins. It is enough to wash them, dry them, cut them.
Why nettles are classified as medicinal plants
Doctors take only leaves in nettle as a basis. And traditional medicine believes that rhizomes, flowers, seeds and juice will bring benefits to human health.
If you examine the leaves of the zhigalka (this is how the plant is called differently), then first of all you can find in them a high content of vitamins C, K and B2 and carotene.
They also have:
- acids - formic and silicic;
- glycoside urticin;
- phytoncides;
- many different trace elements;
- carotenoids;
- mineral salts;
- chlorophyll;
- tannins.
First of all, it should be noted that the plant has the ability to stop bleeding. Nettle has many hematopoietic effects, it can:
- enhance blood clotting;
- increase hemoglobin and platelet count;
- narrow the lumen of blood vessels;
- increase the level of prothrombin if anticoagulants were introduced into the body.
The leaves increase the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus, restore the epithelium of the affected tissue, and regulate metabolism.
Nettle preparations have the following effects on humans:
- diuretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- choleretic;
- anthelmintic;
- expectorant;
- antirheumatic;
- astringent.
Taking funds containing nettle, the body becomes more resistant to various diseases, and the extract can normalize the disturbed menstrual cycle and lipid metabolism, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
With the help of fresh juice or decoction, you can lower blood sugar levels.
To get juice, raw materials are washed, a little cool boiled water is added to it, and then passed through a meat grinder. You can grind the leaves in a blender (then you need to strain the juice). Take a teaspoon three times a day. If the juice is difficult to drink, you can add a little honey to it. The prepared juice remains useful only for a few days, stored in a cold place.
In medical practice, a burner is used for hypo-, beriberi, and various bleeding.
There is a share of nettle in the popular allochol, which is used against the liver and intestines.
- atherosclerosis;
- Iron-deficiency anemia;
- arterial hypotension or hypertension;
- neurosis, epilepsy or hysteria;
- liver pathology;
- jade;
- cystitis;
- bronchial asthma, whooping cough.
Nettle is necessarily included in those fees that are prepared when you need to increase your appetite, if you have a peptic ulcer or gastritis, enterocolitis or heart failure of I or II degree.
Adherents of herbal medicine claim that nettle is most effective in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, jaundice, severe coughing and choking, vomiting and constipation.
It helps with edema, palpitations, if the spleen is sick or spasms occur in the intestines and stomach.
Medicinal Uses: Flowers, Roots and Seeds
Flowers
The flowering tops of the plant must be harvested by herbalists. They will later be useful to those people who have kidney problems, bleeding or dysentery. In these cases, nettle helps as a vitamin remedy. A tea made from the flowers helps as an expectorant. To prepare it, a pinch of flowers is enough for four 200-gram cups.
seeds
From the seeds, a medicine is obtained, the action of which is aimed at combating fever, paralysis and problems in gallbladder. Seeds will also be useful if oxalate stones have formed in the kidneys (nettle is an excellent prophylactic against stone formation) or if you simply feel a breakdown. In these cases, the seeds are ground in water. Daily dose - 1 teaspoon per 250 ml of water.
Seeds will be needed if sexual weakness has set in. The seeds are also used in the treatment of diabetes. They are added to sour milk.
You can get rid of stones and cough if you take nettle seeds - 5 teaspoons, 2 parts of spores of club moss, and three parts of sugar. Mix everything and take three times a day.
Root
The roots will benefit those people who have a cough that does not go away for a long time or old kidney stones are found. Then use candied roots.
If a person has a fever, it is possible to treat it with the help of the root of the burner. The roots and garlic are placed in a container and infused with 40% spirit. The remedy will be of particular benefit if it is kept for 6 days in a dark place. Then the tincture is used:
- rubbing the patient;
- give him inside twice a day - only three spoons.
Nettle against many diseases: recipes
- Some women have problems with irregular menstruation. To prevent this from happening, you can try to use a decoction of nettle, starting to drink it 3 to 5 days before the onset of menstruation, this method will also help reduce blood loss.
- After the winter period, a decline in strength and a decrease in immunity are observed in many. And hasn't shown up yet new harvest fruits and vegetables, which will saturate the body with useful substances, they may well be replaced by nettles. Whoever prepares soup from young nettles claims that after a month, the body's defenses increase, mood improves and vision becomes sharper.
