Drinking nettle decoction benefits and harms. Nettle: medicinal properties, contraindications, benefits and harms

Content

Nettle is a very useful plant - the medicinal properties and contraindications of its leaves, roots, and herbs are worth studying in more detail for proper use. Even as a weed, it is actively used for medicinal purposes. A peculiarity of the plant is the presence of burning hairs on almost the entire surface. Nettle is sold in pharmacies in different forms, and is often prepared independently. To achieve the effect, you need to know not only the contraindications and healing properties of nettle, but also the recipes for preparing products based on it.

What properties does nettle have?

Contraindications and medicinal properties of stinging and stinging nettle have been known since antiquity. The Greeks used its varieties to increase potency in men, the Romans - to relieve pain or warm up. Russian herbalists valued this burning weed for its minimum contraindications, hemostatic and wound-healing properties. To “burn out” the disease, it was customary to hit each other with nettles. The list of medicinal properties of this herb includes the following:

• Thanks to the vitamin A content, it supports good vision;
• helps in creating all the elastic structures of the body, connective tissue;
• acts as an antioxidant due to the large amount of vitamin C;
• helps speed up calorie burning;
• thins the blood, which is useful for varicose veins;
• speeds up metabolism;
• reduces the amount of sugar in the blood in the treatment of diabetes;
• in the form of masks eliminates skin inflammation;
• increases hemoglobin content;
• increases lactation of lactating women.

Chemical composition

The medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant are manifested due to its rich chemical composition, which contains vitamins, sets of micro- and macroelements, and amino acids. They have a general strengthening effect, so this herb is even used to prevent various diseases. It includes 9 out of 10 essential acids, which, in the absence of contraindications, ensures the maintenance of intellectual and physical performance at a high level. The chemical composition contains:

• protein;
• lignin;
• fiber;
• carbohydrates;
• threonine;
• glycine;
• calcium;
• beta carotene;
• cystine;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• nickel;
• cobalt;
• manganese;
• zinc;
• iron;
• copper.

Application

Traditional medicine uses all parts of nettle: leaves, stems, roots. The pharmaceutical industry offers several medicinal products based on this plant:

1. Liquid extract. It is a tincture of plant leaves with the addition of 70% ethyl alcohol.
2. Filter packages. Used for brewing nettle teas.
3. Briquettes from leaves. They are crushed compressed raw materials. It is filled with water, then left to infuse for 10 minutes, after which it is filtered.
4. Dried leaves, seeds or roots. They are often used to strengthen hair.
5. The drug Allohol. It is an extract of nettle with garlic, activated carbon and dry animal bile. Used as a laxative or choleretic agent.

What are the benefits of nettle for the body?

Even with a number of contraindications, the plant has many medicinal properties. Different parts contain specific substances that have a specific effect on human health. Due to the small number of contraindications, leaves, roots or seeds are used in medicine. In general, they have the following effects on the body:

• normalize lipid metabolism;
• increase blood clotting;
• have a diuretic effect;
• increase intestinal tone;
• have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• thanks to phytoncides, a bactericidal effect is manifested;
• improve respiratory and cardiac activity;
• accelerate tissue healing;
• increase hemoglobin;
• stimulate and tone, activate metabolism..

Leaves

Stinging leaves contain a large amount of ascorbic acid, beneficial microelements, B vitamins, and organic acids. The main medicinal substance is chlorophyll, due to which nettle leaves have a general strengthening and restorative effect. In addition, they enhance the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Infusions or decoctions of the leaves are effective for acne due to their antiseptic and wound-healing effects. Nettle green tea helps in the treatment of anemia, gout, nervous disorders, cough, bronchitis, and suffocation.

Root

The roots of this plant also have medicinal properties. Syrup or tincture of them activates the functioning of the gallbladder and liver, improves appetite, and has a mild laxative effect. The root has a choleretic effect. This is especially useful for liver diseases. The root also enhances the production of interferon, which protects the body from the penetration of viruses.

Seeds

The seeds contain about 78% linoleic acid, oils, and flavonoids. As for their benefits, they are effective for improving potency and strengthening erections. In addition, nettle and prostate adenoma are treated, as well as a number of other diseases of the male reproductive system. Main medicinal properties of seeds:

• normalize the female monthly cycle;
• relieve swelling;
• stop internal and external bleeding;
• exhibit antihistamine effects;
• increase performance.

Healing properties of nettle

The medicinal properties of nettle are very numerous, and there is a small list of contraindications, so treatment with it is effective for diseases of different body systems. The benefits of the plant include the following effects:

• improved kidney function;
• increased uterine tone;
• eliminating constipation;
• decreased stomach acidity;
• stops hemoptysis in tuberculosis;
• relieves itching due to allergies;
• narrows the walls of blood vessels;
• stimulates the muscles of the heart.

Decoction

For external or internal use, you can use nettle decoction. It is prepared from seeds, leaves or roots. Externally, the decoction is used in the form of baths, warm poultices, lotions or compresses. It is effective in cases of lichen, eczema, burns, and urticaria. Taking the decoction internally is useful for hemorrhoids, furunculosis, swelling, and heart pathologies. For a healthy person, this remedy can be used to prevent vitamin deficiency.

The ability of nettle infusion to stop bleeding is ensured by a large amount of vitamin K. If you add additional lingonberries during brewing, you will get an excellent antibacterial agent. Other properties of nettle infusion:

• restores hair strength and shine;
• fights fungal infections;
• strengthens hair follicles;
• soothes muscle pain and headaches.

Infusion

Heat treatment leads to the destruction of some medicinal components, so nettle infusion is much more beneficial. The grass or roots are infused with an alcohol base, leaving for several days at room temperature in a place protected from light. The finished product can be used for compresses to relieve pain. They even rub the infusion to warm the extremities.

