The benefits of nettle for a woman's body. Nettle - beneficial properties and contraindications

People try to avoid nettles because touching them is painful and causes itching on the skin. long time. However, this plant has a number of beneficial properties for the human body. Since ancient times, it has been used as a remedy to treat a number of diseases, because it contains a large number of valuable vitamins and minerals. Except for cooking medicines, nettle is also used for food - salads are made from it, soups are prepared, and eaten fresh. Read about the benefits of nettle soup in our material.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant, which has about 50 species. In our latitudes, the two most common are: dioecious and stinging.

This herb can grow up to 2 m in height, with an average stem reaching 60 cm. It is known for the fact that touching its foliage burns human skin. This happens because the nettle leaves have hairs that contain formic acid. This way the plant protected itself from animals eating the grass.

Did you know? The nettle eating championship has been held in England for over 20 years. In the same country, wine is made from the herbal plant. To make three liters of alcoholic drink, you need to collect 40 kg of leaves.

Nettle is a storehouse of beneficial vitamins and minerals. We propose to take a closer look at its diverse chemical composition.

Among the vitamins it contains:

• beta-carotene - 7-10 mg per 100 g;
• - 0.1 mg;
• - 0.07 mg;
• - 10 mg;
• - 3.4-4 mg.

Nettle contains the following micro- and macroelements:

• Fe (iron) - 41 mg per 100 g;
• Cu (copper) - 1.3 mg;
• - 8.2 mg;
• B (boron) - 4.3 mg;
• Ti (titanium) - 2.7 mg;
• - 0.03 mg.

In addition, the plant is rich in chlorophyll, sugars, tannins, phytoncides, organic acids, and porphyrins.

Thanks to such valuable components, the burning herb is credited with a number of beneficial effects:

• hemostatic;
• choleretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• immunomodulatory;
• general tonic.

Here are some other benefits of nettle for the human body:

• establishing carbohydrate and protein metabolism;
• respiratory systems;
• prevention and treatment of anemia;
• acceleration of regeneration of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs;
• increased digestion;
• improvement of metabolism;
• removal of harmful substances from the body.

Did you know? The “bites” of nettles, which grow in our latitudes, are harmless. But in New Zealand there grows a nettle tree, touching which you can die.

Nutritional value of this herbaceous plant as follows:

• proteins - 1.5 g per 100 g of product (1.5% of the human daily requirement);
• fat - 0.4 g (1%);
• carbohydrates - 5 g (3%).

If we consider the nutritional value of nettle soup made from the following ingredients: fresh nettle (300 g), onion (100 g), flour (30 g), butter(25 g), egg (50 g), greens (50 g), water (1 l), then 100 grams of it will contain 31.4 kcal. The recommended serving of 398 g contains 122.1 kcal. This soup recipe is included in the recommendations of some weight loss diets.

Cooked with chicken broth With chicken fillet(400 g), potatoes (0.5 kg), onions (75 g), carrots (75 g), herbs (40 g) and vegetable oil (17 g), nettle soup (150 g) will be less calorie, its the nutritional value will be 29.5 kcal per 100 g. The calorie content of a 251 g serving will be 74.1 kcal.

What are the benefits of soup

In this section we will try to figure out what the benefits of nettle soup are and whether it can cause harm.

Did you know? In the Land of the Rising Sun, nettles in combination with silk were used to make expensive samurai armor, shields and bow strings.

Firstly, The first dish is definitely recommended to be included in the menu in the winter and spring; it will help you easily skip this stage, replenishing the body with missing valuable components. After all, nettle leaves are practically a multivitamin concentrate. A body saturated with vitamins will find it easier to fight viruses and bacteria. This means that his defenses will be strengthened.

Secondly, Nettle soup is recommended for people prone to high blood sugar. There is evidence that the herb has the ability to lower its level.

For those who have minor kidney problems, the diuretic properties of nettle soup will also come in handy. However, if a person is diagnosed with sand or stones, this dish can be eaten only after consultation with the attending physician.

During periods of stress and nervous tension, it is also good to enjoy soup, because it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

A nettle dish will definitely help cleanse the blood. However, the main thing here is not to overdo it with it, since it has the properties of thickening it.

Soup can be on the table of almost all people, with the exception of those for whom nettle is contraindicated. Pediatricians advise children to be given nettle soup starting at the age of three. It should be introduced gradually, paying attention to the reaction of the child’s body.

Raw materials for soup can be collected in April-May, as well as throughout the summer. Only the top is used for cooking. During collection, protect your hands with gloves. It is better to grow it yourself or purchase it from trusted people, since grass grown in contaminated areas will only cause harm, not benefit.

Important! Soup should be prepared only from young shoots. Only under this condition will the benefit from it be maximum. In addition, you need to choose plants that grew in environmentally friendly areas.

Nettle soup can be prepared in many ways. There are several recipes on the Internet based on water, vegetable, meat, chicken broth. You can prepare regular liquid soup, or you can diversify the menu with puree soup.

Possible harm and contraindications

Like any plant that has medicinal properties, nettle has contraindications.

Since the herb has a diuretic effect, medicines and dishes containing it should not be in the diet of people suffering from urolithiasis or other kidney diseases.

Nettle is included in the list of herbs that are taboo for pregnant women. The plant can increase the contractile activity of the uterus, which can lead to premature termination of pregnancy.

But nursing mothers are recommended to enjoy nettle soup. After all, nettle will contribute to the speedy return of the uterus to its previous parameters. In this case, strengthening the contractions of the reproductive organ will come in handy.

Children under three years of age are prohibited from eating nettle dishes.

So, nettle is a valuable medicinal and food herb. Her leaves are used to prepare remedies for traditional medicine and cosmetology. It is one of the components of several pharmacological drugs, in particular those prescribed for burns and wounds, gastrointestinal problems, prostatitis, as a diuretic and tonic. Soups, cabbage soup, borscht are made from nettles, and vitamin-rich salads are made.

Important! Raw materials for culinary dishes and medicines should not be collected along roads, landfills, garbage sites, or in urban environments, since the plant can absorb harmful elements environment. Before use, you need to wash it and pour boiling water over it, and then lightly knead it in your hands.

The dishes are often used for dietary purposes, as they are vitamin-rich and low-calorie. Since nettle, along with its beneficial properties, also has a number of contraindications for use, food with it, as one of the ingredients, cannot be consumed by everyone. Before regularly eating this product, you need to study the list of contraindications.

The nettle family has about 45 genera and about 850 plant species. These are mainly herbs, less often shrubs or even small trees, widespread in the tropics. About 10 species of nettle grow in Russia, but mainly 4 species of the genus are found: dioecious, stinging, hemp, and pickulifolia.

Human constant companions - plants of garbage places - stinging nettle and stinging nettle, are familiar to everyone since childhood. And hemp nettle with heavily dissected leaves is found only occasionally, in the northern regions, it comes from Eastern Siberia.