- To satisfy the body with vitamins and minerals, to prevent exhaustion, do this. Take two tablespoons of nettle leaves to dilute in 0.5 liters of water just removed from the fire. Infuse for an hour in a tightly sealed container. Strain. Drink before meals, measuring the third part of the glass. The amount of funds taken - 3 - 5 times a day.
- To quickly normalize metabolic processes in the body, lose weight and improve the digestion process, the following recipe is recommended. Mix one spoonful of chopped nettle leaves and yarrow (about 10 grams each), boil for 10 minutes in 0.5 liters of boiling water. It is advisable to take only half a cup before bed at night. This remedy well removes some manifestations of a disease such as atherosclerosis.
- Nettle helps to restore the lost sense of smell and saves from dropsy. To remove eczema, take note of this recipe. Taken 50 gr. nettle and birch leaves, hop cones and dandelion root, mint and 100 gr. herb turnip. All ingredients are mixed, and then 2 tablespoons are poured into 0.5 liters of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Drink 100 ml before meals 4 times a day.
- Use the special qualities of the plant - such as annoying factor and distracting - during the treatment of rheumatism and sciatica. The method is a little unpleasant, but effective: they use a section, that is, a touch with fresh nettles. The procedure is repeated 3-5 times, but every other day.
- Effective is a remedy that cleanses the blood and helps get rid of boils, constipation and little urine. Nettle and blackberry leaves, dandelion and blackthorn are taken in equal proportions. Everything is poured with 0.5 liters of water and sent to languish in the oven for 2 to 3 hours. You need to use the mixture every day for a teaspoon for two weeks.
- Sexual attraction in people's lives plays importance, and if these functions disappear, they urgently need to be restored. And again, they use the invaluable help of nettle, which can do this. The seeds of the plant are able to act as a stimulant of sexual desire. They should be taken with wine made from natural grapes, you can also use port wine. You will need 5 tablespoons of seeds and 0.5 liters of wine. Norm - 50 ml every day before bedtime.
But there is another way. Make a powder from nettle seeds and mix it with black pepper. The proportions are equal. Break into containers a raw egg, beat slightly and add the prepared mixture to it, but only at the very tip of the knife. Mix and use in the morning, half an hour before breakfast. The course lasts no more than 5 days.
Zhigalka leaves have a unique property: when they are harvested during the flowering period, they can stimulate the tissues of the prostate gland. And along the way, stimulate sexual desire, help the formation of motile spermatozoa. Therefore, nettle is used if it is necessary to get rid of impotence.
The use of nettle in cosmetology
- To quickly improve the condition of the hair, nettle is also actively used. It strengthens the hair, and eliminates dandruff, and makes hair grow better. Most the best recipe in this case, this: one tablespoon of dry leaves or 2 handfuls of raw leaves should be infused in a liter of boiling water for an hour. After the head is washed, part of the infusion is rubbed into the scalp, and the rest is washed with the head. It is important to remember that after such washing, it is not recommended to wipe the hair. Such procedures should become permanent, but with short breaks.
- If the hair falls out a lot, dandruff constantly appears, this remedy helps. You will need nettle leaves - 80 gr., Its root - 20 gr., As well as calamus root - 10 gr. Put everything in a container and add 50 ml of water and 130 ml of 95 percent alcohol. The remedy should be infused for at least a week. Once this time has elapsed, you need to strain the infusion and squeeze. Use by rubbing into the head with massage movements.
- If baldness is a threatening factor, nettle will help to cope with this problem. For this purpose, you will need fresh or canned leaves. They are placed in a glass container and filled with vodka. The remedy should be infused for three weeks. At this time, it should be in a dark and cool place. The product is rubbed into problem areas of the head.
- If there are problems with the scalp, it will be useful to use such a remedy. Prepare 100 gr. chopped leaves, you can take the root as a basis, boil for 30 minutes in the following mixture - 0.5 l of water and 0.5 l of wine vinegar. The finished product is filtered and washed, but with the following conditions:
- do not use shampoo or soap;
- several times in a row, preferably at bedtime.
Nettle cures asthma and tumors!