Syrup

You can find this remedy at the pharmacy or make it yourself. In the latter case, honey is additionally used for preparation. The finished syrup is effective in gynecology in women with uterine bleeding and infertility. It also helps in strengthening the body after childbirth, with vitamin deficiency and hormonal imbalances. In general, this remedy has a general strengthening and multivitamin effect.

Juice

Young shoots and fresh nettle leaves are passed through a juicer. Drinking fresh juice improves blood clotting, helps strengthen the body and speed up metabolism. In addition, this product has a hemostatic and expectorant effect. Nettle juice can be used as a mouth rinse, nasal drops or as a lotion on wounds, trophic ulcers, bedsores or burns.

Nettle treatment

The beneficial properties of nettle are used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases of almost all body systems. The form in which the herb will be used depends on the specific pathology. Stinging nettle is used to prepare decoctions, tinctures, juice or syrup. Each of them is taken according to a specific scheme, so that the course of treatment has a truly positive effect.

For liver diseases

To treat liver diseases, nettle is used in the form of decoctions. They can have different concentrations, so the cooking recipes also differ:

1. Steam 1 tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water and boil for 1 minute. Infuse the product for about half an hour. Take 1-2 tbsp after each meal.
2. Prepare 2 tbsp. dry raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water, then simmer for another 15 minutes in a water bath. When finished, let stand for 1 hour, strain and drink 100 ml before each meal.

For joint diseases

1. Take a glass jar and fill it with leaves without compacting it. Pour enough vodka on top so that it covers all the grass to the top. Leave for 12 days in a dark place, shake periodically. Use before bed for rubbing and compresses.
2. Pass enough leaves through a meat grinder to make 4 tbsp. juice Next add 4 tbsp to it. port wine, 2 tbsp. birch sap and 4 ice cubes. Divide the resulting cocktail into 2 servings to drink throughout the day.

For stomach ulcers

In case of exacerbation of gastric ulcer or gastritis, treatment with nettle infusion is indicated. You can prepare it in different ways:

1. Pour 1 tbsp with a glass of boiling water. fresh leaves, simmer them in a water bath for about 10 minutes, cool until warm. Use 1 tbsp before meals. up to 4 times during the day.
2. Mix mint, St. John's wort, knotweed and nettle in equal proportions. About 4 tbsp. Pour the resulting mixture with a liter of boiling water and leave for a couple of hours. Take a teaspoon of the product 4 times a day before each meal, diluting with 100 ml of water.

For dandruff

In cosmetology, in case of hair loss, weakening and dullness or dandruff, it is very useful to rinse your hair after washing with nettle infusions. They are prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Pour a bunch of dried or fresh herbs with cold water and boil for 3-5 minutes over low heat. Cool to a comfortable temperature, then rinse your hair with the broth after shampooing.
2. Pour 2 tbsp into a container. crushed leaves, add half a liter of boiling water. Leave the product for half an hour, then pour in 5 tbsp. vinegar and strain the solution. Rinse your hair with the broth every evening, then wrap it until completely dry.

From heel spurs

1. Pour a small amount of water into 2 tbsp. starch, add 2 tbsp. dried nettles. Fill the container with 2 liters of hot water. Soak your feet in the resulting mixture for 15 minutes, then wipe and roll a small elastic ball with your feet.
2. Take May nettle and pass it through a meat grinder. Next, put the resulting pulp on a burdock leaf, make a compress from it on the sore spot, secure with a bandage and leave overnight. Repeat the procedures for 2 weeks.

For nervous diseases

Nettle infusion stimulates the nervous system. The following options for preparing such a remedy are considered more effective:

1. Wash and dry the young shoots of the plant, chop them finely and put them in a jar. Pour in cold boiled water and cover with gauze on top. Let it brew for 10 hours at room temperature. Use 0.5 tbsp. up to 3 times a day.
2. Take a tablespoon of nettle seeds and add a glass of water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for 1 hour, then add a spoonful of honey. Drink half a glass of the product before bed.

To boost immunity

There are several recipes for folk remedies to strengthen the immune system. Among them, the following receive especially good reviews:

1. Take about 200 g of young nettle, add half a liter of vodka or 70% alcohol to it. Wrap a cloth around the neck of the jar, leave it on the windowsill for a day, then put it in a dark place for 8 days. Strain, take 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast and another one before bed.
2. Mix raisins, nettles and rose hips in equal parts. Take 2 tbsp. means, pour 2 cups of boiling water, boil for another 10 minutes. After 4 hours, strain. Drink half a glass up to 4 times a day.

To thicken the blood

It is useful to add this plant to soups, main courses and salads. In spring and summer, the following recipes can be used to thicken the blood:

1. Take the nettle stem and leaves, rinse and dry, then grind through a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice and take several spoons a day.
2. Prepare 1 tbsp. dry herb, add a glass of boiling water to it, leave for a couple of hours. Next, strain and take 3-4 tbsp. during the day.

For radiculitis

In the treatment of radiculitis, this herb is often used externally as compresses and rubbing. For this purpose, products based on this plant are prepared as follows:

1. Wash and dry fresh nettles, then finely chop and place in a half-liter jar. Fill it to the brim with vodka, then put it in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks. At night, rub the problem area with the prepared product.
2. Take a few nettle leaves, wash and dry them, then chop and mix with hot capsicum and petroleum jelly in a ratio of 2:1:1. Rub the resulting ointment onto your lower back up to 2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts until the pain disappears completely.

Contraindications

Any medicinal plants have a number of contraindications. Using them in some cases can cause harm to the body. The main contraindications to the use of this plant are:

• therapy with antidepressants and drugs against insomnia;
• hypertension;
• plant intolerance;
• severe kidney disease;
• varicose veins;
• first trimester of pregnancy;
• thrombophlebitis;
• atherosclerosis;
• increased blood clotting;
• bleeding due to a uterine tumor, cyst or polyp.

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Nettle is mercilessly exterminated as a weed in garden plots and near human homes, but in folk medicine it is a popular wound-healing and hemostatic agent.