Of all our nettles, hemp nettle is the most stinging. Her burn remains noticeable for several days.

The pungency of nettles is due to the presence of tiny burning hairs in the form of thin tubes. When they come into contact with the skin, these fragile tubes easily break off and pierce the skin. In this case, organic acids and other caustic substances enter the wound, causing irritation. The burns of some tropical nettles, such as species of the genus Laportea, are extremely painful for many months.

Stinging nettle is a widely used plant, it is the first vitamin source of spring, the first “green” cabbage soup is prepared from it, and if you try, you can make a puree - almost like spinach. Its herb contains many vitamins, antibacterial and hemostatic substances, so a decoction of nettle leaves is used for various types of bleeding.

In G. H. Andersen's fairy tale “The Wild Swans,” the princess wove shirts from cemetery nettles for her enchanted brothers. Nettle can actually be made into fiber and woven into coarse fabric, while some tropical species, such as ramie, produce a strong, silky fiber of very high quality.

The leaves of stinging nettle contain bactericidal substances; previously this property of nettle was widely used for storing raw meat and fish in the summer. They covered meat or fish with leaves and even without a cooler bag they could transport these products in hot weather for 30-40 hours.

Compound

Nettle is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, aluminum, sulfur, zinc, iron, barium and other elements.

It also contains: tannins, vitamins, acetic acid, pantothenic acid, caffeic acid, folic acid, formic acid, gallic acid, phytoncides, histamine, chlorophyll, betaine, lycopene.

This herb contains a lot of vitamins A and C. It stops bleeding thanks to vitamin K.

The benefits of nettle for our body

Despite its “aggressive” behavior, nettle has many beneficial properties. In pharmaceuticals, the plant is used to make medicines.

This plant strengthens the immune system, so it is recommended to be eaten as part of a variety of dishes. Nettle gives energy to a person.

The plant is also used in cosmetology. Nettle decoctions eliminate boils and other skin rashes.

Nettle also has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair; nettle masks have strengthening properties and make hair very beautiful.

Decoctions from the plant are used in the treatment of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, urolithiasis, bronchitis and heart disease.

Nettle is a delicious vitamin remedy that doctors recommend taking during an exacerbation of colds. At the pharmacy you can buy nettle-based preparations in different forms:

oil – for external use to treat skin pathologies;

dry extract, which is used to prepare tinctures;

liquid extract - for the treatment of most diseases.

Harm

The plant, which is collected in an environmentally polluted place, is contraindicated for use. Such a product can cause serious poisoning.
Nettle growing near roads and industrial enterprises absorbs all dirt and heavy metals. This plant is harmful to health and is prohibited for consumption.

In rare cases, nettle can provoke an allergic reaction. Women are prohibited from taking the plant in any form or quantity during lactation. During pregnancy, you should also be wary of taking infusions based on this plant.

Before eating the plant, be sure to consult a specialist.

Nettle is famous for its beneficial properties and the impressive list of vitamins included in its composition. The pungent plant is added to medicinal tinctures, decoctions and preparations. Nettle helps cope with radiculitis, low immunity, rheumatism, kidney and bladder problems. But if used improperly, you will most likely cause harm to the body. To prevent this from happening, consider the main aspects.

Composition of nettle

This peculiar “weed” is loved by many for the presence of vitamins. For example, nettles contain more vitamin C than apples, red currants and carrots combined. Thanks to this, you can boost your immunity by drinking a little tea with the plant.

The plant is not deprived of retinol or vitamin A. The natural antioxidant has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Tocopherol (vitamin E) is responsible for the health of the skin and hair, as well as the female reproductive system.

A special place is given to vitamin K, which is otherwise called vikasol. This substance is responsible for blood viscosity; nettle juice has regenerating and hemostatic properties.

Nettle contains B vitamins; they normalize a person’s psycho-emotional environment. Nettle decoctions and teas fight poor sleep and depressive disorders.

Carotenoids have the ability to improve vision. These compounds prevent the formation of cataracts and are prescribed for use by patients with eye diseases.

In addition to beneficial vitamins, nettles contain many mineral compounds. Of particular value are manganese, sulfur, aluminum, barium, chromium, copper, iron, molybdenum, potassium, calcium and others.

Nettle contains tannins, organic acids, glycosides, chlorophyll, flavonoids, phytoncides, and histamine.

In terms of the amount of vitamin K contained, nettle is 3 times greater than spinach. Organic iron and copper are present in a volume that is 2 times higher than the levels of these elements in cabbage.

Calorie content 100 gr. plants is small - 43 Kcal. Most often, nettles are used in sauces for main courses and appetizers, salads, first courses and side dishes. From 100 gr. 85% is allocated to water, the rest is occupied by carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fiber. There is practically no fat in the plant (less than 0.5 g).

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Effect of nettle on the body

• enhances metabolism;
• increases the body's protective functions;
• blocks the flow of blood to cancer cells (fighting cancer);
• treats hemorrhoids;
• has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties;
• reduces glucose levels in diabetes;
• fights hypertension;
• improves the activity of the pancreas;
• cleanses blood channels and seals their walls;
• has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle;
• treats mental disorders, neuroses, insomnia;
• increases appetite and salivation;
• relieves painful cramps in the stomach;
• controls the activity of the reproductive and urinary systems;
• widely used for dermatological problems.

The benefits of nettle do not end with the listed actions. This is only a small part of how the plant affects the functioning of vital organs and systems.

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Benefits of nettle

1. The plant is used for pancreatitis and other diseases of this nature. This becomes possible thanks to the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb.
2. Nettle has the ability to block blood circulation and prevent the appearance of new capillaries in cancer formations. Some substances from the plant have been successfully added to cancer drugs.
3. At diabetes mellitus Nettle tincture is irreplaceable. It gently lowers sugar levels and removes bad cholesterol. To prepare the product, grind 40 g. greens and brew in 0.5 l. boiling water Leave for several hours, take a teaspoon before meals.
4. “Weed” facilitates the functioning of the kidneys and improves the functioning of the entire urinary system. To normalize the processes of urination, remove sand and small tumors (up to 0.5 cm), you need to take an infusion. It is prepared from dry nettle and bird knotweed.
5. Nettle will help the male half of humanity cope with prostatitis. The plant improves urine output, relieves pain, kills harmful microorganisms and alleviates the general course of the disease.
6. Traditional healers successfully use nettle in the fight against bleeding of various natures (stomach, pulmonary, intestinal, kidney, etc.). The accumulation of chlorophyll tones the internal organs and stops harmful processes.
7. Due to its high iron content, nettle is used to treat anemia (anemia). Nettle is used for allergic reactions; it accelerates the release of histamine, which stops the reaction to food or medications.
8. Decoctions based on the “weed” are widely used for the treatment and prevention of thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, and peptic ulcers. For girls during menstruation, such infusions will help get rid of abdominal pain and heavy discharge.
9. Nettle strengthens the immune system and is used to treat helminths in adults and children. The herb also accelerates the production of red blood cells, enriches the blood with oxygen and nutrients, and improves its composition. The weed is used for various problems by dermatologists (psoriasis, eczema, etc.).
10. Those who like to take a steam bath will enjoy useful information that nettle broom eliminates lower back pain, cervical spine and back. Patting a hot body eliminates radiculitis, heart pain, and swelling of the limbs. All this becomes possible thanks to increased blood circulation.
11. Nettle is the best wound healing and disinfectant. The plant is used to eliminate suppuration, dry out acne and other similar problems. Nettle decoction is effective for acne, oily facial skin, and cellulite.