In patients with asthmatic bronchitis and bronchial asthma in a mild form, the condition improves significantly if you take a special infusion:
- for 15 gr. nettle leaves measure 25 gr. wild rosemary herbs. Boil plants in a liter of boiling water;
- course of treatment - two weeks for 0.5 cups;
- the norm is 5 - 6 times a day.
This infusion is given to children in a reduced dose - a teaspoon several times a day.
There is a recipe that allows you to stop the development of a tumor in the spleen. It is necessary to make a powder from equal doses of nettle leaves, plantain lanceolate, sage. Take three times a day. The dose should not exceed the amount that fits on the edge of the knife.
Are there any contraindications
Nettle can harm pregnant women, as well as those people who have poor blood clotting, thrombophlebitis, or the slightest threat of a heart attack.
Video: the healing properties of nettle
An annoying weed that quickly fills a free area, unpretentious, capable of repelling an external threat, can do a good job. The medicinal properties of nettle have been known for a long time, and it is not at all difficult to prepare medicinal preparations at home.
Useful qualities of nettle
Young shoots and leaves of stinging nettle are a storehouse of vitamins, trace elements and nutrients:
- the content of C is twice as high as in currant berries;
- in addition to ascorbic acid, nettle contains B vitamins, vitamin K;
- carotenoids, in terms of the content of which nettle is not inferior to carrots and sea buckthorn;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- vegetable acids;
- histamine;
- phytosterones;
- chlorophyll;
- mineral salts
When is the best time to harvest nettles?
In order to medicinal plant brought the expected benefits, it must be able to properly and timely harvest.
With regard to nettles, it is important:
- Young shoots are cut before flowering begins;
- The grass is mowed several times per season (not blooming);
- Nettle rhizomes are ready for harvesting three years after the start of growth;
- Seeds are harvested in September-October
The healing properties of nettle
The use of nettle is varied:
- young nettle, which has not had time to bloom, is used as food as a source of vitamins and minerals, natural sugars, and protein. Green cabbage soup is cooked from it, salads are prepared;
- a decoction of nettle helps to remove excess fluid from the body, relieves swelling, has a diuretic and antiseptic effect on the bladder and urinary tract; with its help anemia is treated; vascular atherosclerosis;
- for women who are breastfeeding, decoctions and teas with nettle are recommended as a means of increasing lactation;
- in gynecology, nettle preparations are prescribed for uterine bleeding, since the juice of the leaves is rich in vitamin K, which ensures rapid blood clotting;
- similarly stop internal bleeding in the kidneys, intestines, lungs;
- compresses and lotions help stop external bleeding, regenerate the epithelium, accelerating the healing of wounds and skin lesions;
- a decoction from the root cures a lingering cough, recommended for bronchitis, whooping cough;
- May fresh nettle very burning, the hairs contain a lot of vegetable acids, histamine, acetylcholine, therefore rheumatism, sciatica, numbness of the extremities, convulsions are treated with shoots;
- decoctions and infusions are useful for treating the skin with diathesis, eczema, psoriasis, itching;
- preparations with nettle increase the tone of the body, favorably affect metabolism, strengthen the immune system;
- for the density and growth of hair after washing, they are rinsed with a decoction of nettle leaves. Blond hair acquires a golden sheen;
- for men who have problems with potency, decoctions and infusions with stinging nettle are useful as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent
Traditional medicine recipes
Do not close the bottle, tie the neck with gauze in several layers. For a day, the medicine is insisted on light, then cleaned in a dark, cool place for 7 days. Strained tincture is taken in the morning and in the evening, 1 tsp.
Contraindications for the treatment of nettle
No matter how tempting treatment with nettle is, it has its own contraindications that must be taken into account:
- increasing blood clotting, nettle automatically becomes a "forbidden fruit" for people who are prone to thrombosis;
- high doses medicines from nettle increases the risk of malignant tumors, so you need to approach treatment wisely;
Nettle hurts painfully, but it is a real natural healer. The unique content of medicinal substances gives it the opportunity to positively affect human health when eaten, and medicinal properties Since ancient times, it has been effectively used in folk therapy, cosmetology. Let's see what exactly is the use of nettle for the body, how to harvest it and use it correctly in medicinal purposes.