Nettle - prickly herb

nettle photo

Nettle is a plant familiar to everyone since childhood, especially if someone has been stung by it. Typically, nettle grows on forest edges, in ravines, along the banks of small rivers and streams. Nettle is often found near roads and people’s homes, so it is considered a weed and is destroyed during weeding. Nettle grass is very common in Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Far East. Different types of nettle can be found in China, Canada, Japan and Korea, North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, and Siberia.

Nettles can reach a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. The nettle stem is tetrahedral in shape, erect, and the rhizome is branched and long. Nettle blooms from spring to mid-summer. The flowers are unisexual, greenish, collected in bunches into small inflorescences. Nettle is pollinated by the wind. Nettle leaves are dark green in color with oblong stipules. The shape of nettle leaves is coarsely toothed, ovate or lanceolate. Nettle seeds are small, collected near the stem in the axils of the upper leaves.

In Russia, two types of this plant are most often found: stinging nettle and stinging nettle. Their medicinal properties are described in medical books. Stinging nettle is smaller than stinging nettle, but the latter has found wider use in folk medicine. But such types of nettle as ball-bearing and nettle are not used for medicinal purposes at all.

Nettle is called zhguchka, zhegala, zhaluga, and Estonians call it “the bachelor’s kiss,” and there is even a popular saying: “Nettle is young, but it already bites.” This is due to the fact that the stem of this perennial herbaceous plant is densely covered with stinging short hairs. When collecting nettle leaves, you need to wear gloves that protect the skin of your hands.

Why does nettle sting and how to treat a nettle burn? The tips of the stinging hairs contain formic acid and histamine, and a nettle burn can be treated with a concentrated salt solution.

Contraindications and benefits of nettle

In the first months of pregnancy, nettle should be consumed with caution

In folk medicine, the medicinal plant nettle is widely used in the treatment of heart disease, eczema, anemia, rheumatism, gout, blood diseases and other ailments. The benefits of nettle lie in the vitamins, acids, and active microelements contained in the roots, leaves, and stems. Nettle contains B vitamins, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, silicon, chlorophyll, proteins, sugars, organic acids, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, flavonoids and many other useful substances. Therefore, treatment with nettle and its use in combination with other medicinal herbs gives a positive result.

Nettle root and leaves are commonly used in medicine. But to prepare nettle juice, you need fresh leaves and young stems. Nettle leaves are carefully separated from the stem, then dried or used fresh to prepare various side dishes, soups, sauces, and salads.

Nettle root is cleaned and dried in well-ventilated areas, but not in the open sun, since exposure to sunlight destroys chlorophyll and some of the beneficial vitamins evaporate. Nettles should be stored in paper or fabric bags in a dark, dry place. Dried nettle does not lose its medicinal properties for 2 years.

It is impossible to get an overdose of nettle, but it increases blood clotting and thickens it. Therefore, preparations from nettle are contraindicated for people with varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Particular caution should be exercised by women in the first months of pregnancy. Nettle has contraindications during pregnancy, as it can provoke contractions and premature birth. It is strictly forbidden to use drugs containing nettle for bleeding caused by diseases of the uterus and appendages. It is also dangerous to use nettle for people with kidney disease and the elderly.

Preparations based on nettle

Nettle oil has been used since ancient times to improve hair growth

The medicinal properties of nettle are well known in folk medicine. Infusion, juice, tincture, oil, and nettle decoction are used for various diseases of the internal organs of the body and skin.

• Nettle infusion is recommended for weak involution of the uterus, anemia, gout, diabetes mellitus, nettle fever, diseases of the stomach and biliary tract; It is used as a multivitamin, diuretic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory agent, and has a hemostatic effect.
• Juice from the leaves and stems of nettle destroys kidney stones, improves metabolism, increases the level of hemoglobin and platelets in the blood, enhances digestion, and reduces the content of toxins in the body.
• Tincture of nettle leaves is perfect for treating skin diseases, purulent ulcers, and is used for neuralgic and joint pain.
• Nettle tea is recommended for people suffering from rheumatism, diseases of the joints and urolithiasis.
• Nettle oil, prepared from the roots, is used to relieve neuralgic pain.
• Burdock oil with nettle is an ideal remedy for healing the scalp and hair structure. Burdock oil increases capillary blood circulation in the scalp and stops hair loss. Nettle for hair acts as a building material, strengthens the roots and structure of the hair, and promotes increased growth. Nettle has long been used as a cosmetic for hair growth.

Nettle infusion for hair is prepared from succulent stems and leaves. After use, the hair becomes shiny and silky. Nettle juice can be rubbed into the scalp to get rid of dandruff.

* This is a short-term treatment of the plant with boiling water or steam in order to get rid of the pungency.

Nettle also contains phytoncides, sulfur, phenolic acids and tannins. Found in small quantities in the plant were: folic acid, choline (vitamin B4), beta-carotene, vitamin H, iodine and vitamin E.

In the stems and leaves of nettle found essential oil, sirotinin, porphyrin, pantothenic and phenolcarboxylic acids, flavonoids, glisodurgicin, histamine.

Nettle hairs filled with silicon, formic acid, and acetylcholine. contain linoleic acid and vitamin C. In the roots the alkaloid nicotine was found.

The large amount of vitamin C explains the strong preventive and strengthening effects of this plant on the human body.

Vitamin K relieves inflammation and improves blood clotting. A large amount of B vitamins helps fight certain diseases of the nervous system (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neurosis, etc.).

Calcium and phosphorus have a beneficial effect on the condition of bones and teeth. Potassium and magnesium take an active part in the full functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The sufficiently high iron content in nettles protects the body from iron deficiency anemia. Secretin promotes the formation of insulin and lowers blood sugar levels.

Nettle allows you to actively fight toxins and bacteria, as well as the effects of radiation and oxygen deficiency, thanks to organic acids, chlorophyll, and silicon.