Benefits of nettle for women

1. Beneficial qualities have been noticed during heavy menstruation. Since nettle has hemostatic properties, it can be used to control the intensity of discharge and the general condition of a woman. During menstruation, the body experiences a decrease in hemoglobin. The weed makes up for this lack.
2. Women's doctors unanimously say that nettle will be useful for new mothers who are pregnant. breastfeeding. The abundance of minerals and vitamins supports the health of the child and woman.
3. Not without the valuable qualities of the plant on the female body during menopause. Burning herb reduces the number of hot flashes, eliminates excessive sweating and normalizes the general condition of a woman.
4. Nettle tinctures and freshly squeezed juice are used in cosmetology to treat hair and stimulate its growth. The composition increases blood circulation in the scalp and fights alopecia (hair loss).
5. The plant is used to combat acne, severe pigmentation, swelling, furrows and wrinkles on the face. Nettle rejuvenates, removes vascular networks and comedones.

Benefits of nettle for men

1. The plant contains mineral compounds that are necessary for the male body. These elements include zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Substances increase blood circulation in the groin area and regulate potency.
2. Nettle improves sexual activity and increases libido, increases sperm count and reproductive activity. The herb is used to treat and prevent impotence.
3. Men who experience difficulties with premature ejaculation need to take nettle decoctions and tinctures. Such means will increase the duration of sexual intercourse.
4. It is useful to use the plant for those who play sports and lead an active lifestyle. It's all about nettle's ability to give the body strength and energy.
5. Men are more likely than women to suffer from alopecia - severe hair loss. To remove bald spots, you need to rub freshly squeezed nettle juice into your scalp.
6. Thanks to the accumulation of B vitamins, the plant controls the psycho-emotional environment, relieves chronic fatigue and normalizes sleep.
7. Various folk remedies based on the plant, they cleanse the liver of toxins, remove ethyl alcohol from the body, eliminate hangover syndrome and reduce cravings for nicotine.

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Benefits of nettle for children

1. In most cases, nettle is used for children as infusions and all kinds of decoctions to strengthen the body's protective functions. Medicinal formulations can be given to a child only after prior consultation with a specialist. Otherwise, the child’s body may develop an allergy.
2. The benefits of this unique plant for the child’s body are manifested in the fact that the raw materials effectively eliminate stomach pain. Infusions relieve severe coughs, strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammation in the mouth due to herpes. Decoctions cope with constipation.
3. Numerous observations have shown that nettle infusion is a good remedy for anemia. The weed completely replenishes iron deficiency in the body. A simple infusion allows you to avoid taking heavy medications that adversely affect the liver and kidneys.
4. Nettle has long established itself as an effective medicine for various dermatological diseases. To cope with an allergic reaction, it is recommended to use the stems, flowers and leaves of the weed. Wipe the skin with the product, drink infusions and teas.

Benefits of nettle during pregnancy

1. During the period of gestation, representatives of the fair sex need to be especially careful when using any medicines and herbs. Nettle will help improve overall health, and side effects are also possible.
2. Reasonable use of the weed will help the expectant mother strengthen cardiovascular system. Nettle has a positive effect on the kidneys. As a result, the swelling disappears. Raw materials fight bad mood, giving strength and suppressing depression.
3. Nettle infusion is allowed to be taken only after consultation with a doctor. Large dosages can cause severe migraines, poor appetite, miscarriage, insomnia and dizziness.

Nettle treatment

1. To exclude the manifestation of vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to regularly drink a decoction or tea based on nettle. The weed has immunostimulating and restorative properties. The herb will help the body resist seasonal viruses and colds.
2. During illness, the plant will alleviate inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract. The weed is famous for its expectorant effect. Nettle qualitatively cleanses the lungs and bronchi from mucus and phlegm. Medicinal infusions are often prescribed for asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis.
3. The medicinal properties of nettle allow the composition to be used for internal bleeding. The raw material promotes rapid blood clotting and short term allows wounds to heal. Freshly prepared gruel from the plant is used to eliminate calluses and corns.
4. The healing properties of the weed make it possible to effectively combat skin diseases various types. It has been proven that nettle is excellent for eliminating warts, boils, acne, lichen and eczema. To achieve maximum effect, the plant is recommended to be used in the form of compresses and lotions. Along with this, you need to drink tea with nettle.
5. If you systematically use nettle infusion, you can soon get rid of problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The composition also eliminates pathologies genitourinary system. The decoction allows you to completely remove sand and salts from the bladder and kidneys. The composition eliminates inflammatory processes in the urinary canals. Swelling of the limbs disappears.
6. Systematic consumption of the infusion will improve metabolic processes and improve intestinal function. The composition relieves nausea, heartburn and flatulence. Medicinal tea helps eliminate problems with loose stools, enteritis, spasms and colitis. The drink prevents the development of the acute stage of gastritis.
7. In addition to the general strengthening properties of the plant, infusions can be used to treat hair and scalp. The composition allows you to stop the loss and development of dandruff. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to systematically apply the decoction. For the best effect, use burdock oil in parallel.

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Harm of nettle

1. In most cases, people believe that nettle can cause harm due to its burning properties. A similar effect is achieved due to a special light-colored pile that is located on the surface of the plant.
2. A solution of apple cider vinegar and plain water will help get rid of unpleasant itching on the skin after contact with nettles. The ratio of components should be 1:1. Wipe the affected area of ​​skin with a cotton swab.
3. You can also get burns to the mucous membrane if you consume raw materials without pre-processing. If you are preparing salads, the nettles should be doused with boiling water. Otherwise, you can cause significant harm to the body.
4. Nettle collected in an environmentally polluted place is contraindicated for consumption. This product can cause serious poisoning. Also, all beneficial properties will be completely absent in the weed.
5. If nettle grows near roads and industrial enterprises, the raw material absorbs all the dirt and heavy metals. This plant is dangerous to health and is strictly prohibited for consumption. The harm of raw materials to the body is irreparable.
6. Nettle in rare cases provokes an allergic reaction. It is prohibited to take the plant in any form during lactation. During pregnancy, you should also take weed-based infusions with extreme caution.

Nettle is rightfully considered a unique plant. Its healing properties have long been known to humanity. With the help of the described weed, you can cope with most ailments and skin lesions. Before eating the plant, consult a specialist.

