People get acquainted with nettle from childhood, it is especially remembered by those who were stung by it. Most often, the plant can be found on forest edges, in non-turfed hollows formed by temporary streams, as well as on the banks of rivers and streams. Nettle often grows on roadsides and in the area adjacent to the house, so people get rid of it, like other weeds. The burning plant is very common in Russia, Central Asia, Siberia, the Far East and the Caucasus. But in China, Canada, Japan, North America, Korea, Australia, Europe and Asia, nettles are also found. Properties, contraindications for use and the advantages of the plant will be discussed in detail in this article.
Description
The height of the nettle ranges from 50 centimeters to 1.5 meters, the appearance differs slightly depending on the variety. If you spot a plant with dark green serrated leaves and straight, square stems, don't rush to pluck it with your bare hands or you could be badly stung. On the territory of Russia, two species mainly grow - stinging nettle and stinging nettle. They also have contraindications for use, however, before starting to talk about them, it is worth noting that the second one has the most pronounced healing properties.
Benefit and harm
Like any drug or medicinal substance, it also has contraindications (they will be discussed a little later). The plant contains a large amount chemical trace elements. So, for example, vitamin K contained in nettles improves blood clotting and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, this substance is involved in the process of hematopoiesis and promotes the formation bone tissue.
The burning plant contains flavonoids and tannins. Previously, it was even possible to save a person from death in case of severe frostbite. To do this, the affected areas of the body were simply wrapped in a nettle blanket.
The plant also contains protein, and it is twice as much as in legumes. Thanks to cellulose polysaccharides, lignins and vitamins B, C, E, K, which are also part of the nettle, there is a rapid elimination of various toxins from the body.
Many of us know that the body needs beta-carotene to improve visual acuity. It turns out that it is contained not only in carrots, but also in nettles.
To understand all the beneficial properties of a burning plant, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its chemical composition. 100 g of nettle contains 0.5 g of fat, 5.4 g of carbohydrates, all of the above vitamins, 3.1 g of fiber and 3.7 g of protein. It also contains calcium, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, iron, chlorine and copper.
Nettle has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect, improves blood clotting and relieves dark circles under the eyes. The plant is used for chronic diseases, atherosclerosis and tuberculosis. With weak immunity, nettle stimulates carbohydrate-protein metabolism in the body. Due to the healing properties of a burning plant, bleeding quickly stops. Nettle has not only a hemostatic effect, but also an antibacterial one. The plant helps a lot in the fight against abscesses, wounds and ulcers.
Miracle remedy for women
What you need to know about such a plant as nettle? Contraindications and beneficial features- this is the first thing you should pay attention to before starting treatment. For women, nettle helps to cope with cramps and bloating during the premenstrual period. As mentioned earlier, the plant has a hemostatic effect, and this can be useful for heavy and prolonged menstruation.
Nettle helps ladies survive such a difficult period in life as menopause, because this herb contains active ingredients beneficial effect on the female body. Taking a burning plant with menopause smooths out unpleasant symptoms and improves health.
Nettle is also useful for nursing mothers, especially in cases where the baby is only on breastfeeding. The plant stimulates milk production.
Sexual problems
Men who have problems in the intimate area are advised to include salads in their diet, which contain nettle leaves scalded with boiling water ( medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant are discussed in detail in this article) or crushed seeds. A good addition to such dishes would be grape wine. No less useful is tea made from dried nettle leaves collected during the flowering period. It increases libido, prevents the onset of impotence and helps in the treatment of prostatitis.
How to prepare nettle?
The leaves of the plant are harvested when they have the highest concentration. beneficial trace elements, usually this period falls on the beginning and middle of summer. Although many healers believe that the May nettle brings the most benefits. The medicinal properties and contraindications for the use of the plant collected at different times are identical. You need to dry the nettle in a shady place, spreading the leaves on clean paper or a cloth towel. Together with the stem, the grass is dried in such a way that the top is at the bottom and also in the shade. If the nettle leaves are dried out, some of the beneficial properties will be lost. Drying can be considered complete when the petiole becomes brittle, but the leaves do not crumble into dust. So that the raw materials do not deteriorate, all damaged and darkened areas must be removed before storage. According to folk healers, dried nettle leaves can be used for two years. Contraindications and medicinal properties of the plant are included in two unequal lists. True, the benefits of grass are still greater than the harm. Fresh nettle leaves can be chopped and frozen. You can also harvest the root, but you need to do this before flowering.
