Nettle

Nettle is a medicinal plant that is beneficial to the body due to its high content of vitamins A, B2, C, K, acetic acid, formic acid, folic acid, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and protein.

Nettles have the following medicinal properties: they stimulate the lymphatic system, strengthening immunity, relieve the symptoms of arthritis, eliminate uric acid from the joints, strengthen the health of the adrenal glands, help with diabetes, dissolve kidney stones, reduce hypertension, inflammation, nausea, cures common colds, and destroys intestinal worms and parasites.

In pregnant women, nettle improves foetal health, in breastfeeding women it stimulates lactation, eliminates menopausal symptoms, soothes menstrual cramps and reduces bloating. Nettle helps with respiratory tract diseases, kidney function, asthma, stops bleeding, reduces the incidence of prostate cancer, diminishes skin problems, eliminates allergic rhinitis, relieves osteoarthritis, is useful in gastrointestinal diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and diarrhoea, reduces gingivitis and prevents plaque if used as a mouthwash. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, reduces the symptoms of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and sciatica, improves endocrine health by improving the function of the thyroid, spleen and pancreas.

For external use: Add 50 grams of dried nettle leaves to one litre of water and apply to the affected area in the form of washes or compresses. It is used for the following conditions: wounds, eczema, burns, psoriasis, dermatosis, insect bites, hives, brittle nails, seborrhoea, alopecia, dandruff, gingivitis, stomatitis, skin mycosis.

For internal use: Nettle infusion can be prepared from: 250 ml of hot water and one tablespoon of nettle leaves. Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes, strain and drink the infusion.

Nettle tincture can be used both externally and internally. For external use, the tincture is

used as is to treat various conditions such as acne and excess sebum, but it can also be

incorporated into masks or hair treatments that stimulate hair regeneration.

How to make nettle tincture. You will need nettle root, which should be washed, cleaned and chopped,

then stored in a jar. Add 60-70% alcohol until the jar is full and leave to macerate for 10 days in a cool place, stirring daily. Then filter the tincture and leave it to settle for 2-3 days, then transfer it to small containers and use the tincture as needed.

Nettle tea: one teaspoon of fresh/dried leaves scalded with 250 ml of water and left to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups per day. Do not take continuously for more than 3 months. If further administration of this tea is necessary, you can resume consumption after a one-month break. To prepare nettle syrup, you will need a glass jar, which you fill three-quarters full with finely chopped fresh nettle leaves and top up with honey. Leave the mixture to macerate for 30 days. Take 3 teaspoons of syrup per day for one month.

A nettle juice treatment helps to heal haemorrhoids, strengthening blood vessels and preventing inflammation and bleeding.

Pregnant women should only consume nettle tea on the recommendation or under the supervision of a doctor, as nettle may cause uterine contractions.

People with allergies may experience severe reactions when picking nettles and preparing the tea.

A 2007 study indicates that nettle tea may increase estrogen levels in both men and women.