What exactly is used and in what form?

Most often used for treatment nettle leaf, which is harvested in May-June. Nettles are collected during the waxing moon, when the plant has special powers. The cut branches of the plant are dried for 2-3 hours, then the leaves are torn off.

Lay out in a well-ventilated area in a layer of 3 to 5 cm and dry. In dryers, the leaves are dried at a temperature of 40-50°. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years.

Harvested from late autumn to early spring, flowers - in June-July, seeds - in the second half of August - September. For nettle juice, young leaves and stems of nettles are used before flowering.

Medicinal properties

Nettle has many healing properties. Among the main ones are: the ability to stop bleeding, diuretic and choleretic effects, relief of inflammatory processes, acceleration of restoration of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, normalization of menstruation, etc.

In the West, nettle is used to treat tumor diseases. Nettle has also been determined to have an expectorant effect and relieve convulsions.

Due to its high chlorophyll content, nettle helps the functioning of the female genital organs and intestines, and accelerates the regeneration of damaged areas of the body.

Some experiments have proven that nettle can normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and also actively affects carbohydrate metabolism.

Since ancient times, it has been prescribed to women for infertility. Nettle has also found use as a cure for impotence. To do this, its seeds are mixed with a banana and consumed daily until libido is restored.

Fresh juice from nettle leaves and seeds help cope with osteomyelitis and dysfunction of food digestion, and are also used for an increased percentage of salts in the joints. Fresh juice is used to wipe ulcers from varicose veins, disinfect and heal diaper rash and affected tissue areas.

The diuretic properties of nettle are used for kidney stones, ascites, and rheumatism. In the treatment of arthritis, osteochondrosis, bruises, sprains, fractures, they are often used nettle oil.

Plant leaves used in many medicines, as well as in vitamin teas, as a laxative or in tea for the stomach.

Tinctures and decoctions of leaves nettles are effective:

• for uterine, gastric, pulmonary, hemorrhoidal bleeding;
• diarrhea and dysentery;
• stomach pathologies;
• boils;
• with fever;

They are an excellent medicine for severe coughs. Also decoction of rhizomes used in the form of compresses for diseases of the skin, oral mucosa, and sore throat.

Infusion of nettle inflorescences use:

• with nettle fever;
• for oncological diseases;
• for rheumatism;
• to remove kidney stones;
• as an expectorant or diuretic;
• for skin diseases.

Seed decoction used as an anthelmintic.

Nettle juice has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes, is used to improve food digestion, the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, and effectively removes toxins.

In official medicine

« Prostaforton" And " Bazoton» - foreign-made preparations created on the basis of nettle roots and rhizomes have antitumor activity. " Urtiphylline» used to treat burns, used to heal wounds.

Extract from nettle leaves is part of the choleretic drug " Allohol" In addition, in pharmacies you can purchase crushed nettle in packs and filter bags for making medicinal tea.

In medical practice, nettle leaves and stems are also used to stop hemorrhoidal, pulmonary and gastrointestinal bleeding. In official medicine, nettle is also used in the form of infusions and decoctions for kidney disease, stomach disease, and hypovitaminosis.

Nettle is the most valuable raw material for production chlorophyll. It has been proven that chlorophyll enhances metabolic processes and tones the body, especially the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs. Chlorophyll is part of the medicine for hepatitis.

In folk medicine

In folk medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used.

Leaves:

• to heal wounds - dry and grind to a powder, mix with pepper and petroleum jelly in equal parts. Apply the composition twice a day.
• circulatory failure – 2 tbsp. l. leaves + a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Drink a glass three times a day before meals.
• if blood often comes from the nose - 1 tbsp. l. + a glass of hot water. Cook for 10 minutes, strain. Drink 1 tbsp. about 5 times a day.
• to get rid of gout and rheumatism - 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves + a glass of hot water, leave in a warm place for an hour. Drink 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.
• to relieve pain - nettle leaves + buckthorn bark (in a ratio of 1 to 1). 8 gr. mixture + liter of hot water, soak in a water bath for 10 minutes, leave for half an hour. Drink a glass 4 times a day.
• for constant constipation - nettle leaves + yarrow + buckthorn (1 x 1 x 2). Pour 200 ml of hot water into a spoonful of the mixture and cook for a minute, leave for half an hour. Drink 1 glass before bed for 14 days in a row.
• to get rid of hemorrhoids – nettle leaves + oregano + buckthorn (1 x 1 x 1). 1 tbsp. The mixture is brewed in one and a half glasses of hot water and heated for 5 minutes. Leave for 4 hours. Take half a glass three times a day.

Root:

• when coughing, cut into small pieces and boil them in sugar. Drink 10 g. several times a day.
• for diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal pathologies, menstrual irregularities, use nettle tincture. For her take 2 tbsp. l. crushed nettle roots and mixed with 0.5 l. vodka, then leave for a week. Drink 30 drops three times a day.
• for radiculitis, joint pain, furunculosis - tincture. For her take 2 tbsp. l. in crushed form and mixed with 0.5 l. vodka, then leave for a week. Wipe painful or affected areas.

Fresh Juice:

• nettle for painful and heavy periods - drink 10 grams. per day during menstruation;
• for cervical erosion - moisten a tampon in nettle juice (at night for 2-3 weeks);
• for boils, acne or other rashes - take 1 tbsp. per day until recovery.

Flowers:

• when coughing – a pinch + 2 tbsp. hot water, leave for 1 hour. Drink like tea.

Young leaves of the plant are used for salads, cabbage soup, and borscht. Sauces are prepared from the leaves of stinging nettle, they are fermented, salted, casseroles, cutlets, fillings for pies, dumplings are made from them, and all kinds of teas are prepared. Nettle is included in some wines, liqueurs, and beers.