Nettle infusion
At heat treatment some components of the plant tend to break down, so this use case is more beneficial. Preparation of nettle tincture - the most effective method extraction of useful properties. It can be used for external use, as well as for warming the limbs and eliminating pain. Due to the alcohol content, this product has a long shelf life. To prepare the tincture according to the classical method, you will need 200 g of young nettle (you will need a little more dry) and 0.5 liters of vodka. The leaves of the plant must be thoroughly washed and cut. Prepared raw materials are poured with vodka and infused for 8 days. The first day it is better to keep the mixture in the sun, and the next - in dark place at room temperature. It is better to insist the drug in a bottle or a transparent glass vessel with a neck tied with gauze, but to store it in a dark container. Before taking herbs, you need to make sure that they are allowed for you. Nettle is no exception. Contraindications to its use relate primarily to people with a high risk of thrombosis.
nettle juice
For cooking, young shoots and fresh leaves are used, everything is passed through a juicer. Three meals a day of freshly prepared nettle juice (one teaspoon per dose) strengthens the body, improves blood composition and metabolism, and also has a hemostatic, diuretic, anti-febrile, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. Can be used for rinsing oral cavity and as lotions on wounds, burns, bedsores and trophic ulcers, and also to bury the nose. The shelf life of juice in the refrigerator is no more than a day. A similar effect is produced by the nettle extract produced by pharmaceutical companies. Since it is a concentrated juice, it can only be used after dilution with water and no more than 30-40 drops at a time.
Nettle hair treatment
The substances contained in the plant are of great benefit to the scalp and hair follicles. Nettle decoctions and infusions will help normalize the condition of dry and oily hair. The main advantage of this treatment is that when cleansing and nourishing the hairline, natural oils are not removed from the skin. Medications prepared on the basis of nettle can be used both on separate parts of the head and along the entire length of the hair.
Silkiness, shine and strength to curls gives a decoction of a burning plant. To prepare it, you will need: 150 g of nettle leaves, a liter of boiling water and 1 tablespoon of honey. All components are mixed and infused for an hour, after which they are filtered and divided into parts. In a basin with warm water, add 2 cups of the prepared broth and wash your hair.
Nettle: contraindications for use
Enough has been said about the benefits of the plant, now it's time to talk about when it is better to stop using it. As mentioned above, nettle helps to improve blood clotting, so it should be used with extreme caution in thrombophlebitis and varicose veins veins. In such situations, the risk of blood clots increases, which can lead to blockage of blood vessels and undesirable consequences. May nettle, contraindications for the use of which are known in traditional medicine, not recommended for people with kidney disease and hypertension. The use of herbs during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, since such treatment can lead to involuntary contraction of the uterus and premature birth. With uterine bleeding, you will also have to abandon the use of this plant.
In order to bring maximum benefit to the body, and not harm, everyone should know what beneficial properties this or that plant has, in our case, nettle. Contraindications to its use should not be ignored, because your life will depend on the correctness of the chosen treatment.
Translated from Latin, the word nettle means "burning". The plant is unpretentious, perennial and popularly known as a weed. However, despite this, it has a huge medicinal potential, thanks to which it has been successfully used for centuries, both in professional medicine and at home for the treatment of an extensive list of diseases. Even Avicenna described the medicinal properties of this plant. Currently, in some European countries, the plant is grown specifically to be further used for medical, cosmetic and culinary purposes.
