Medicinal properties of nettle: use in medicine, dosage forms, recipes, contraindications

There are contraindications, consultation with a specialist is required

The benefits of nettle have been known for several thousand years: even in the works of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen, healing properties and use for medical, cosmetic and nutritional purposes were mentioned. This is a universal plant for promoting health, maintaining tone and improving mood. The herb is also used to nourish and enrich the body not only with vitamins, but also with proteins and carbohydrates. Nettle has found application in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

Useful properties of nettle

So what are the benefits of this herb? An infusion of this burning plant improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and has a choleretic effect. Thanks to the large amount of plant protein and lectin, the herb has a strong antitoxic effect, and the chlorophyll in its composition helps in healing wounds and strengthening the hair structure.

Effects:

• normalization of lipid metabolism due to the presence of iron salts and vitamins;
• weight loss and acceleration of metabolism and, as a result, assistance in weight loss;
• pronounced hemostatic effect;
• choleretic and anti-inflammatory effects;
• improvement of lactation in lactating women;
• increased metabolism due to the content of large amounts of chlorophyll;
• normalization of cardiac and respiratory activity;
• maintaining vision due to the presence of vitamin A;
• the role of an antioxidant, as it contains a lot of vitamin C;
• protection and maintenance of immunity;
• lowering sugar levels and, consequently, helping people suffering from diabetes;
• hemostatic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory;
• treatment of anemia, as it increases hemoglobin;
• fight against various skin inflammations;
• hair care in the form of masks and lotions.

What to remember

Nettle is one of the first spring wild plants. It is used in cooking and herbal medicine. Like any medicine, it has its contraindications, which you need to familiarize yourself with before starting treatment. It is advisable to prepare herbal remedies from a fresh plant, since it contains a maximum of vitamins. A green nettle smoothie will help strengthen the body and improve immunity.

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Based on materials from naturopiya.com

Chemical composition

If you ask the question “how is nettle useful for humans?”, then the first answer will be its chemical composition, because it contains a huge amount of microelements.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

• proteins - 4 grams,
• fats - 0 grams,
• carbohydrates - 5 grams,
• calorie content - 24.8.

What vitamins are in nettle?

Since this herb is a multivitamin plant, its leaves contain twice as much ascorbic acid than blackcurrant, lemon or apple, and the carotene level is higher than that of carrots. The plant contains vitamins A, C, group B (B1, B2, B3), E and K, macro- and microelements. The presence of vitamin K is responsible for the hemostatic effect of stinging grass.

Contains:

• glycoside urticine, ergosterol, carotenoids, phytosterols;
• chlorophyll, violaxanthin;
• pantothenic, formic, silicon, gallic acids.

Main active ingredients

Nettle leaves contain plant pigments such as chlorophyll, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, vitamins: , , , B vitamins (B2, B5 and), as well as tannins, amines (for example, serotonin, histamine), acetylcholine, organic substances. acids (including formic, glycolic and glycerol), flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oil, compounds that increase resistance to infections, trace elements, incl. calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, iodine, sulfur and sodium. Hair also contains volatile substances (methylheptanone and antophen).

The roots contain lipid and sterol compounds, lecithin, lignans, polysaccharides, soluble silica, organic acids, and mineral salts.

In what form is it used?

The benefits of nettle for humans have long been known, so it is often used in the treatment of boils, acne, and also as a remedy for rheumatism and gout. To do this, it is recommended to use it in the form:

1. water infusion,
2. briquettes with crushed leaves,
3. liquid extract.

This herb grows everywhere in the northwest and central Russia, so collecting it yourself is not difficult for many residents of the country. Therefore, in times of famine, the healing properties of stinging nettle saved many people from vitamin deficiency. The main thing is to choose, collect or buy a plant from ecologically clean regions of Russia.

Important information! If you decide to collect the grass with your own hands, then know: it is best to use leaves that are collected from May to June for treatment. The collection must be dried in a uniform layer up to 5 cm thick.

You can use modern dryers, in which it is necessary to set the temperature to 50°. The shelf life of this product is two years. You can also dry the roots, which have beneficial qualities. The roots are collected and stored from late autumn to the first days of spring, the flowers of the plant - in the summer, and the seeds - from late summer to early autumn. To make nettle juice, you only need young shoots and stems before the inflorescences form.