The plant is widely used in dietetics as a means of helping to cleanse the body and reduce overall body weight. Nettle helps especially well if a person gains excess weight due to intestinal problems, and is also prone to the accumulation of toxins and waste. Fresh nettle salads help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Since nettle has a strong diuretic effect, it can be used to easily remove excess fluid from the body and get rid of swelling and extra pounds.

Nettle teas help reduce appetite. To do this, nettle flowers are dried and tea is brewed from them. The calming effect of such teas is also important for the general condition of the body. The antimicrobial properties of nettle are used to extend the shelf life of products.

In cosmetology

Nettle decoction can be used to cleanse facial skin from acne. Nettle infusions are also used for furunculosis, rashes and other skin problems.

Nettle for hair is one of the most effective means of restoring and strengthening hair follicles.

Here are some folk remedies:

• To stimulate hair growth and shine - crushed leaves (100 g) + half a glass of vinegar + half a glass of water. Cook for half an hour. Rub into skin. Use twice - three times a week.
• For dandruff and baldness, prepare a nettle infusion (1 tablespoon of leaves + 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours and strain). Use once a week.

Rinsing with nettle helps well in the fight against early gray hair, seborrheic disease and other hair problems.

Other uses

In floriculture Nettle infusion is used to fight aphids and to prevent powdery mildew.

Previously, this plant was actively used for weaving industry. Fiber was made from nettles, which was used for sewing sails, strong bags, sacks, etc. In the 19th century, the Khanty and Mansi made fabric and sewed clothes from nettles. In Japan, nettle strands were used to make samurai armor, clothing, and bow strings were often made from this fiber.

Today only in Yugoslavia is it preserved large industrial production of fabric from nettle - cheviot. In the CIS countries there are also a small number of small family-type enterprises engaged in the production of insoles, belts, nettle scarves and other wardrobe items.

The plant is widely used in pharmaceutical, food and perfume industries. You can often find strengthening agents in stores. Shampoo "Nettle".

In animal husbandry Nettle is added to the feed of domestic animals and poultry. And it is used to prepare vitamin flour, silage, briquettes, concentrates, granules, and used as green fodder in steamed form.

Unconventional uses

Since ancient times, nettle has been used as a talisman. It was believed that if you lay a nettle rug in front of the entrance to a house, evil would bypass the house. They believed that nettle leaves hidden under the insoles of shoes would protect their owner from dark forces.

Nettle leaves, placed in the corner of the children's room, helped the baby cope with all his fears, improved his sleep and health. Nettle branches were used to fumigate the room to remove the evil eye and damage. They used a nettle broom to sweep away all the evil spirits from the house.

It was believed that the nettle amulet could enhance the positive qualities of character - courage, initiative, honesty and perseverance, and protect the life of a warrior. A dry nettle leaf was used as an amulet. The main thing is that the future owner of the amulet collects the leaves himself.

Nettle is a legendary plant. There is a popular story that God gave nettles stinging hairs to treat people and animals with.

• Nettles are found in many works of folk art. Songs, proverbs and sayings, fairy tales, riddles, express the whole essence of this burning plant. In folk art, nettle is compared to a bee, wasp, boiling water, fire, etc. After all, the main distinctive property of nettle is “ burn, « sting», « prick».
• Interestingly, in ancient folk culture there is a song in which nettle is described as a talisman. The protective properties of nettle are also described in some fairy tales. For example, the heroine of Andersen's fairy tale " Wild Swans“To save the brothers from the spell, she wove them shirts from nettles.
• On the coat of arms of the ancient Russian village of Krapivna (Shchekinsky district, Tula region) you can see an image of this legendary plant. Since 2012, the annual “ Nettle Festival" Here everyone can try delicious dishes made from this amazing plant, purchase handmade items made from nettle fiber, and attend master classes.
• In 2004, the UK held a " National Nettle Respect Week" The goal is to popularize the beneficial properties of this plant.

Dangerous properties of nettle and contraindications

When touching the stem, a person experiences a burning sensation and pain, thus a chemical burn from nettles may occur. Usually the discomfort passes quickly, but in some cases it can cause an allergic reaction.

A nettle burn usually does not pose a particularly great danger to humans, except for the burn of an exotic nettle tree Urtica ferox.

Contraindications for use

Key points when using nettle as a medicinal drug is contraindicated:

• If a person has high blood clotting, consuming nettle will lead to the formation of blood clots. Therefore, the plant is contraindicated for varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis;
• in case of renal and heart failure;
• for individual intolerance and skin allergies. In this case, the nettle burn causes a lot of trouble and does not go away for a long time;
• during pregnancy (especially the last months) – nettle can cause premature birth;
• for bleeding caused by polyps, cysts, tumors of the ovaries and uterus;
• for age spots on the skin and freckles (skin sensitivity to sunlight increases).

Attention!

• It is not recommended to collect nettles near roads and garbage dumps. The plant absorbs a large amount of harmful substances;
• Improper preparation of nettle is also dangerous. To use it raw, nettles must first be scalded with boiling water.

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Botanical description

It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Nettles. It is common in Europe and Asia, Africa and Australia, and North America. It can be found in the CIS countries, India, China, Japan, the USA and Great Britain.

origin of name

People call nettle simply: “ zhiguka», « Zhigilivka», « stinging», « zhigalka" The opinion of linguists about the etymology of the word is not clear. The first believe that the word " nettle" comes from Old Church Slavonic " kopriva" or " kropiva».

It is assumed that this name has common roots with the Serbo-Croatian name crap(boiling water) or Polish ukrop, and means " boiled water treated livestock feed" Others are sure that there is a lexical connection with the word “ coprina". That is, it is a plant for the production of tissue.