The leaves of a fresh and dry plant, suspended in the house, rid the house of annoying insects and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Nettle composition
One hundred grams of blanched nettle contains:
Nettle - 22 useful properties
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arthritis cure
Nettle leaves can help patients with fibromyalgia, a disease that provokes diffusely symmetrical - musculoskeletal pain. Commonly called gout. Drinking a cup of brewed nettle infusion will have a positive effect on the symptoms of tendinitis, joint stiffness, and relieve swelling in the area of burned out tendons and joints. Daily use of brewed leaves plants, in the form decoction, will have a mild diuretic effect, freeing the bladder and alkalizing muscle tissue.
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Benefits for Women
Presence in chemical composition nettle of a huge amount of iron elements, secured the first right for the plant to resist such a disease as anemia, characterized by a decrease in the presence of red blood cells in the blood. Unique properties plants replenish lost strength in the body and relieve the syndrome chronic fatigue. Women have long known the properties of this plant and they successfully use them. The substance lactogen galactagogue, present in nettle, allows you to increase the secretion of milk. Nettle also has a positive effect on the hormonal background of a woman during menopause. Many women use an infusion of the plant to reduce heavy bleeding during the monthly cycle. In the form of tonics, it is used to treat uterine fibroids.
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Benefits for hair loss and skin conditions
Tea made from nettle reduces the presence of acne on the face, providing a rejuvenating effect on the condition of the skin of the body. Frozen infusion cubes are recommended for use in the form of morning hygiene procedures, washing your face with them. Rinsing hair after washing with nettle infusion improves hair growth, restoring the structure of the hairline and having a preventive effect on the manifestations of seborrhea.
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Benefits for the digestive tract
The leaves of the plant are used as additional remedy with symptoms of indigestion of celiac disease associated with damage to the intestinal villi, helping to get rid of such adverse symptoms as nausea, bloating. Nettle is isolated as a highly effective remedy in the treatment of tonsillitis, inflammation of the oral cavity, nosebleeds. Napkins soaked in nettle infusion can relieve external hemorrhoids.
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Use in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
In European countries, stinging nettle is successfully used to solve the problems of prostate adenoma. Studies have shown that stinging nettle in combination with saw palmetto is especially effective in eliminating symptoms of BPH such as incomplete bowel movements. Bladder and drip urination. These negative symptoms occur against the background of an increase in the size of the prostate gland, which in turn presses on the urea. Studies conducted in this area note that stinging nettle is chemical properties similar to the composition of the drug finasteride used in the treatment of BPH. The properties of the plant do not reduce the size of the gland itself, but have a beneficial effect on relieving the symptoms of the disease itself. This is possible due to the ability of nettle to influence the hormones testosterone and estrogen, which are responsible for the functioning of the gland.
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Prevention of arthrosis
Applications of fresh nettle leaves relieve the symptoms of arthritic joint pain. Nettle extract in combination with the intake of non-steroidal drugs enhances their effect, and tea brewed in the proportion of 1 spoon of plant leaves per cup of boiling water will reduce the dosage against arthritis drugs.
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Prevention of hay fever
The ability of nettle to reduce the amount of histamine in the body is used to relieve the manifestations of allergic rhinitis. Dried, lyophilized, and sublimated nettle-based drug is taken as a prophylactic during the flowering season of plants and helps to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses.
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Nettle as an anti-inflammatory agent
Scientific studies aimed at studying the properties of stinging nettle noted the inclusion in its composition of substances that prevent the development of inflammatory processes and the formation of cytokines. The plant is successfully used to solve problems that cause puffiness.
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Prevention of bowel diseases
Drinking tea with the addition of nettle infusion will help activate intestinal motility, providing a laxative effect. However, this procedure should not be abused, since excessive consumption of the drink can cause discomfort in the stomach.
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A treasure trove of nutrients
Stinging nettle is rightfully considered a multivitamin gift of nature. It perfectly combines both organic acids and biologically active substances. The presence of vitamins and minerals in the plant makes it possible to use its leaves for culinary purposes. Young leaves, and they are the most tender, nettles are added to salads and hot dishes in early spring. During this period, the body, especially in need of replenishment with minerals and vitamins, can get them in full from nettle. Housewives have long used the leaves of the plant in cooking, adding it to first courses and salads. Vitamin C, E, iron, zinc, potassium is far from a dusty list of useful plant components that have a beneficial effect on human performance and rapid recovery after illness.