For women

The nettle plant is very useful for the female body. The medicinal properties of the plant in gynecology make it possible to successfully treat the following conditions:

• mastopathy, hormonal disorders of the genital area - internal administration of syrup with nettle and boron uterus extract;
• uterine bleeding (including postpartum and postoperative) - taking a decoction of nettle leaves;
• to relieve symptoms of thrush - baths of aqueous infusion of nettles;
• to neutralize the hot flashes of menopause - systematically take tea or infusion of nettle leaves;
• during lactation, to increase milk production - teas and decoctions from the leaves of stinging nettle.

In scientific research

• Studies conducted on rats have confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of stinging nettle extract in a model of Alzheimer's disease. In a study, Gholam Hossein Riazi (Laboratory of Neuroorganic Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tehran University in Iran) confirmed the antiproliferative effect in small cell lung cancer, which is characterized by high mortality.
• Wafa Siuda (Faculty of Biological Sciences, Badji Mokhtar Annab University) asked the question “why is nettle good for you?” and conducted a study on “Can stinging nettle supplementation reduce mercury toxicity in rats?” The results of his work clearly demonstrated the antitoxic effect.
• In 2013, V. Hadjashemi and Vahid Klushani wrote an article in a medical journal about the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of stinging nettle leaf extract when exposed to animals. Thanks to their work, it began to be used more often as a traditional remedy for musculoskeletal pain and rheumatism.
• In 2021, Rahila Qayyum (Faculty of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan) conducted a study on the mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of stinging nettle.
• The extract is effective as an antioxidant in the adjuvant therapy of type II diabetes mellitus and helps minimize the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. This was published by Alidad Amiri Behzadi from the Young Researchers and Elite Club of the Islamic Azad University of Iran, “Effects of stinging nettle supplementation on blood lipids, liver enzymes and nitric oxide levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: a double randomized clinical trial.”
• In 2021, Karama Zuari Bouasida wrote an article on the topic “Study on the hemostatic and wound healing potential of stinging nettle leaves.”
• The antibacterial activity of stinging nettle was studied in 2014 by Professor of the Faculty of Biology Hossein Motamedi from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.
• Traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. Animal studies have confirmed the antihypertensive effect attributable to calcium channel blockade and NO-mediated vasorelaxation. Rohit Bisht from the Department of Pharmacology at ISF College of Pharmacy in Punjab, India, has released a study on this topic.

Botanical characteristics

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Stinging nettle as a medicinal plant is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR, XI edition. The medicinal raw materials are the leaves, which are a source of vitamin K and have hemostatic properties.

The grass is widespread everywhere, except in the Far North. Grows luxuriantly in fertile soils rich in nitrogen. Solid thickets of nettle can be found in shady places, on the edges of forests, near housing and livestock farms, as well as in places where groundwater flows. It is a typical ruderal or weed plant that prefers landfills and cluttered areas. It is extremely rare in perennial grass crops.

Urtica dioica is a perennial dioecious plant up to 1.5-2 m high, with a straight, unbranched, tetrahedral stem. Male and female flowers are located on different plants. The leaves are petiolate, ovate-broadly lanceolate with a simple coarsely toothed edge. The leaf venation is pinnate. The upper and lower parts of the leaf blade are differently pubescent.

The inflorescence is represented by a simple axillary spike with small green flowers. Male inflorescences are erect on short peduncles, female inflorescences are drooping.

The leaves and stems are covered with many hairs - long, stinging and short, simple. Stinging hairs, similar to hollow capillaries, have a unicellular structure and contain stinging cells filled with a stinging liquid. The stinging mixture contains formic acid, acetylcholine, and histamine. When a stinging hair damages the skin, the contents of the stinging cells enter the puncture, and a nettle burn occurs. In this way the plant protects itself from enemies.

The main location of stinging hairs is the underside of the leaf blade, large leaf veins, petiole and stem.

The fruits are ovoid nuts with a high fatty oil content.

Stinging nettle as a medicinal plant is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR, XI edition

In official medicine

It has been known as a medicine since the 17th century, its benefits have been proven by modern medical research, so it is actively used:

• in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis, colitis);
• with anemia;
• as an antihemorrhagic agent;
• against pulmonary, uterine and other bleeding.

Medicinal properties include increasing blood clotting and hemoglobin, stimulating erythropoiesis and increasing the number of platelets in the blood. The herb increases prothrombin levels when anticoagulants are administered in excess and produces a vasoconstrictor effect. Nettle-based drugs sold in pharmacies have choleretic, anthelmintic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant effects. They are also used for diabetes.

For women's health

This plant can bring both benefit and harm to women, therefore, representatives of the fair sex should be careful. While it will help nursing mothers improve milk production for the baby, it can be dangerous for pregnant women, as it greatly increases the tone of the uterine muscles and can lead to miscarriage.