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Video: healing nettle powder

For most people, nettle, the harm and benefits of which are not known to many, is an absolutely useless and scalding weed. Due to this, people mercilessly destroy him. But in fact, the plant has become famous for its interesting ability to “sting”, it is also an excellent food product and an excellent medicine.

Story

People said in ancient times that the benefits and harms of nettle for the body can be replaced by 7 healers. Our ancestors knew for sure about the miraculous properties of this plant. Nettle is a universal medicinal remedy for a huge number of diseases; it is a raw material for the production of ropes, fabric, ropes, an excellent food product that can enrich the diet with necessary and useful substances. The plant deserves close attention as an excellent remedy for human health. In it, nature has collected a vitamin-mineral rich complex, due to which it has become almost omnipotent and very useful.

Compound

Possessing a vitamin-mineral rich composition that nature has endowed the plant with, nettle helps the human body cope with all sorts of inflammatory processes that occur in the body, in addition, replenish the deficiency of substances that are required to maintain its performance. It is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, selenium, sulfur, iron, zinc, barium and other elements, in addition, it contains:

• tannins;
• vitamins;
• pantothenic acid;
• acetic acid;
• caffeic acid;
• folic acid;
• formic acid,
• gallic acid;
• phytoncides;
• histamine;
• chlorophyll;
• betaine;
• lycopene

In terms of the content of valuable and nutritional components, small stems are much ahead of those that have begun to actively grow. And they or their tops should be used for preparing various medicines according to recipes.

Young leaves and greens of nettle contain more vitamin C than lemon, but are not inferior to sorrel, sea buckthorn and carrots in terms of the amount of carotene. It should be noted that the unique medicinal properties of the plant are not lost during heat treatment, while dry grass is a natural first aid kit.

Effects of nettle on the body

It is difficult to list all the beneficial substances that spring nettle includes (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article). It is endowed by nature with an anti-inflammatory, general strengthening effect, in addition, it helps improve blood clotting, which is very valuable for cuts, ulcers and wounds as a hemostatic agent.

Use for anemia

The herb is also used as a remedy for anemia. Nettle decoction (its benefits and harms are due to the beneficial substances contained in the plant) facilitates menstruation and helps eliminate dark circles that appear under the eyes. It should also be noted that a powerful hemostatic effect can bring both benefit and harm. Persons who suffer from thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and anyone with very thick blood are strictly prohibited from consuming nettle, as this may cause blood clots.

In addition to everything else, this plant is used as a remedy for muscle pain, diseases of the bladder and liver, and against radiculitis. Nettle stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, and also helps improve heart function. Carotenoids contained in the grass have a beneficial effect on vision function.

Boosting immunity

The benefits and harms of nettles for the body have been of interest to people for a long time. The organic acids present in the plant help increase immunity and overall strengthen the body. Nettle helps restore the body after surgery, can resist radiation, and also protects tissues from oxygen deficiency.

Fight dandruff

Nettle is also used as a remedy against dandruff. The harm and benefits of the plant are simply amazing - if you rinse your head with nettle decoction every day for 2 weeks, hair loss will stop.

Compresses

As we have already found out, not everyone knows the health benefits and harms of nettles. Often the herb is used in the form of compresses, applied to ulcers, abrasions, cuts and wounds. A decoction of it is used in the treatment of bleeding - it promotes the active production of red blood cells. Among other things, this plant also contains secretin, a substance that can normalize blood sugar levels.

Use in cooking

Nettle is widely used in cooking. It is added to soups, drinks and salads. In addition, chefs have learned to cook very aromatic and delicious fillings for pies, in addition, other forms of baking.

Nettle: harm and benefit

We have already talked about the beneficial properties of this interesting plant, now let's find out what harm it can cause. Most people believe that the worst thing it can do is burn the skin. Burns are caused by hairs white, covering the plant. Upon contact with human skin, they release a rather caustic substance, which causes severe itching and redness. Unpleasant sensations can be smoothed out by wiping the inflamed area of ​​skin with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.

Eating fresh herbs without cooking will also lead to burns. When preparing salads, greens should be scalded with boiling water, otherwise there will be great harm to the esophagus or stomach.

Plants that were collected along dusty roadsides and roads are also contraindicated for oral use. They completely lack medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb heavy metal salts, all dirt and other harmful substances, thereby possible consequences for our health by making them unpredictable.

Nettle (the harm and benefits of this plant are described in detail in this article) can sometimes also cause allergies. But mainly they relate to the use of decoctions. At the same time, herbal teas with it are not so concentrated, therefore, they are quite harmless.

Nettle can cause serious harm to a pregnant girl’s body, causing premature contractions or miscarriage. At the same time, the plant, famous for its tonic and vasoconstrictor properties, will help to recover during the postpartum period. It will prevent anemia, reduce labor bleeding, and also restore the tone of the uterus. There are no contraindications during lactation.

Let's talk today about a wonderful medicinal plant - nettle. Let's consider the medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle, its benefits and harm to the body, the origin of the name, the participation of nettle in the creation of armor for ancient warriors and its role in treatment various diseases, as well as application in cosmetology and folk recipes with nettles.

Most often, two types of nettle are used for medicinal purposes - stinging and dioecious - both are useful and have the same effect on the human body.

As children, we all got blisters on our hands when we accidentally touched the leaves and stems of these plants. Nettle stings everyone...

I remember how my grandmother in the village frightened us with a nettle twig when we disobeyed and played pranks, instead of helping to pick the young tops of nettles to add to the feed of poultry - ducks, geese, turkeys, especially chicks. They did not get sick then and grew quickly.

A vivid childhood memory is green nettle borscht, which my mother prepared from the newly sprouted green leaves of the plant. It was incredibly delicious! And it turns out that it is very useful, especially in the spring, when the body lacks vitamins.

Nettle medicinal properties and contraindications, harm and benefits, folk recipes

You need to know the medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle so as not to harm your body, but, on the contrary, to bring maximum benefit.

Let's start with a fairy tale... Do you remember the fairy tale “Geese and Swans”, where the sister wove shirts from nettles for her enchanted brothers? Throwing a shirt over her brother, enchanted into a swan, she turned him into a good fellow... Such a wonderful power is hidden in this unsightly plant!

Nettle and the epic knight Alyosha Popovich

In Rus' there was a custom to weave a shirt from nettles and wear it under chain mail. It was introduced by the wife of the famous knight from Rostov, Alexander, who became the prototype of Alyosha Popovich. His wife Lyubava, preparing him for a hike, went out under the full moon and collected nettle stems.

She paid special attention to old nettles. According to folk legends, it is the old nettle that has the most powerful healing and magical properties. Nettles must be collected in such a way as not to damage the rhizomes - they must remain in the ground so that the plant does not lose contact with Mother Earth, otherwise its strength will be lost.