A large amount of vitamins and nutrients makes nettle one of the most used plants in official and folk medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

Kinds

Today there are more than 50 varieties of nettle. In the CIS countries the most common are:

1. 1 Stinging nettle– a medicinal plant, with a large amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements. This is a perennial plant with a height of 1.5–1.7 m. The stem and leaves are covered with sharp but fragile needles containing formic acid. That is why touching it is often accompanied by burns.
2. 2 Stinging nettle (monoecious) in its beneficial properties and appearance it is similar to the dioecious variety. However, it grows no more than 50 cm in height, and it is also annual.
3. 3 Yasnotka- white nettle or “dead” nettle is common on the edges of the forest zone. Unlike previous species, the claret has very attractive white flowers and is an excellent honey plant. This type of nettle does not have stinging needles. Dried nettle flowers are used to prepare medicinal teas and as a medicine in the treatment of allergies and gastrointestinal diseases.
4. 4 Hemp nettle usually grows in the steppe zone in the form of large thickets. This variety has dissected carved leaves and has burning hairs. Considered a weed, it grows along roadsides. Plant height is from 1.5 to 2.4 meters. The stem and root of nettle hemp are used for the prevention and treatment of malignant neoplasms.
5. 5 Nettle Kyiv In appearance it resembles stinging nettle. Its height, unlike the dioecious one, does not exceed 1.2 meters. Outside of Ukraine, it grows in Western and Eastern Europe, as well as in Palestine. It is listed in the Red Books of the Voronezh and Lipetsk regions of the Russian Federation, as well as the Republic of Belarus. Nettle Kiev is strictly protected by the relevant environmental safety authorities in countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Despite its fairly wide distribution, stinging nettle is listed in the Red Books of regional significance, for example, in the Voronezh and Lipetsk regions of the Russian Federation. Nettle is strictly protected by the relevant environmental safety authorities in countries such as Belarus, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

The appearance of the plant is approximately the same. If we describe nettles from a botanical point of view, we get the following characteristics:

• Stem: erect with grooves and hairs; length – from 15 to 35 cm.
• Leaves have a dark green color, a teardrop-shaped leaf with teeth, from 2 to 10 cm long;
• Flowers are solitary or in the form of inflorescences; staminate or pistillate. Typically the plant has from 6 to 12 stamens and a lower ovary.
• Fetus may look like a nut or a box containing nettle seeds.

There are annual and perennial species of nettle, monoecious and dioecious, medicinal and weedy, safe and even life-threatening ( Australian nettle).

Growing conditions

In order to grow nettles, it is necessary to provide it with optimal conditions, the main of which are:

• Fertile soil - not heavy, medium moisture soil, without sand and clay.
• A shady area, as the plant grows best in the absence of sunlight.
• Soil pH should be around 5.6.

For rapid plant growth, it is recommended to immerse nettle seeds into the soil 1.5 cm. The sowing period is late autumn or early spring, since the planted seeds sprout their first shoots after a month, when the air temperature is at least +8°C.

It is important to sprinkle the sown surface with fertilizer: peat or humus.

It is advisable to maintain optimal soil moisture until the first sunrise appears. When thickening, the seedlings must be thinned out so that the young plants are 5 cm apart from each other. For normal growth and development of the plant, the soil must be kept moist. But do not allow it to become waterlogged. Otherwise, the roots may rot.

Power circuit

Nettle lovers are common diurnal nettle butterflies ( Aglais urticae) from the family Nymphalidae. They feed mainly on the shoots of young plants.

Peacock butterfly caterpillars also prefer nettles to all other plants. Even the most common grasshoppers are happy to feast on nettles.

Video

While pharmacy chains offer us a large number of drugs of questionable quality, we have the opportunity to get health at a minimum price and with maximum effect. To do this, use tasty and healthy nettle juice.

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Safety regulations

The administration is not responsible for attempting to use any recipe, advice or diet, and also does not guarantee that the information provided will help and will not harm you personally. Be smart and always consult your appropriate physician!

When we accidentally burned ourselves with nettles as children, adults often calmed us down, telling us that there was nothing wrong with it and that it was very useful. Oddly enough, nettle burns can actually benefit the body, so don't worry too much about unsightly redness on the skin. This phenomenon is temporary, and the body will definitely thank you. What benefits do nettle burns bring and are they really useful?

Is there any benefit?

At the moment when a person is burned by nettles, blood instantly rushes to the upper layers of the dermis, enhancing the work of numerous capillaries and actively stimulating blood circulation. There are even special treatment methods using nettle burns, aimed at quickly getting rid of ailments such as varicose veins, atherosclerosis, arthritis and rheumatism. The essence of these techniques is the targeted burning of the skin with nettles, which in turn greatly helps to improve blood flow to a particular area of ​​the body.

In addition, at the moment of nettle burns, formic acid penetrates into the human body, which has long been famous for its excellent analgesic effect.

Does it sting or bite?

Most of us mistakenly believe that nettles simply sting. In fact, she “bites.” In general, its bites are somewhat reminiscent of mosquito bites - both in the mechanism of action and in the final results (the appearance of itchy bumps on the skin).

The entire “body” of the nettle is densely dotted with incredibly thin hairs, which is why the nettle leaves with stems give the impression of being soft and velvety. In reality, these hairs are by no means as harmless as they might seem at first glance: they contain burn-causing substances such as formic acid, as well as histamine and choline. Just like mosquito proboscis, these hairs almost imperceptibly pierce human skin, and the puncture sites immediately begin to fill with the above-mentioned substances.

Harm of nettle burns

Fortunately, there are currently no varieties of nettle capable of causing various life-threatening reactions in our latitudes. True, in some cases (albeit very rarely), quite strong allergic reactions to the substances contained in nettle can still occur. In other cases, all the harm from nettle burns comes down solely to uncomfortable and very painful sensations in the area of ​​the burned areas, as well as to the appearance of minor swelling and redness.

Is it possible to get rid of discomfort after a burn?

A nettle burn is not a reason to panic. In order to avoid allergic manifestations, it doesn’t hurt to take an antihistamine just in case: diazolin, loratadine, suprastin or some other.