The benefits of nettle for the human body
Among the many species for food and medicinal purposes, only two are suitable - dioecious and burning. To better understand the benefits of nettle for human health, let's get acquainted with chemical composition plants. Nettle contains:
- Vitamins. ascorbic acid almost three times more than in lemons, currants. A lot of vitamin K, necessary for blood clotting. There is more carotene than in the fruits of sea buckthorn, carrot roots. It also contains vitamins B and E.
- Minerals - iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, calcium, manganese, others.
- Chlorophyll, phytoncides, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins.
- Organic acids (malic, formic, oxalic, succinic).
- Fatty oil (in seeds).
Such a rich composition determines a wide range of therapeutic, preventive properties:
- Restorative, tonic.
- Hemostatic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory.
- Antifebrile, antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic, choleretic, laxative.
- Anticonvulsant, antistress.
The drugs are effective for anemia, stomach and duodenal ulcers, constipation, and treatment of diseases of the urogenital area. They help a person with sore throat, muscle pain, rheumatism, accelerate the healing of purulent wounds, ulcers, eliminate lichen and acne, and calm the nerves.
Contraindications
The benefits of nettle for the body are undeniable. But, if it can be used without restrictions when caring for the skin of the face and hair, then starting ingestion, you should consult a doctor. Do not forget also that nettle preparations are contraindicated:
- People with increased blood clotting, the threat of a heart attack, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis (a high content of vitamin K helps to increase blood clotting).
- Pregnant women in the first trimester (infusions, decoctions tone the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage).
- With severe kidney disease, bleeding due to tumors.
- At diabetes, individual intolerance.
How to eat nettle
Today, few people eat nettle, but in vain - it is a valuable source of vitamins, proteins, and minerals. 100 g (calorie content 42 kcal) contains 2.7 g of protein, 7.5 g of carbohydrates, 0.1 g of fat, 6.9 g of dietary fiber.
Young stinging nettle What kind of nettle can a person eat? It is useful to use the leaves of young dioecious and stinging nettles for food. In spring, you can collect whole young branches, in summer and autumn - the upper young leaves.
What helps with nettle burns
When picking nettles, be careful. The stems have many hairs containing a burning liquid to protect against enemies. When touching a plant open areas body, stinging hair cells damage the skin, a burning substance penetrates the puncture, forming a nettle burn. It is relatively harmless, and for rheumatism, arthritis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins veins even benefits by improving blood flow. Knowing what helps with nettle burns, discomfort can be quickly fixed:
- Even with severe itching, do not comb the burned area.
- Gently clean the affected skin with a piece of cloth dampened cold water.
- For a while, apply a gruel of baking soda and water, table vinegar, soap, juice or pulp to the burn site. If there is nothing at hand, plants growing nearby will help. Rinse with water, remember until the juice appears a few leaves of horse sorrel, plantain or horsetail, attach for a few minutes to the itchy place. A clay compress also helps.
Harvesting nettle for the winter for treatment
Leaves, stems, seeds, roots are used for medicinal purposes. Root preparation is carried out in early spring or in autumn: they dig up the grass, cut off the roots, wash well, and dry. Leaves, stems are harvested in summer during flowering in dry sunny weather. Seeds are usually harvested in August, 2-3 weeks after flowering, the tops of the stems are cut off, and threshed after drying. For drying, the raw materials are laid out in a thin layer (3-4 cm) in a well-ventilated place without access to sunlight (attics, terraces). The grass is considered dried when the stems and central veins of the leaves break with a crunch. Shelf life of grass - 2 years, roots - up to 4 years.
How to use nettle for medicinal purposes
To get rid of ailments, the plant is used in the form of: juice; tea; infusion, decoction, powder and alcoholic tinctures from leaves, roots and seeds; grass broom. Inside, all funds (unless otherwise indicated) are taken half an hour before meals three times a day.
nettle juice benefits
In summer, it is advisable to use fresh juice for medicinal purposes. The benefits of nettle for the body when drinking juice will be maximum, it contains all the healing substances in a concentrated form. Prepared from young healthy leaves and stems of the plant, passing through a meat grinder or mixer, then squeezing. Store no more than a day in the refrigerator.