The collected nettles were dried for a long time in the shade, then they were torn, separated from the scorching leaves, and men's shirts were woven from the remaining stems. Alexander Popovich wore such a shirt under his iron chain mail. Today it becomes clear that such a shirt protected the skin from oxidation by metal, protected the skin from minor abrasions and wounds, improved blood clotting, and helped in the disinfection and healing of the skin.

Origin of the name of the plant

According to one version, it is believed that the name nettle comes from the name of the supreme Slavic god the sun - Ra and the ancient Slavic verb Pi Va, that is, nettle - drinking the sun.

Indeed, the leaves of this plant contain a lot of chlorophyll - just a colossal amount of it. Its leaves really collect the sun. And in those places where there is not enough sun, where there is a lack of warmth, nettle makes up for this deficiency through nutrition and ingestion.

Among the Northern peoples there is a belief that the gods gave us nettles so that people would not get sick during the gloomy off-season. After all, it appears in early spring, when the body of the inhabitants of the North is greatly weakened by the long and cold spring.

I'll share one more interesting fact about nettles in heraldry - yes, there is such a coat of arms:

There is a coat of arms of the village, which uses the leaves and stems of nettles - the village is called Krapivna, Tula region, and every year there are nettle festivals with various master classes on products made from it. Nettle branches are intertwined on the coat of arms.

You may be interested in learning about a plant such as calendula, medicinal properties and contraindications, recipes for infusions, tinctures, ointments and oils with it. You can also learn in more detail about the features of such a plant as rose hips, beneficial properties and contraindications for its use.

Medicinal properties and benefits. What does nettle treat?

What are the benefits of using nettle and how well are its medicinal properties known? Let's look at it in order. Nettle is a plant that has been used by healers since ancient times in healing diseases, as well as in people’s everyday lives.

As people say, one nettle replaces seven doctors... Nettle may be stinging, but it is powerful!

The plant contains a large amount of potassium and no less calcium. There is carotene, without which the growth of the body is not possible at all.
Nettle is useful for its micro- and macroelements: manganese, chromium, copper, vanadium, very high iron content. Many synthetic drugs, such as Ferroplex, are inferior to nettle in their ability to saturate the blood with hemoglobin.
Nettle leaves contain up to 7% protein and its content is not inferior to soybean.

It is still used to prepare healthy and delicious dishes, make infusions and decoctions, healing various diseases.

Remember:
Nettle juice before flowering - thins the blood
Nettle juice after flowering - thickens the blood

Let's consider the beneficial and medicinal properties of this medicinal plant:

1. Hemostatic property. Nettle contains large quantities Vitamin K is a hemostatic vitamin. Therefore, it is used for bleeding and for various old wounds. If with a cut or open wound add chopped leaves, then the bleeding stops before the eyes. The same happens with internal bleeding (with ulcers or uterine bleeding). Stopping bleeding occurs due to the formation of blood clots, which can pose a threat to people with cardiovascular diseases. Still, I’ll give you advice not to joke with internal bleeding and immediately call an ambulance, since such a phenomenon most likely requires surgical intervention or intensive drug therapy. With frequent nosebleed You can suck infusion of nettle or powder of dried leaves into your nose.
2. Nettle contains a large amount of vitamin A, which is involved in maintaining good vision in humans. Vitamin A is necessary for the creation of skin and all elastic structures of our body, connective tissue.
3. The plant contains a lot of vitamin C. It is necessary for the synthesis of our collagen fibers, plays the role of a powerful antioxidant.
4. Nettle satiates and speeds up calorie burning. If you want to lose weight, eat nettles. Due to the high chlorophyll content in the leaves, the effect of rapid saturation occurs. It also speeds up metabolism in the body.
5. Nettle lowers blood sugar levels. Of course, you will not be able to completely cure diabetes with nettle, but with the help of its infusion or decoction you can get rid of sharp jumps glucose in the blood due to the content secretin, which stimulates the formation of insulin.
6. Wound healing and cleansing properties associated with the high content of pantothenic acid in the plant. Studies of this plant have shown that it disinfects and heals wounds better than any medicine. It's all about the rare acid that is found on the tips of nettles. Contacting foreign body, nettle throws out thousands of small needles, which dig into the enemy and spray with their special acid, similar to formic acid, and histamines are also released, and all together this leads to the formation of a nettle blister and skin irritation.
   This acid has a special effect on humans - disinfects blood and saturates it with useful substances.
7. Nettle broom is an excellent remedy for lower back pain and rheumatism.. You collect nettles, make a broom and burn yourself on your back and arms. The same procedure saves from swelling and pain in the heart. It is useful to sip with young nettles in a bathhouse. The acid contained at the tips of the leaves and stems has an excellent effect on joints and skin.
8. Nettle is fantastic cleanses the skin. With the help of nettle you can cope with the strongest neurodermatitis, even when the whole body is covered with blisters and wounds and the doctors helplessly shrug their shoulders. Then nettles are collected, the bath is filled to the top with it, and hot water(50-55 degrees) and it infuses. When the infusion has cooled to 40 degrees, the patient goes into the bathroom and steams in this nettle infusion. There is no need to wipe yourself off - let's dry off. After a week, not a trace of wounds or blisters will remain - the body becomes completely pink.
9. Nettle leaves contain 41% iron, so nettle is an essential food for nursing mothers and patients with iron deficiency anemia. Nettle increases hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells, which is very important for anemia, especially in childhood.
10. Nettle is anabolic- it dramatically increases muscle mass building.
11. Nettle - excellent infertility remedy. The healer Avicena also noted the unique properties of nettle in the treatment of infertility in women, which he reflected in his “Canon of Medical Science.” He recommended that all young women eat nettles with onions and eggs or drink a decoction of nettles and dry red wine.

    Recipe for infertility:
    Avicena advised taking 100 grams of nettles, pouring them with 2 liters of dry red wine and leaving the mixture in a dry, dark place. After 5 days, the mixture should be shaken well, brought to a boil, cooled and taken 50 grams three times a day before meals. Recent studies have provided a scientific basis for this recipe. It has become known that nettle juice improves blood circulation in the female genital organs and promotes pregnancy.

    I hope I have already convinced everyone of the benefits of water infusions, alcohol infusions and nettle decoctions and you are ready to consume and apply it. For its proper preparation and use, I will give you their recipes.

    Prepare nettle infusion. The amount of raw materials and method of use is indicated in the image. Please note that for diabetes mellitus, the dose is increased from 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day. Also, if urine stagnates, make a more concentrated infusion and drink 200 ml 3 times a day.

    Prepare nettle tincture. To prepare the tincture you need alcohol (70%) or vodka - half a liter. The infusion time is 9 days, of which one (the first day) is in the light, and the next eight are in a dark place. Take 1 teaspoon morning and evening half an hour before meals. Course - until the tincture runs out.

    Prepare a nettle decoction. It differs from previous recipes in that we boil the nettles for three minutes. Then cool, strain and take two tablespoons three times a day before meals.