Is it possible to somehow get rid of redness and discomfort? Easily! To do this, simply hold the burned area under a stream of ice water or simply lower the burned limb directly into ice water. Another good option is to dilute baking soda to a paste and apply a thick layer of it to the burned area. Vodka or alcohol lotions will also be excellent helpers, so you can also choose among the available options for solving the problem.

What else is nettle useful for?

In addition to the benefits from nettle burns, no less benefit can be obtained by consuming this plant as food, because it is very rich in valuable minerals and vitamins essential for the body. As part of various dishes, nettle perfectly helps strengthen the immune system, gives strength, tones, and also helps to become more beautiful, noticeably healthier and even stronger. Nettle cabbage soup and soups are especially good, as well as salads with the addition of young nettle leaves.

Stinging nettle has also found its use in cosmetology - its decoction is often washed to quickly get rid of boils, acne and inflammation. And hair masks prepared on its basis perfectly strengthen hair, make it shinier and help it grow faster.

Another area of ​​use for nettle is traditional medicine - this useful plant is highly valued not only by ordinary people, but also by homeopaths and even doctors! So don’t be afraid of nettles – they are not harmful at all!

The beginning of May is the time to help the body, weakened over the long winter, replenish the lack of vitamins and nutrients; in this article we will recall forgotten recipes for nettle dishes. Let's discuss their benefits, find out who should not eat nettles, how to select and prepare raw materials for use.

Stinging nettle is a herbaceous perennial plant. People call it sting, sting. Distributed everywhere, growing near housing, near roads and vacant lots, in shady places and in gardens. This is not a simple weed, but a multivitamin plant that can be used for food purposes from early spring until October.

This weed has been eaten since ancient times. She saved from hunger in wartime and in lean years. The plant has not only healing life-giving powers, but also nutritional properties. They used it as an independent product and to enrich other dishes.

What are the benefits of nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

Nettle's content of vitamins and microelements is not inferior to berries and fruits. It surpasses many legumes in protein content. It is high in fiber, which promotes normal bowel function and creates a feeling of fullness.

Urtica dioica juice is a good aid in losing weight. Since its calorie content is only 24 kcal and there is almost no carbohydrates, it is ideal for dietary nutrition.
To understand the benefits of nettle, let’s find out its composition. The herb is rich in vitamins:

• retinol (vit A)
• nicotinic acid (vit PP)
• thiamine (vit B1)
• ascorbic acid (vit C)
• riboflavin (vit B2)

It contains a lot of minerals - Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, P, J, selenium. The herb drives bile well, increases resistance to bacteria and viruses, and immunity. Stimulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, accelerates the flow of energy processes.

This is not a complete list of the beneficial properties of the plant, and they are preserved in culinary products. That is why it is so popular among lovers of a healthy lifestyle.

Who would not be interested in recipes for nettle dishes, contraindications

Despite the obvious benefits, nettle recipes are not suitable for everyone. You should not eat it:

1. pregnant women
2. suffering from thrombophlebitis
3. patients with hypertension

Because it increases blood clotting, and in addition can provoke premature birth. It is also contraindicated for kidney disease. People with allergies will also have to pass by the stream.

You can start harvesting nettles for culinary purposes from May until late autumn. It is better to do this in environmentally friendly places. Away from roads and industrial facilities. Otherwise, instead of benefit, we will gain harm.

You can collect grass at the edges of forests, along river banks and in your gardens. You should choose a healthy plant:

• leaves should be free of foreign inclusions, evenly colored; withered leaves will also have no benefit
• the stem should be strong, densely leafy
• It is necessary to collect nettles at the growth stage of up to 20 cm, it contains a higher content of useful substances
• The optimal collection time is morning, after rain and dew has dried.

Cut the grass with a sharp knife. A short time after cutting, the stinging sensation goes away and the leaves can be separated from the stem.

How to prepare nettles for use

Before use, sort the plant and rinse under running water. A distinctive feature of the sting is that it is covered with stinging, brittle hairs, so wear rubber gloves.

To get rid of this heat, rinse it with hot water or soak it in boiling water for a few minutes before cooking. Then let the water drain and lay it on a towel to dry. After this simple procedure, the stinging sensation will disappear.

Experienced housewives have long learned to use nettle in cooking. Each has its own set of delicious recipes.

These are all kinds of soups, salads, main courses. They use it as a filling for pies, dumplings, and dumplings. Pilaf and porridge are cooked and added to sauces.

They make purees and juices from it, and brew it as a delicious tea. It is fermented and frozen for the winter. They make butter for sandwiches from it. You can make hair oil, but that’s another, non-culinary story.

First meal

Soups made from nettles are especially tasty. It gives them a subtle sourness and delicate aroma. You can prepare soups with meat or broth. Or it can be made without meat, which will especially appeal to vegetarians.

First courses are prepared for one serving, because after heating they lose their taste and attractiveness.

Nettle soup “Spring”

We already know where and how to collect raw materials, so let’s move directly to the recipe. To prepare you will need:

• bunch of string – 300 grams
• 3 small potatoes
• onion, 1 carrot
• water or broth
• dill, parsley optional

Cook the potatoes until done. Add onions and carrots pre-fried in oil. If you cooked it without meat, you can add rice or pearl barley, the soup will turn out even tastier and more satisfying. Even at the beginning of cooking, you can add 100 grams of cheese. 5 minutes before readiness, add nettles and salt. When serving, add an egg.

Fresh nettle cabbage soup

Cabbage soup made from May nettle herb is very useful if you prepare it skillfully. They can also be cooked with or without meat. We will need:

• bunch of sting 300-500 grams
• potato
• onion, dill, parsley
• 1 onion
• salt, lemon juice, pepper to taste
• egg 1, carrot 1
• butter

In a saucepan in butter, fry the chopped onions and carrots, as you are used to. Add the potatoes cut into strips and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour broth over the stewed vegetables and cook for 10 minutes. And after the vegetables are ready, add chopped greens and nettles.
Add lemon juice, pepper, salt to taste and cook for another 3 minutes. When serving, add finely chopped egg and sour cream.