For general strengthening of the body, improving blood composition, metabolism, with anemia and beriberi, to normalize severe painful menstruation, freshly squeezed juice is recommended to be taken in 1 teaspoon. Also used as a hemostatic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant in the treatment of:
- Erosion of the cervix - swabs soaked in juice are inserted into the vagina before going to bed. Course 1 month.
- Diseases of the mouth, throat - used for rinsing, diluting boiled water.
- Wounds, burns, bedsores, trophic ulcers - apply tampons to problem areas.
Nettle decoction helps
Decoction folk therapy uses most often. A multivitamin remedy is recommended to drink to restore immunity, give strength to the body, normalize the work of the heart, eliminate stomach pain, improve the condition of hair and skin. Used for oral and external use. Prepare it from dry leaves, roots.
- With bleeding, weakening of blood clotting, edema, gout, rheumatism - take 1 s. l. 4 - 5 times a day decoction of leaves. A tablespoon of raw materials is brewed with 1 tbsp. boiling water, simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, filter after cooling.
- To improve the functioning of the heart muscle for 1-2 months, half a glass of decoction is consumed with honey. 5 s. l. dry raw materials are brewed with half a liter of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes, filtered after cooling to room temperature.
- From cramps, pain in the stomach, nausea, take a decoction of the roots in milk. 1 tsp dry raw materials pour 1 tbsp. hot milk, boil for 5 minutes. A quarter of the broth is drunk hot, and the remaining medicine is drunk for 2 s. l. every 2 hours.
- To wash long non-healing wounds, prepare a decoction as follows: 2 s. l. dry herbs pour 300 ml of water, bring to a boil, after cooling, carefully filter through a dense cloth.
- Against inflammatory dental diseases, a decoction is prepared as follows: 15 g of nettle is brewed with 150 ml of boiled water, boiled for 15 minutes. Rinse your mouth every 4 hours with a freshly prepared decoction.
- For the treatment of rheumatism, osteochondrosis, baths are made with a decoction of fresh herbs. 300 g of raw materials are poured into 3 liters of water, boiled for 2 minutes. Taking a bath 15 minutes.
- A decoction of nettle leaves (50 g of dry grass is poured into half a liter of water, boiled for 10 minutes) is used to prepare rejuvenating and refreshing face masks . It will also be useful if you wipe your face with a decoction several times a day - this will cleanse and make your skin beautiful.
- Nettle helps with hair loss. Rinsing with a decoction after each wash helps to strengthen, improve the structure, enhance growth, and get rid of dandruff.
Fresh nettle tea
A drink made from freshly chopped grass is made as follows: 1 tsp. pour a glass of boiling water, insist 15 minutes, well wrapped. Use:
- As a tonic and tonic - drink 1 tbsp. with natural.
- To increase lactation in nursing mothers - drink up to 0.5 liters per day, regardless of food intake.
What helps nettle infusion
An infusion, like a decoction, is one of the most common ways to use the medicinal properties of a plant. The recipe is as follows: pour 2 s. l. dry leaves with half a liter of boiled water, insist 2 hours, well wrapped or in a thermos. Infusion is used:
- To strengthen the immune system, prevent acute viral diseases, improving kidney function - 1/3 cup.
- Against bleeding - half a glass 2 times a day.
- From diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - 1 s. l. 1 hour before meals. With gastritis, treatment for a week with an infusion of collecting equal amounts of nettle, pharmacy chamomile, plantain, St. John's wort helps well. 4 s. l. collection pour 1 liter of boiling water, insist 2 hours, take up to 1.5 liters per day.
- When recovering from a stroke suffered by a person - an hour before meals, 2 tablespoons.
- For blood purification - 3 s. l. morning and evening for 1 month.
- Against muscle pain, articular rheumatism - 2 s. l.
- To increase male potency, an infusion of seeds is made. 1 tsp brew 1 tbsp. boiling water, insist 1 hour. It is recommended to take 10 days in a row. If positive effect not reached - after 10 days, repeat the course. With men's problems, a daily intake of 1 s also helps. l. mixtures fresh seeds with bee natural honey (1:1).
In addition, the infusion is used for washing and compresses in the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers.
