The stinging nettle is a widespread plant and is just as often associated with unpleasant blisters, burning, or pain after close contact. It is found practically all over the world. It can be found in fields, meadows, forests, and gardens. It measures approximately 40 to even 160 centimeters and blooms from June to October. It is a perennial plant and contains a number of health-promoting nutrients that have been used in natural medicine for centuries.
Properties of nettle
Nettle can be used in a variety of ways. Various teas containing or made with nettle are available on the market. Extracts and essential oils are also popular, as are salads made with nettle. However, if you use it in a salad, remember to soak it in hot water beforehand to deactivate the toxins responsible for burning and pain. After this treatment, it is perfect as a food additive. Interestingly, it contains up to seven times more vitamin C than citrus fruits, a similar amount of calcium to cheese, and up to three times more iron than the same amount of spinach. It can also be used in the form of leaf compresses for sore joints or muscles. Despite the blisters and burning sensation, its beneficial effect in supporting the treatment of these conditions is scientifically proven. It contains many B vitamins, as well as vitamins K and A, and essential oils. Nettle also contains minerals such as potassium, silicon, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Like most leafy parts of plants, it also contains: chlorophyll, tannins and amino compounds as well as phytosterols, which are particularly important for patients with elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The rhizome of this plant also contains a bouquet of chemical compounds that are beneficial to our health. The most important of these are saccharides, tannins, and sterols, which positively influence lipid metabolism. We also find amino acids necessary for the proper functioning of the body, flavonoids, and a number of antioxidants used to slow the aging process or degeneration of the nervous system.
Nettle for better digestion
Infusions of fresh or dried nettle leaves , as well as all types of teas containing them, are the most popular. It helps speed up metabolism and stimulates appetite. Its cleansing effect on the digestive system is based on the removal of bile deposits and its beneficial effects on the liver, stomach, and intestinal functions. Nettle is used for diseases of the liver and digestive tract, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea.
Nettle owes its anti-inflammatory properties to the formic acid contained in the stinging parts of the plant. This acid relieves joint and muscle pain, including rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Effects on the excretory system and kidneys
Nettle infusions have been shown to effectively reduce the risk of kidney stones due to their diuretic properties. They increase the volume of urine excreted by the kidneys. Furthermore, they facilitate its excretion from the body. Furthermore, dietary supplements and infusions made from this plant help with inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder.
Interestingly, the ingredients of nettle, like dill and alfalfa, can have a positive effect on the milk supply of breastfeeding mothers.
Effects on the skin
Thanks to its astringent and cleansing properties, it's perfect for face masks or compresses. In this form, it dries out imperfections and closes pores. It's helpful for conditions such as psoriasis, lichen, and skin inflammations, including acne, among others. Nettle extract also makes an excellent disinfectant mouthwash. You can also massage your scalp with nettle infusion. This can help reduce the intensity of seborrhea and prevent the formation of excessive dandruff.
Supporting the treatment of asthma
Nettle infusion has an expectorant effect, which can help cough up mucus from the bronchi and trachea, leading to relief from bronchial complaints or asthma attacks.
Nettle and allergies
Due to its tyrosine derivative content, it is recommended for allergy sufferers. These have an antihistamine effect and can prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions in the body. However, don't overdo it, as the effect can be the opposite. Nettle components, applied directly to the skin in excessive amounts, have been shown to trigger allergies. However, this is relatively rare.
Nettle also has beneficial effects on back pain, but not only for this purpose. Conditions such as gout lead to excessive deposition of urate deposits in the joints or periarticular tissues. Infusions and dietary supplements containing nettle leaf extracts can help reduce the amount of urate deposits and also support their removal from the body.
The same applies to anemia. Due to its high iron content, nettle, as a natural source, can be an alternative to iron supplements. However, we should keep in mind that the iron contained in plant matter is not absorbed to the same extent as in animal tissue. Nevertheless, it increases the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which is important for improving blood counts, especially in cases of weakness and anemia. It can slightly lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thus supporting the work of the pancreas (insulin), which can be helpful for diabetics. Due to its high mineral content and its ability to support lactation, it is also recommended for pregnant women.
Its significant influence on the treatment of prostate diseases should not be overlooked. The European Commission and the European Scientific Cooperative for Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommend the consumption of nettle infusions and extracts for the prevention and support of drug therapy for prostatic hyperplasia in men. This is due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is due to the chemical compounds contained in the nettle root, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves. These are lectins and polysaccharides that inhibit the activity of aromatase, a key enzyme in the conversion of androgens to estrogens, that is, from male sex hormones to female hormones. Reducing the activity of this enzyme may be helpful in the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia.
Contraindications
There are several cases in which we should limit the use of nettle supplements. The first group is women struggling with reproductive system disorders. We're talking about cancer, fibroids, and bleeding. Also, remember to avoid using nettle supplements for extended periods of time. They can be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It's worth mentioning here that patients with kidney disease should strictly avoid nettle in their diet, as should those undergoing surgery.
Caution is also advised when harvesting nettles, as all parts are covered with hairs that can potentially become lodged in our bodies and cause burns. This is due to the stinging substances (histamine, acetylcholine, formic acid).
Summary
Nettle isn't just a weed or a "stinging plant," but also a source of potentially health-promoting substances. Keep in mind, however, that nettle infusions, oils, extracts, or supplements can't replace proper treatment on their own, but they work perfectly as a complement. It's also worth incorporating nettle in any form into your daily diet, in moderation, of course.
Bibliography :
- Pieszak , PL Mikołajczak, Medicinal properties of nettle ( Urtica dioica L.), “Advances in Phytotherapy” 2010, No. 4
- Jakubczyk K., Janda K., Szkyrpan S., Gutowska I., Wolska J., Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) - botanical, biochemical and health-promoting properties, "Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences" 2015, No. 61
- Medicinal plants. Cultivation and use. Outlet Couplan François Lazaron Aymeric
- "Herbs in the garden and at home" Michał Mazik