    Prepare fresh nettle juice. We collect May nettles before flowering. Let stand for a few minutes cold water and put it through a juicer. Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and prepare a new portion again. We use it morning and evening for 3-4 weeks.

    How to use:

    • adults - 1 tablespoon and wash down with 3 tablespoons of water before meals
    • teenagers - 1 dessert spoon of juice in 50 ml of tea in the morning and evening
    • for children - 1 teaspoon per 100 ml of tea, and divide it over two days

    Now you have a clear guide to action - recipes for preparing nettle extracts different ways.
    Now let's talk about eating nettle as a separate dish in our diet.

    Traditional recipes with nettles

    Nettle juice for high blood pressure. Ingredients: nettle - 1 kg, kefir - as much as nettle juice will be obtained, honey - 1 teaspoon.

    Preparation and use:

    Take 1 kg of nettle leaves and pass through a meat grinder or juicer. Separate the juice and pulp. The juice should be about 100 ml. Add the same amount of kefir and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix everything and Take three times a day before meals for a month. Can also have a drink accept indefinitely- to increase immunity and increase the body's resistance.

    You can also rinse your mouth with it - this will help get rid of bleeding gums and strengthen tooth enamel.

    Nettle honey for cleansing and boosting immunity, accelerating metabolism. We collect 3 kg of nettles and pass the washed plants through a juicer. At the end we get 300 ml of juice and add the same amount of natural honey. Stir and leave for a day in a dark place. Take 1 teaspoon of nettle honey with a glass of warm water three times a day before meals. Take until the prepared portion of nettle honey runs out.

    Before cooking - read the contraindications of nettle and find out a little below who should not use it, since instead of benefiting the plant, it can cause harm to the body.

    Vitamin nettle salad with cottage cheese. Take live nettle and finely chop it. To prevent it from burning, you need to mash it. Add finely chopped green garlic and dill. Mix and add homemade cottage cheese. A little salt and pepper. Mix again. There is no need to season it with anything - the cottage cheese just needs to be fresh.
    Useful for vitamin deficiency and during infectious diseases as a means of prevention.

    Nettle salad with wild garlic. Chop fresh nettles, mash them a little, add a chopped bunch of wild garlic and three boiled beets on a grater. Salt and pepper. Refueling sunflower oil. It cleanses the intestines well, nourishes the body with vitamin C, and eliminates constipation.

    Nettle salad with eggs and onions. Prepares quite quickly. Chop the nettles, mash them, add a bunch of chopped green onions, a bunch of dill and two eggs - they need to be coarsely chopped. Add spices to taste. Season with vegetable oil or sour cream.

    Vitamin tea from nettle. For one serving of tea, take a pinch of nettle, add dried carrots, a handful of rose hips, dried leaves black currant, lingonberry leaves. Mix everything and pour boiling water - 0.5 liters. It is better to do all this in a thermos. After two hours the tea is ready. Add a little honey to the cup.

    The drink cleanses the body, the kidneys, liver and the entire gastrointestinal tract feel great. At the same time, the vessels are also cleansed! By the way, if you like herbal teas, check out the article on how to make ginger tea with lemon and honey recipes.

    If you want to bake nettle pies or make an energy drink like nettle milk, watch this video:

    Nettle recipes will help you prepare healthy dishes that will give you strength and health.

    Hair care. Nettle mouthwash

    I was convinced from my own experience that rinsing with nettle after washing your hair brings life back to dyed hair, shine and fluffiness appear, and they become manageable. They also grow faster. Skin itching goes away. Dandruff decreases and eventually disappears completely.

    The rinse can be prepared either from fresh nettles, or you can buy dry herbs at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself in May.

    The rinse is prepared simply - pour 2-3 tablespoons of dry grass or a bunch of live young nettles into 1 liter of hot water and let it cool until it cools. Pour it into a basin and lower your head there - hold it for a while until your hair absorbs more nutrients. After this, there is no need to rinse with water - just wipe with a towel. Additionally, you can watch the video, there is useful tips for blonde hair:

    Nettle face mask

    A powerful restorative face mask will remove wrinkles and leave your skin smooth, even and clean. It will remove minor inflammations and regenerate the top layer of skin.

    Compound:

    • 1 tablespoon nettle (fresh or dried)
    • 1 chicken yolk (preferably from domestic chicken)
    • 1 tablespoon warm milk

    Preparation and use:

    Place all the gradients in a cup, mix thoroughly and apply to the face for 15 minutes. then wash off with warm water. The skin becomes velvety and radiant.

    The properties of nettle that are used in cosmetology are tannins, formic acid, silicic acid, a set of macro- and microelements.

    Collection and storage of nettles. When and where to collect, how to store and dry

    When is the best time to harvest nettles? Nettle is most useful in May. It is during this period that it is a natural vitamin concentrate that contains vitamin C many times more than it is in lemon and currants, and vitamin A twice as much as in carrots. Here you will find a complete set of essential minerals - calcium, iron, copper, magnesium. This advice concerns the collection of the above-ground parts of the plant - leaves, stems.

    Rhizome must be collected late in the fall, after the plant has finished bearing fruit and has accumulated reserves in the rhizome nutrients to have the strength to germinate in the spring.

    Where is the best place to collect? Since nettle is a very unpretentious plant, it grows everywhere, from garbage dumps and old wastelands to forest edges and river banks. The plant is believed to grow in areas with negative energy which he picks up. Therefore, you can place a nettle leaf in each corner of the room - you are guaranteed to clear the space. Just remember to throw the leaves outside every other day.

    So where to collect? In environmentally friendly places, away from cars and roads. Meadows, forest edges and river banks are most suitable. but even in the city you can find a secluded corner in the city park where this vitamin miracle grows. We do not collect raw materials from landfills or near garbage heaps.

    Collection time- before lunch, no later than 16.00, and we begin collecting when the sun has completely dried morning dew on the leaves of the plant.

    There is a belief not to lift or take anything from nettle thickets, even if a valuable object has fallen there. What fell was lost. This expression is specifically about nettles.

    How to dry nettles. The plant is dried like any other - in the shade, without direct sunlight, spreading the plucked plants in a thin layer on paper. The room should be well ventilated. To make the drying process faster, you need to mix the raw materials with your hands from time to time. Some healers do not recommend hanging nettles in bunches - the stems are thick and may not dry out.

    How to store finished raw materials. After the raw materials have dried, they are placed in jars with lids. It can also be stored in bags, but there is a fairly high probability of moths appearing in it. And in jars there is no threat of dried nettles becoming damp and insects will not get in there.

    Harm and contraindications

    If a person suffers from a high level of hemoglobin in the blood, he has blood thickening and increased coagulability, then nettle is contraindicated in such cases. This is what they write in all articles about nettles! But…

    
    I'll open it for you little secret:
    those with thick blood can use nettle together with sweet clover, which compensates for the effect of nettle on blood thickness - by thinning it. It’s just that the beneficial properties of nettle are so high that it would be a sin not to use it if this negative effect can be compensated for with a natural anticoagulant!

