Stinging Nettle - The Scary Monster

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

It is probably one of the most despised and avoided weeds. But not many people know that it’s one of the most versatile and healing herbs on the planet!

While my husband loughs at me when I add the nettle to my menu (he says he’d go for any herb apart from the nettle), I’m just simply in love with it! It’s got so many benefits: it’s great for hair, skin and nails; it’s a natural source of protein and minerals; and it’s widely available and free (it grows in abundance in my garden).

Description

It’s one of the most widespread plants - it grows almost everywhere. Plant with branching roots and toothed and heart-shaped leaves covered with stinging hairs. Tiny yellow –green flowers from June to September.

What’s in it?

It’s very rich in chlorophyll, vitamins A, B, C, D  and K, iron and protein. Nettle is also high in potassium and sodium as well as antioxidants. It contains phosphorus, magnesium and beta-carotene.

Properties and Use

Respiratory System

• The research has confirmed that nettle relieves symptoms of asthma, hay fever and allergies
• Nettle has been used to treat catarrhal congestion, bronchitis, tuberculosis, lung congestion, laryngitis, sinusitis and rhinitis

Digestive System

• Nettle has been used to treat anaemia
• Mouth and throat infections
• Gas, wind, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea and colitis
• Inflammation of the gums - gingivitis
• It's used for enlarged spleen, diabetes and stomach acid
• It helps to remove worms and parasites from the intestinal tract

Circulatory System

• It stimulates the circulation 
• Due to its high content of Vitamin C and iron, nettle stimulates blood renewal and promotes building new blood cells
• Nettle has styptic properties and it helps with bleeding such as nosebleeds

Detox

• Nettle is perfect for detox; it cleanses the body and removes the metabolic waste

Urinary system

• Nettle is a strong diuretic and it increases urination, so relieves the symptoms of water retention
• Gallbladder and kidney stones; gravel
• Haemorrhoids and haemorrhages; dysentery

Pregnancy & Maternity

• It contains Vitamin K which protects from severe blood loss during labour
• It increases lactation in breastfeeding mothers
• But: Nettle should be not taken by pregnant women as it may contribute to miscarriage.

Menstruation

• The herb eases the PMS symptoms
• It acts as an astringent, thus helps in heavy periods
• Nettle relieves the symptoms of menopause

Skin

• Nettle is used to treat many skin ailments such as eczema and acne, as well as it may be applied externally to heal wounds, ulcers, burns, scalds, warts, insects bites, stings, sprains, rashes and to stop bleeding

Hair

• It restores the good condition of hair and scalp
• It prevents dandruff

Other

• In medieval times nettle was an invaluable medicinal plant and it was advised for such ailments as gout, arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, joint pain, painful muscles and sciatica
• Nettle is rich in antioxidants which slow the ageing process and protect against tumours and cancer
• The herb has got anti-bacterial properties, thus is used in many health care products such as shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes (prevents plaque)
• It promotes weight loss and reduces excessive corpulency
• The herb strengthens all the systems and fights physical weakness, especially if one's  suffered from illnesses for a prolonged period of time
• Fever and cold
• Nettle has been considered a remedy for such conditions as ague, lupus, Celiac disease, high blood sugar, enlarged prostate, multiple sclerosis and neuralgia
• It stimulates the lymphatic system and boosts immunity
• It lessens hypertension

Food

• It’s best to pick up only young pale green leaves as older leaves are laxative, sedative and styptic.
• Nettles can be steamed, boiled, simmered, deep-fried or used in soups and stews. Cooking destroys the chemicals that are responsible for stinging.
• You can make nettle puree or add it to your smoothie.
• Nettle is the main ingredient in nettle beer.

• Although nettle has got many healing properties, it should be taken with caution.
• It can interact with other herbs or medications and cause side effects.
• Seek advice with a physician or a doctor while implementing nettle in treatment, especially if you suffer from diabetes and BPH or any bladder conditions.
• It is advisable to use gloves when handling nettles as they can cause an allergic reaction.
• Nettles should never be applied to an open wound.

Fresh or dried leaves, preferably gathered before flowering, are used in herbal medicine to prepare infusions, tinctures, compresses, creams, extracts, elixirs, 

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Herbs may cause allergic reactions, interfere with other medications and supplements or lead to unknown side effects. You should always speak to your doctor if you have any health concerns.

For a full MEDICAL DISCLAIMER, click here.

acne, ague, allergy, anaemia, anti-bacterial  arthritis, asthma, bleeding, bloating, breastfeeding, bronchitis, burns, bursitis, catarrhal congestion, Celiac disease, colitis, dandruff, diarrhoea,diabetes, diuretic, dysentery, eczema, edible herbs, enlarged prostate, enlarged spleen, gallbladder stones, gingivitis, gout, gravel, hair restorer, hay fever, haemorrhages  haemorrhoids, high blood sugar, insects bites, joint pain, mouth infections, labour, laryngitis, lupus, lung congestion,  multiple sclerosis, nausea, neuralgia, nose bleeds, osteoarthritis, parasites, piles, PMS, rash, rheumatism, rhinitis, scalds, sciatica, sinusitis, sprains, stings, throat infections, tuberculosis, ulcers, warts, water retention, weight loss, wounds, 

Reading list:

Clevely, A. and Richmond, K. (1994) The Complete Book of Herbs. London: Lorenz Books.

Mabey, R. (2012) Food for Free. London: Collins

http://www.herballegacy.com/Vance_Medicinal.html

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/n/nettle03.html

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-664-stinging%20nettle.aspx?activeingredientid=664&activeingredientname=stinging%20nettle

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-nettle.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/027290_stinging_nettles_tea_herb.html
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail107.php

http://naturalsociety.com/29-nettle-tea-benefits-health-herb/