But during childbirth, it can help women in labor with bleeding disorders and blood loss, and promote rapid and painless contraction of the uterus after childbirth. Therefore, the question “is nettle good for pregnant women?” While it remains open, be sure to consult a physician before use.

In general, the plant is widely used for an analgesic effect and as a hemostatic agent, therefore it will be effective for various gynecological ailments: uterine bleeding and for normalizing menstrual cycles.

For men's health

Why nettle is useful for men: to strengthen potency. The herb has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system and helps in the treatment of prostate adenoma. The herb is used as a general tonic and prophylactic; all components of the plant can be used - seeds, roots, leaves. Traditionally, the duration of treatment is four weeks. Also, herbs can be supplemented with the main course of treatment with medications, but this is only permitted in consultation with a doctor. Independent actions can lead to adverse consequences from other body systems.

In folk medicine

Apply:

• as a diuretic herb in the treatment of edema syndrome;
• for diseases of the kidneys, liver and biliary tract (constipation, cholecystitis, nephritis, pyelonephritis);
• in the treatment of gout, iron deficiency anemia and polyarthritis;
• for atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough;
• during hypertension and even during cancer treatment.

The seeds can help women with infertility and men with impotence. To do this, nettle seeds need to be mixed with a softened banana and eaten every day. Freshly squeezed juice from the leaves is recommended for the treatment of osteomyelitis and for problems with digestion of food, as well as for large amounts of salts in the joints. The leaves are brewed and consumed to strengthen the immune system during colds and flu.

It is useful for poor appetite, gastritis, enterocolitis, pathology of the cardiovascular system, in particular for heart failure of I and II degrees, tachycardia. Plus, it helps restore the sense of smell when it is lost or sensitivity decreases. Powder of sun-dried leaves is used to treat ulcers and ulcers.

What are the benefits of nettle infusion?

A strong infusion of leaves is an excellent remedy for ulcers, burns and small wounds. It is actively used to strengthen hair when it is dry and brittle, as well as to treat dandruff. Recipe: Pour warm water over the chopped herbs, making sure to leave some room for fermentation. Cover the container with a lid, a board or wrap it in burlap and place in a warm place for 7–14 days.

What are the benefits of nettle decoction?

Taking the decoction a few days before the start of the menstrual cycle helps reduce the amount of blood loss in women. The decoction is also useful for patients with diabetes, but for a healing effect you need to know how to brew fresh herbs correctly. We offer the following option. Cooking recipe: mix 2 tbsp. tablespoons of dried nettle and mint leaves, add 3 liters of water and cook for 3 minutes. Leave for about half an hour and filter. You can add honey to the broth.

In cooking and dietetics

In cooking, nettle leaves, seeds and roots are popular in the preparation of salads and first courses (pickle soup, borscht), they are also added to sauces, fillings for pies, plus salted and fermented for the winter. To reduce the pungency, the leaves are treated with boiling water. Young, tender inflorescences are added to tea and dried for the winter. You should add it to hot dishes a couple of minutes before they are ready, but first rinse cold dishes, put them in boiling water and cook for two minutes, rinse them with cold water, and only then you can cut them - then you won’t get burned. Often adding recipes with nettle to the menu, you can reduce weight, because 100 grams of this herb contains only 24.8 calories.

Important information! If you eat untreated leaves often and a lot, flatulence will occur.

Tea

For a simple and vitamin-packed tea recipe, take:

• nettle leaves,
• dog-rose fruit,
• thyme.

Pour one tablespoon of each ingredient into two glasses of hot water into a container. Allow the finished product to stand for two hours, then drink as regular tea. Another advantage of this tea is that there is no need to waste time preparing the decoction.

Dangerous properties and contraindications

It is not recommended for use by people diagnosed with varicose veins or thrombophlebitis, as this plant strongly thickens the blood. Under no circumstances should it be used by pregnant women, as it can cause contractions and premature birth.

How to eat properly

Nettle leaves to food a couple of minutes before serving the dish.

Nettle soup

We take:

• 1.5 kg of potatoes;
• 300 ml 15% cream;
• 0.5 l of milk;
• a bunch of May nettles ;
• a little grated cheese;
• pepper and salt;
• 2 tablespoons butter.