    Also, before flowering, nettle does not thicken the blood; it thins it during this period. It begins to thicken after flowering.

    You should not use nettle if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs), as it will block their action.

    Also, infusions, decoctions and dishes made from nettle are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women precisely because of the high content of vitamin K, since an increase in blood clotting can lead to increased formation of blood clots, which is dangerous, and a miscarriage may occur. Pregnant women should not raise hemoglobin using any mixtures based on nettle - it tones the uterus and provokes the threat of miscarriage.

    The use of nettle is prohibited for people with cardiovascular problems, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins.

    Its use is not advisable for tumors of the uterus and appendages.

    Photo of nettle, its appearance

    We, as I said above, have two types of nettle with amazing medicinal properties - Stinging nettle and Stinging nettle. This is what they look like in their natural habitat - look at their photos:

    This concludes our fascinating excursion into the world of nettles. Today we looked at:

    • medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle
    • its benefits and harms for the body
    • origin of name
    • participation of nettle in the creation of armor for ancient warriors
    • its role in the treatment of various diseases
    • application in cosmetology
    • folk recipes with nettles

    Use this storehouse of beneficial properties of a medicinal plant and you will always be healthy!

    If the article was useful to you, play with your fingers on the social network buttons...

    The doctor's consultation

    Skype of doctor Ermolenko Lyudmila: ludmilaermolenko33

    by MedicineTeaser

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    BE HEALTHY DEAR READER!

    The healing qualities of nettle have been known since ancient times. This culture has many useful components that have a beneficial effect on the body. A significant amount of medicinal elements accumulates in its leaves. The rich composition of the culture helps strengthen the immune system, heals the body and is successfully used for cosmetic purposes.

    So, let's find out why stinging nettle is needed, as well as its beneficial properties and contraindications. The culture is included in many phytotherapeutic recipes.

    Features of healing culture

    The leaves and stems of nettle have many fine hairs, which are used to protect against being eaten by animals. These hairs, upon contact with the skin, release a mixture of formic acid with choline and histamine. This causes redness of the skin, burning and blisters. The medicinal plant contains a large amount of chlorophyll.

    Compound

    The effect of nettle on the body is determined by its composition. It contains the following useful components:

    • retinol (vitamin A);
    • vitamin K;
    • tocopherol (vitamin E);
    • B vitamins;
    • carotenoids.

    Of the microelements, it is worth noting potassium and calcium, copper, manganese, barium, sulfur and molybdenum. The plant also contains tannins, flavonoids, histamine and phytoncides. The product contains more copper and iron than cabbage leaves. Nettle helps the body get rid of harmful toxins and also cleanses the skin.

    Nettle is used as food. Fresh herbs are added to salads, and nettle tea can be brewed from dried leaves.

    Useful properties of the plant

    Active components stimulate metabolic processes and improve immunity. The plant is useful for atherosclerosis and tuberculosis. Nettle tea is used to treat problems with digestive system and nausea.

    Here are some beneficial properties of stinging nettle:

    1. Vitamin K contained in the composition is necessary for bleeding and old wounds.
    2. Improves the functioning of the immune system.
    3. Helps the functioning of the heart muscle.
    4. Effective for hemorrhoids.
    5. Positively affects metabolic processes.
    6. Stimulates pancreatic function.
    7. Reduces blood sugar levels.
    8. Helps reduce blood pressure.
    9. Has protective properties against viruses.
    10. Useful for the functioning of the genitourinary system.
    11. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
    12. Effective for neuroses.
    13. Reduces pain and cramps in the stomach.

    The health benefits of nettle are recognized by official medicine. It contains a large amount of vitamin A, which helps maintain good human vision. In addition, nettle speeds up the burning of calories. Eating nettle nourishes the body. You can make salads and green borscht from this herb. The plant helps reduce blood sugar.

    Nettle infusion is used to cleanse the skin. With its help you can get rid of neurodermatitis, when the body is covered with pimples and blisters. The leaves are also used during pregnancy, as the product increases hemoglobin levels. But this is done only after consultation with the doctor, since the herb can stimulate early labor. The healing culture significantly improves blood composition. Herbal decoctions are also effective for constipation.

    Infusions from perennials are used for all kinds of diseases. However, when using the product, you need to take into account that it helps flush potassium from the body. Nettle infusion is used for diabetes. Since the plant contains components that reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.

    The plant is used for pancreatitis. It stimulates tissue repair and also has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect.

    The herb is also used for prostatitis. It helps to get rid of painful sensations when urinating, and also has an antibacterial effect.

    Benefits for men

    Let's look at the beneficial properties for men. Components such as phosphorus, zinc, copper or iron will help strengthen the male body, and the product also affects the normal functioning of the body.

    So, here are the healing properties for men's health:

    1. Stimulation of prostate tissue.
    2. Increased sexual desire and increased sperm count.
    3. Preventing baldness and strengthening hair.
    4. Restoring strength under various loads.

    The use of perennials helps remove toxins and poisons from the body. The plant is relevant when drinking strong drinks. The roots are used to prepare a decoction.

    Benefits for women

    It is worth noting the beneficial properties of nettle for women. The plant has healing effects for female body. Since ancient times it has been used in gynecology.

    It is worth noting the effect of decoctions on hair and skin. At the same time, the skin becomes more elastic, and the strands become stronger and healthier.

    In some cases, the plant can be used after consulting a doctor. You also need to find out when nettle is used, as well as what its benefits and harms are for the body.

    Medicinal culture is used in the following cases:

    1. Helps normalize the menstrual cycle. Use a remedy to contract the uterus after childbirth.
    2. Young shoots are used in gynecology and for hemorrhoids. Juice is made from them.
    3. It is used during lactation, as it helps to increase it.
    4. Monoecious or dioecious herb is effective for severe bleeding during menopause.
    5. The herb helps with acne, which heals quickly and leaves no scars on the skin. You can use nettle root or leaves to make decoctions.

    Use during diet

    Nettle can be used for weight loss. The stems and leaves of the herb are often used to prepare herbal teas for weight loss. Tea from this plant helps remove excess fluid and eliminate swelling. Salad helps stimulate peristalsis and cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Soup from this plant reduces hunger. In addition, nettle tea has a calming effect.

    Tea from medicinal plant. It gives strength and vigor, increases concentration and removes fatigue and nervousness. It is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of the drink per day.

    Contraindications

    In addition to the indications, you need to know about the contraindications of the herb. It is worth considering that
    powder or juice from this culture increases blood clotting, so you should use the product after consulting a doctor.

    The plant should not be used for varicose veins or thick blood as there is a risk of blood clots. The decoction should not be used during pregnancy, as it can cause contractions ahead of schedule.

    It is also worth noting the following contraindications:

    1. For atherosclerosis.
    2. With high blood pressure.
    3. For kidney diseases.
    4. At risk of heart attack.
    5. For heart problems.
    6. For oncology.