Nettle tincture
For the treatment of specific diseases, tincture is made in different ways:
- For lubrication of bruises, wounds, rubbing of diseased joints, a tincture is prepared from crushed leaves and young shoots. They are kept for 10 days in a dark glass container, filled with vodka (ratio 1:10), then filtered. This tincture is recommended to drink for colds, gastric infections, 30 ml, for the elderly, 1 tsp. before breakfast and at bedtime to prevent sclerosis.
- Against respiratory diseases, colds make this tincture: 2 weeks insist a mixture of fresh roots and chopped garlic (equal amounts) on vodka (ratio 1:5). Take 1 teaspoon.
- When treating the prostate, stimulating sexual desire, consume 1 s. l. nettle seed tincture on red grape wine. 50 g of seeds are poured into 0.5 liters of wine, insisted for a month, shaking periodically.
nettle powder
IN folk treatment nettle powder is also used:
- Sifted through a sieve, powder from the leaves is sprinkled 2-3 times a day on long-term non-healing wounds, ulcers, frostbite, burns.
- Powder from dry roots is taken in 1 tsp. with stones in bladder, kidney. Wash down with a decoction of wild rose.
Nettle broom
Soaked brooms from dry stems of the plant are used in the bath to get rid of muscle and joint pain, rheumatism.
As you can see, the benefits of nettle for the body when taken orally and applied externally are very large. Now you know how to use it correctly for medicinal purposes and you can significantly improve your health with the help of folk remedies from this medicinal plant.
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Stinging nettle is a ubiquitous perennial plant covered with thin, stinging hairs over its entire surface. Known to everyone since childhood, the plant that “bites” or “bites” is a weed that is difficult to eradicate for gardeners, but has long been used both for medicinal and food purposes.
Today, nettle is part of many herbal medicine recipes, sold in the pharmacy network in dried form and actively harvested by many people on their own. We will devote this article healing properties nettle, the peculiarities of the effect of the plant on the body and the rules of safe treatment.
An interesting fact - during the Gallic War, the legionnaires of Caesar's army beat themselves with nettle branches to keep warm.
Why do nettles bite?
On the leaves and stems of the plant is a large number of hairs in the form of a thin spike, which serve as nothing more than protection from herbivores. Upon contact with the skin, the hairs release an allergenic mixture of histamine, choline and formic acid, which causes an immediate reaction in the form of redness, burning and blisters. How older plant, the more noticeable the "nettle sting".
The chemical composition of nettle
The studies were carried out by the State Unitary Enterprise "GOSNIISYNTEZBELOK". 100 grams of dry raw nettle contains:
| Main substances: | Amino acid composition: | Mineral elements in the ratio of 1 mg per 1 kg of dry raw materials: | Vitamins, mg/100 gr: |
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The following elements were not detected - chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic. |
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A rich set of macro- and microelements, amino acids, vitamins nettle herb provides medicinal properties, as well as a wide range of restorative and preventive action. Nettle proteins contain 9 out of 10 essential amino acids, which, together with the vitamin and mineral group, allows you to maintain a high intellectual and physical performance, quickly recover from stress and illness.
Pharmacological properties
- Normalization of lipid metabolism, mainly due to iron salts and vitamins;
- A pronounced hemostatic effect due to the presence of vitamin K, which is involved in the production of a blood coagulation factor - prothrombin. This property is characteristic of fresh raw materials, while dried nettle, on the contrary, slows down the process of blood clotting;
- Choleretic action;
- Anti-inflammatory effect;
- Acceleration of tissue regeneration;
- Increased tone of the uterus and intestines;
- Stimulation and toning of the body, increased basal metabolism due to the high content of chlorophyll.
- Improvement of cardiac and respiratory activity.
Contraindications to the use of nettle
Medicinal plants, like any medicine, can not be beneficial, but harmful if they are used in certain conditions and diseases in which they are contraindicated and may not help, but harm, and nettle is no exception. It is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, as well as:
- First trimester of pregnancy;
- Treatment with antidepressants and drugs for insomnia - the plant enhances their effect;
- Thrombophlebitis, increased blood clotting and atherosclerosis - when using a plant, blood thickens, which is dangerous for these pathologies.
- Hypertension. Brings blood vessels into tone, so it can increase pressure;
- Bleeding due to cysts, polyps and other tumors of the uterus;
- Severe kidney disease.