Second courses

You can prepare a large number of main dishes from nettles. These are purees, pilaf, snacks and much more.

Spicy nettle with rice

Prepare the string, wash it, chop it. Pour boiling water over it and let the water drain. Keep it on a hot frying pan for 2 minutes. Add oil, herbs, pepper and rice. Pour in water and cook over low heat until done. You will need:

• bunch of nettle grass 500 grams
• butter 40-50 grams
• parsley, pepper
• rice 200 grams
• flour 15 grams

Finally, add flour diluted with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Add minced garlic if desired.

Scrambled eggs nettle

Make scrambled eggs with nettles for breakfast very quickly. To do this, prepare:

1. onion 1 head
2. bunch of nettles
3. celery or parsley
4. egg - two pieces
5. sweet pepper, salt

Fry the onion in a hot frying pan, add chopped nettles and other greens. Mix everything and simmer for 7-8 minutes. Beat in the eggs and simmer until done.

Green sauce

Nettle sauces are suitable for potato, meat and fish dishes or pasta. Take:

• nettle leaves 400 grams
• 20 grams of flour
• butter 40-50 grams
• glass of sour cream

Grind fresh leaves scalded with boiling water in a meat grinder. Simmer in butter. Add flour diluted with a small amount of water, simmer until thickened. Pour in sour cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Add mustard, it will be even tastier.

And how many nettle salads can you come up with? It all depends on how filling you want it to be and what you have in the fridge. It is important to remember that only young leaves and shoots are suitable for salad. Young tops have more vitamins and nutrients.

Nettle and bean salad

This salad is suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle and play sports. Beans and nettles complement each other. Thanks to the enzymes contained in nettle leaves, bean vegetable protein is easier to digest. For the salad you will need:

1. nettle 100 gr.
2. bunch of green onions
3. vegetable oil, olive
4. boiled or canned beans
5. lemon juice, a little salt

Prepare the sting as usual by tearing it with your hands. Chop the onion. Add beans, sprinkle with lemon juice. Pour in the oil.
The salad turns out to be satisfying and easily digestible. The feeling of hunger does not come for a long time. Suitable for those who want to lose weight.

Salad "Ordinary"

For the salad you will need:

• fresh nettle leaves
• onion, parsley, dill
• vegetable or olive oil
• salt pepper

Pour boiling water over nettle leaves. Chop everything and mix in a bowl. Season with oil, salt and pepper to taste. You can add radishes, nuts, garlic, cheese, egg. In a word, improvise!

Filling for pies, dumplings and butter for sandwiches

Few housewives make pies filled with nettles, but in vain. It is easy to prepare.

Green filling

Chop fresh shoots and leaves, scalded with boiling water. Add boiled rice and chopped eggs, salt and butter.

Green sandwich butter

Sandwiches with nettle oil will be useful for breakfast. Take butter, mix with finely chopped nettle leaves. To enhance the taste, add grated horseradish or garlic.

And what drinks are made from this weedy grass! A real storehouse of vitamins and microelements.

Green kefir

To help your intestines after a busy winter, prepare this drink. Take finely chopped nettle leaves and shoots, parsley, dill, dandelion and spinach in equal proportions. Add 500 ml cold kefir and blend in a blender. Add some salt.
First, pour boiling water over the nettles and dandelions, adding a small amount of salt, to get rid of the bitterness.

Nettle juice

To prepare multivitamin juice, take young nettle shoots and leaves. Rinse, pass through a juicer, add salt to taste. Sterilize the juice for 15 minutes at 70º, it will become suitable for winter storage. To prepare you will need:

1. 1 kg. finished plant raw materials
2. 1000 ml. cold water, salt

Add water, salt to the juice squeezed out through a juicer, and set to sterilize.

Tea tonic

Nettle tea can be drunk all year round. In spring and summer from fresh, in winter from dry grass. To do this, brew 25 grams of boiling water. fresh or dry leaves. Leave for 5 minutes. Drink warm. Don't forget about contraindications.

Preparation for the winter

In spring and summer, you need to have time to prepare nettles for the winter. Everyone knows how to dry raw materials. And we will freeze and marinate.

1. Frozen nettle retains all the benefits of the plant. Young spring leaves are suitable for this. They are thoroughly washed, dried, and cut. Spread in a thin layer on cling film and wrap. And they are sent to the freezer.

2. Pickled nettle is another method of preparation. In winter, it is added to any dishes. The tops of young shoots are collected for pickling. Wash in hot water. Pack tightly into sterile ½ liter. banks. Pour boiling water over and sit for 10-12 minutes.
Next, drain the water into a saucepan, add 9% vinegar, salt and sugar, and boil. Pour brine over nettle leaves and shoots. Roll up the lids. Send “under a fur coat” for 1 hour. That's it, the supply of vitamins for the winter is ready.

Well, some tips for preparing nettles. To make the cooking process enjoyable and the result pleasing:

1. Nettle cannot be cooked for a long time, as this will destroy the most valuable substances, so add it 3 minutes before it is ready
2. If you finely tear the nettle leaves and stems with your hands, you will be able to preserve vit A as much as possible
3. in May, fresh young nettle leaves are used, and in summer, leaves and young shoots are used, cutting off their tops by 10 - 15 centimeters
4. Nettle should be cooked in enamel or heat-resistant glass containers; it is not advisable to use metal containers (copper or aluminum) for this purpose.
5. To prepare first courses, you should not pour boiling water over the plant; it is better to use gloves to cut it
6. It is advisable to salt the dish at the end of cooking, or better before serving

By following these simple tips, you will prepare a lot of delicious, vitamin-rich food.
I suggest watching a video about the benefits of nettles:

So we remembered forgotten recipes for nettle dishes. We discussed their benefits, learned who should not eat nettles, and how to select and prepare raw materials for use.

Don't miss the moment, treat yourself to nettle dishes now, prepare it for future use and be healthy!