The soup is prepared like this:

1. Cook the potatoes;
2. Drain the salted water from the container and dry the tubers;
3. Pour some olive oil into a frying pan and add nettle leaves . Fry them for 10 minutes;
4. Mash the potatoes until pureed and place on low heat;
5. Add a little butter to the puree, pour in all the cream and milk. Mix everything;
6. Add nettle leaves and mix everything together;
7. Grind the resulting composition using a blender or other kitchen appliance;
8. The soup is served hot. You can add grated cheese or a spoonful of thick sour cream to it.

Watch the video! Nettle soup

For hair growth and scalp care

In cosmetology, it is widely known as the best helper for hair loss. The author of the medieval medico-pharmacological treatise in Latin verse “On the Powers of Herbs” mentioned it as an effective remedy for hair growth and strengthening. There are many cosmetic recipes using nettle decoction; modern manufacturers make products based on this hot plant, but we still offer recipes so that you can independently make home cosmetic procedures for the health and beauty of your hair.

• To stimulate growth and shine: take 100 grams of leaves, finely chop, add 0.5 cups of vinegar, 0.5 cups of water. The mass must be boiled for half an hour, then cooled and rubbed into the scalp 2-3 times a week.
• Mask for growth: add pharmacy vitamin E capsules to nettle juice. This mask will help well for the growth and strengthening of curls. It is recommended to rub it into the roots once a week for best results.
• Mask for oily hair: take fresh herb and grind it in a blender. You need to add a teaspoon of salt to the resulting mixture. The resulting paste should be applied to the hair and rubbed in gently. Then you need to wrap your head in plastic and wrap it in a towel. After 20 minutes, wash off. This mask can be applied no more than twice a week.
• For a general strengthening effect: take 1 tsp. dried nettle leaves, 1 tsp. sage, 1 tbsp. l. dried chamomile flowers and 2 glasses of water. Boil water, place the herbs in a mug or jar and fill it all with hot water. Cover with a lid and let steep until the broth has cooled. After this, strain the infusion through cheesecloth and use while showering or after.
• To combat early gray hair or seborrheic disease: take 100 grams of leaves, chop and boil in one glass of water. You can rinse your hair with this infusion 3-4 times a week.
• For lightening hair. A suitable option for blondes. To obtain a brightening effect, brew nettle leaves and chamomile flowers mixed in equal proportions. Then strain the infusion and rinse your hair with it. Next, wrap the wet curls in a bag or plastic wrap and a towel for 60 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your hair again with the remnants of the cooled infusion.
• Scalp scrub. You need to grind rye bran and nettles in a blender. Add finely ground salt (extra) to the mixture. Then use the mass to cleanse the skin of sebaceous secretions and dandruff once a week.
• Revitalizing mask. Take 1 cup of crushed leaves, 50 g of yeast, 3 tbsp. l. honey and vegetable oil. Mix everything and stir for a long time until smooth. The mask is designed for only 30 minutes, then rinse your hair thoroughly with water and be sure to use shampoo.

Literature:

1. Nettle (genus of plants) // Great Soviet Encyclopedia M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1969-1978.
2. Lavrenova G.V., Lavrenov V. Encyclopedia of medicinal plants.
3. Yuri Konstantinov “Nettle. A unique natural medicine."
4. Daria Veryasova "Nettle". Ivan Dubrovin “All about ordinary nettles.”
5. I. P. Neumyvakin “Nettle: myths and reality”, 2021.
6. Akhmetov R.B. “Overcome the grass.”
7. Polevaya M. A. "St. John's wort and nettle - natural power."

For children

Nettle is also used to treat children. The use of infusions and decoctions improves immunity and facilitates the absorption of iron. And also used for:

• diathesis and allergic itching . Rubbing the skin with a decoction of nettle leaves, as well as nettle baths, helps;
• prickly heat, diaper rash and skin irritations. The affected areas should be wiped with nettle decoction or infusion;
• colic. A decoction of nettle leaves is prepared for children to take orally.

When to see a doctor

It's worth talking to your doctor or other health care professional first before trying nettle supplements or nettle tea.

Seek emergency help if you have a severe allergic reaction to nettle. Some symptoms indicating anaphylactic shock include:

• swollen airways and tongue
• labored breathing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• sticky skin
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

It is also important to talk to your doctor if any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms appear while drinking nettle tea regularly.

Interactions

Pregnant women should not eat nettle or drink nettle tea. Due to a lack of research, children under 12 years of age should also avoid consuming nettle.

It is important that people with pre-existing medical conditions and those taking certain medications talk to a doctor before trying nettle. This includes people who take:

• diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• beta blockers
• calcium channel blockers
• diabetes medications
• medications that affect estrogen levels

Nettle may interact with or enhance the effects of these medications.