The use of nettle for human health
Roots, stems and leaves of nettle are used. The pharmaceutical industry produces the following types nettle preparations:
With anemia
Nettle contains iron, which is directly involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, as well as the amino acid histidine, which is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells. In addition, the use of nettle contributes to a better absorption of iron from other foods. The rich vitamin and mineral composition helps to overcome the unpleasant symptoms of anemia in the form of fatigue.
nettle tea- 2-3 tablespoons dry nettle is poured with half a liter of boiling water and insisted on a water bath for a quarter of an hour, cooled and filtered. The resulting volume is consumed throughout the day. Since the taste of the drink is specific, you can add a little honey to the infusion. It is prescribed for course treatment for 4 weeks. After a short break, the treatment is repeated.
Nettle for bleeding
The mechanism of action is similar to that in the treatment of anemia, since any bleeding is accompanied by blood loss and, accordingly, anemia of varying severity. The plant also has a hemostatic effect.
Nettle infusion- 1 tbsp. fresh raw materials are mixed with 1 cup of boiling water, covered with a lid and infused for 120 minutes. You can wrap it with a terry towel over it. The cooled infusion is filtered and drunk 1 tbsp. before eating food. The duration of the course is 2 weeks.
For diabetes
Nettle does not directly affect blood sugar levels, but maintains the condition of blood vessels, pancreas and liver, which suffer from diabetes, and also normalizes the main metabolism. Secretin is involved in the synthesis of its own insulin. Long-term treatment with nettle leads to the restoration of the work of pancreatic beta cells.
Decoction of nettle and dandelion- 30 grams of nettle leaves and cuttings, as well as dandelion roots, pour 600 ml of water, boil over low heat for half an hour. The finished broth is cooled under the lid (about 4 hours), filtered and diluted half with water. Take 0.1 l before meals three times a day for 2 weeks. Can be taken throughout the year with breaks of 1 month.
For respiratory diseases
Great for treating persistent coughs. Nettle root is used beneficial features which help to get rid of the painful symptom.
Syrup- about 100 g of fresh plant roots are crushed with a knife, poured with cold water, which is drained after 10 minutes. Parallel cooking sugar syrup: 3 tbsp sugar is dissolved in 100 g of water and boiled over low heat, crushed roots are added to the mixture and boiled for about 5 minutes. The syrup is allowed to brew, filtered and taken 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
The well-known drug Allohol contains nettle. The plant is successfully used in the treatment of hepatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, chronic constipation. Take in the form of infusion for a course of at least 2 weeks.
For skin diseases
Itchy dermatitis, minor wounds and abrasions, eczema, furunculosis, acne - all these problems can be cured with nettle. An infusion of the plant is used, which rubs problem areas 2-3 times a day, or dry nettle powder. Dry plants are crushed in a blender to a powdery mass and sprinkled on problem areas.
With musculoskeletal pathologies
Nettle treatment is indicated for rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, sciatica.
Broom- strong plants are cut along the stem of approximately the same length and collected in a broom (very good if flowering specimens are also present). The finished broom is dipped in hot water and perform the usual bath procedures. If the bath is contraindicated for health reasons, a hot steamed broom can be applied to painful places until it cools down.
For diseases of the urinary system
The plant has a diuretic effect, therefore it is indicated for conditions accompanied by edema. It also helps in the treatment of inflammatory processes. Used as an infusion for at least 1 week.
Antitoxic action
Previously, nettle was used as a universal antidote, but today these properties of the plant help with poisoning, including alcohol and bacterial poisoning. Lignins and polysaccharides actively bind toxic components and remove them from the body. An infusion is prepared, which should be diluted with half-cooled boiled water so as not to provoke vomiting. Within 2-3 days after poisoning, take half a glass of infusion three times a day, drinking the indicated volume in small sips and gradually.
Restorative action
Without exception, all the components of nettle are beneficial, we will describe only a few of them:
- the amino acid lysine is involved in the regeneration of bone tissue, histidine protects against radiation and helps work immune system, arginine enhances immunity tension, threonine supports basal metabolism, phenylalanine accelerates blood flow;
- vitamin K stops bleeding and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- bioflavonoids have antioxidant and antihistamine effects.
nettle for hair
The rich mineral composition of the plant, vitamins and the amino acid methionine lead to the cessation of hair loss, getting rid of dandruff, enhancing the growth of hair shafts and improving their structure. 