    You should not combine decoctions from this plant with medications for insomnia.

    When used correctly, nettle will only bring benefits, and decoctions from healing herb will help with many health problems. Just before using the plant, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and features of using nettle.

Since ancient times, people have known the beneficial properties of nettle, which is why many traditional medicine recipes contain components of this plant. Nettle contains substances that have a positive effect on the human body. Vitamins, mineral compounds, all this is contained in the “garden healer”.

The range of uses of nettle is very wide. It is used for cosmetic purposes and gynecology. Nettle is also used for cooking healthy tea, and some dishes are also prepared from it.

But, nevertheless, you need to be careful when consuming this herb, as it can cause serious harm to your health. At first sight safe plant not so harmless. Here you cannot do without consulting a doctor.

Garden doctor

People have known about the benefits of nettle for a long time and successfully used it to treat various diseases, but even in our time this plant has not lost its popularity. Nettle is unpretentious and grows almost everywhere: in forests, near rivers, in gardens and parks. There are two types of this plant– it is dioecious and burning. The properties of the former are considered especially medicinal.

Related materials:

Why do nettles sting?

The herbal mixture can be purchased at a pharmacy or collected independently. But you need to choose environmentally friendly places to collect this medicinal herb. It would be better if it was a forest clearing. Under no circumstances should you collect the plant near the roads; instead of the expected benefits, you may get the opposite.

Useful properties of nettle

The beneficial substances of nettle have a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body and strengthen the immune system. A good therapeutic effect is achieved in the treatment of diseases such as atherosclerosis and lung diseases (tuberculosis).

Nettle decoction helps with digestive problems, eliminates nausea and flatulence. Nettle leaves are effective for respiratory diseases, as well as for the treatment of mucous membranes. “Hot herb” is successfully used to prepare green cabbage soup, which is especially popular in winter time. Nettle is also used as a remedy for allergic reactions and irritation.

Related materials:

Why do nettles sting?

For men's health

Nettle seeds will be of great help in the fight against male ailments. To obtain a healing potion, the composition is brewed with boiling water, infused, and then consumed before meals, one to three times a day. With such insidious male diseases, at an early stage, nettle is also the best healer. Nettle leaves are prepared as a tea and consumed several times a day for two months.

For most people, nettle, the harm and benefits of which are not known to many, is an absolutely useless and scalding weed. Due to this, people mercilessly destroy him. But in fact, the plant has become famous for its interesting ability to “sting”, it is also an excellent food product and an excellent medicine.

Story

People said in ancient times that the benefits and harms of nettle for the body can be replaced by 7 healers. Our ancestors knew for sure about the miraculous properties of this plant. Nettle is a universal medicinal remedy for a huge number of diseases; it is a raw material for the production of ropes, fabric, ropes, an excellent food product that can enrich the diet with necessary and useful substances. The plant deserves close attention as an excellent remedy for human health. In it, nature has collected a vitamin-mineral rich complex, due to which it has become almost omnipotent and very useful.

Compound

Possessing a vitamin-mineral rich composition that nature has endowed the plant with, nettle helps the human body cope with all sorts of inflammatory processes that occur in the body, in addition, replenish the deficiency of substances that are required to maintain its performance. It is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, selenium, sulfur, iron, zinc, barium and other elements, in addition, it contains:

• tannins;
• vitamins;
• pantothenic acid;
• acetic acid;
• caffeic acid;
• folic acid;
• formic acid,
• gallic acid;
• phytoncides;
• histamine;
• chlorophyll;
• betaine;
• lycopene

Young leaves and greens of nettle contain more vitamin C than lemon, but are not inferior to sorrel, sea buckthorn and carrots in terms of the amount of carotene. It should be noted that the unique medicinal properties of the plant are not lost during heat treatment, while dry grass is a natural first aid kit.

Effects of nettle on the body

It is difficult to list all the beneficial substances that spring nettle includes (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article). It is endowed by nature with an anti-inflammatory, general strengthening effect, in addition, it helps improve blood clotting, which is very valuable for cuts, ulcers and wounds as a hemostatic agent.

Use for anemia

The herb is also used as a remedy for anemia. Nettle decoction (its benefits and harms are due to the beneficial substances contained in the plant) facilitates menstruation and helps eliminate dark circles that appear under the eyes. It should also be noted that a powerful hemostatic effect can bring both benefit and harm. Persons who suffer from thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and anyone with very thick blood are strictly prohibited from consuming nettle, as this may cause blood clots.

In addition to everything else, this plant is used as a remedy for muscle pain, diseases of the bladder and liver, and against radiculitis. Nettle stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, and also helps improve heart function. Carotenoids contained in the grass have a beneficial effect on vision function.

Boosting immunity

The benefits and harms of nettles for the body have been of interest to people for a long time. The organic acids present in the plant help increase immunity and overall strengthen the body. Nettle helps restore the body after surgery, can resist radiation, and also protects tissues from oxygen deficiency.

Fight dandruff

Nettle is also used as a remedy against dandruff. The harm and benefits of the plant are simply amazing - if you rinse your head with nettle decoction every day for 2 weeks, hair loss will stop.

Compresses

As we have already found out, not everyone knows the health benefits and harms of nettles. Often the herb is used in the form of compresses, applied to ulcers, abrasions, cuts and wounds. A decoction of it is used in the treatment of bleeding - it promotes the active production of red blood cells. Among other things, this plant also contains secretin, a substance that can normalize blood sugar levels.

Use in cooking

Nettle is widely used in cooking. It is added to soups, drinks and salads. In addition, chefs have learned from this plant to prepare very aromatic and tasty fillings for pies, as well as other forms of baking.

Nettle: harm and benefit

We have already talked about the beneficial properties of this interesting plant, now let's find out what harm it can cause. Most people believe that the worst thing it can do is burn the skin. The burn is caused by white hairs covering the plant. Upon contact with human skin, they release a rather caustic substance, which causes severe itching and redness. Unpleasant sensations can be smoothed out by wiping the inflamed area of ​​skin with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.

Eating fresh herbs without cooking will also lead to burns. When preparing salads, greens should be scalded with boiling water, otherwise there will be great harm to the esophagus or stomach.

Plants that were collected along dusty roadsides and roads are also contraindicated for oral use. They completely lack medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb heavy metal salts, all dirt and other harmful substances, thereby making possible consequences for our health unpredictable.

Nettle (the harm and benefits of this plant are described in detail in this article) can sometimes also cause allergies. But mainly they relate to the use of decoctions. At the same time, herbal teas with it are not so concentrated, therefore, they are quite harmless.

Nettle can cause serious harm to a pregnant girl’s body, causing premature contractions or miscarriage. At the same time, the plant, famous for its tonic and vasoconstrictor properties, will help to recover during the postpartum period. It will prevent anemia, reduce labor bleeding, and also restore the tone of the uterus. There are no contraindications during lactation.