For express help, you should use the juice of the plant, which is rubbed into the roots and distributed through the hair, wrap the head with cellophane and a towel and leave for 1 hour. Three or four procedures will lead to a visible result.
The benefits of nettle for women
With heavy periods
The plant contributes to the contraction of the uterus and the speedy cleansing of the internal cavity of the organ, and also helps to quickly restore blood loss. Freshly squeezed juice is used - the plant is crushed and the juice is squeezed out of the raw material through clean gauze. Take 1 tsp. three times a day before meals for 7 days (until menstruation ends).
Nettle with uterine fibroids
With benign tumors of the uterus, nettle has an embolizing effect on the vessels that feed the myomatous nodes: it narrows the vascular walls, thereby reducing the blood flow to the tumor, which leads to its gradual regression. It should be understood that large nodes are beyond the power of the plant, but in the case of small tumors, nettle is indicated. If the myoma is accompanied by bleeding, nettle is shown doubly.
Saturated decoction- 1 tbsp. nettle seed and crushed roots of the plant are mixed with 200 ml of water, boiled on a slow boil until half of the liquid has evaporated, cooled and filtered. Take 3 tbsp. before meals four times a day for a course of 3 weeks, after a month's break, the course is repeated.
Nettle while breastfeeding
Since ancient times, the plant has been used by nursing mothers to increase the amount of milk, since it increases blood hemoglobin, increases strength and has a positive effect on lactation. It is prepared in the form of tea: you can use the above recipe or buy ready-made filter bags at the pharmacy.
Nettle to increase lactation - how to take: For the best effect, it is recommended to alternate weekly courses of mono-teas: first nettle, a week later fennel, and then raspberry leaves.
During pregnancy
Nettle is prohibited for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, because. can cause spasm of blood vessels and uterus and provoke a miscarriage. In the future, nettle contributes to the overall strengthening of the body, better resistance to infections, especially of the urinary tract, and the prevention of anemia.
Take nettle in the form of tea, 200 ml once a day, but the finished tea should be half diluted with water. You can use it for 7 days, then take a 7-day break, after which the cycle repeats. Before using nettle, pregnant women should consult a gynecologist about the advisability of such treatment!
With cervical erosion
The healing properties of nettle in gynecology are also used to treat the most common disease of the genital area - cervical erosion. For treatment, freshly squeezed juice is used, with which a sterile swab is moistened and inserted into the vagina overnight. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Nettle for men
Rendering positive influence on the genitourinary system, the plant helps to improve potency, especially when regular use. It tones blood vessels, including the vessels of the penis, and therefore improves erection. In addition, the plant helps with prostate hyperplasia.
You can use the plant for brewing tea, as described above, but the best effect is given by fresh seeds of the plant, 1 tbsp. which are crushed and mixed with the same amount of honey. This mixture should be taken daily 1 time per day.
Side effects
As any medicinal plant, nettle can cause allergic reactions, especially for its use by persons with a tendency to allergies. It is also possible violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, diarrhea, etc.)
Nettle in cooking
Nettle is no less useful in dishes, moreover, it gives them a special taste.
Shchi green- young shoots of the plant are washed under running water, pour hot, lightly salted water and boil for 1-2 minutes. Finely chopped boiled egg, herbs and sour cream are added to the finished soup. Can be eaten both hot and cold.
spring salad- young shoots of nettles are poured over hot water, finely chopped. Add 1 fresh cucumber, green onion and cilantro, finely chopped. Refueling can be vegetable oil, salt and lemon juice or sour cream, to taste.
Application in other areas
- Nettle roots are a yellow or yellow vegetable dye. Brown, and the pigment chlorophyll is used in perfumery, pharmaceutical and Food Industry for coloring raw materials in green;
- From the fiber of the plant, you can make a rope, rope, sail, carpet, fishing tackle;
- In the absence of cold, nettle leaves help preserve the freshness of perishable products;
- Useful oil is obtained from seeds;
- The plant is used in agriculture for fattening birds, pigs, large and small cattle.
The collection of wild nettle is the main source for obtaining useful raw materials, but in some farms this crop has been cultivated for a long time.