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The use of a spa to stop bleeding
Combinations of herbs Knotweed, common thyme, licorice and stinging nettle have effective hemostatic properties. These combinations are reflected in the creation of a hemostatic agent used in dentistry, as well as in the healing of deep superficial wounds and abrasions. Hemostatic wipes Ankaferd Blood Stopper, when in contact with a bleeding wound, stop heavy external bleeding.
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The use of nettle for inflammation of the joints
Nettle can bring relief to people suffering from high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid, accumulating, forms crystalline formations in the field of compounds, which causes their inflammation, swelling, and pain. Nettle infusion is able to remove an excess of uric acid from the body, reducing the signs of the disease.
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Nettle as a remedy for infectious diseases
A tea made from stinging nettle and lingonberry helps to fight bladder infections. Both plants contain not only a lot of useful substances, but also a huge content of vitamin C, which reduces the presence of bactericidal infections leading to inflammation of the urethra.
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Nettle for nail care
To strengthen the nail platinum and give it a healthy color, it is enough to use nettle and vegetable oil. Steamed in warm water nails and applying a pre-prepared mixture on them, you can achieve strengthening of the nail plate, protect them from burrs.
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Nettle for healthy hair and scalp
Prepared decoction of fresh or dried nettle is a natural, cheap and affordable remedy for hair loss. It will perfectly get rid of the problem of oily scalp, prevent cross-section and give a silky, healthy shine to the hair. The brewed leaves of the plant in the form of an infusion are used in cosmetology in the treatment of seborrhea. Rinsing with this infusion strengthens the hair follicles, has a positive effect on the production of subcutaneous fat and prevents the appearance of dandruff.
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Antifungal effect
In the directory of herbal remedies, you can find another beneficial use nettle nettle. It is successfully used as a powerful anti-fungal agent that can resist fungal diseases.
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Painkiller
Stinging nettle brewed in equal proportions with buckthorn bark acquires the properties of an anesthetic and can help with headaches and pain in the joints.
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Prevention of respiratory diseases
Chlorophyll, contained in the leaves of the plant, endows the brewed nettle infusion with a stimulating effect on the respiratory organs, which allows it to be used in the treatment of bronchitis and tuberculosis.
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The ability of nettle to increase testosterone levels
Nettle contains a substance known as 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran. The substance is able to raise the level of testosterone - the main male hormone and is widely used by bodybuilders.
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Health of teeth and gums
The decoction used in the form of rinses is able to relieve inflammation of the gums and prevent the formation of plaque and tartar.
Nettle also helps with:
- prevention of Alzheimer's disease, stopping the formation of senile plaques in the cerebral cortex;
- correction of neurological conditions MS, als;
- children's enuresis;
- preventive actions aimed at the treatment of helminths;
- disorders of the endocrine system, improving the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Contraindications to the use of nettle
Properly formulated therapeutic dosages of nettle do not cause side effects and complications. However, there are also contraindications for its use.
- uterine bleeding;
- increased performance blood pressure (hypertension);
- atherosclerosis;
- neoplasms in the form of cysts and tumors;
- pronounced indicators of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, since it greatly thickens the blood and increases its coagulability;
- it is not recommended to use nettle infusions in the afternoon;
- nettle is categorically contraindicated for pregnant women, its use can provoke premature birth.
Since ancient times, nettle has been valued as a tool that can extend the shelf life of products. Rich in phytoncides, the plant is able to prevent the process of meat decomposition, preserving its properties for a long time. The carcasses of butchered animals were covered with leaves, this made it possible to stop the development of bacteria in the meat and extended its shelf life.
Fishing tackle was woven from nettles and coarse ropes were made.
In England, nettles are used to make wine; only 40 kilograms of raw materials are used to prepare 3,000 liters of the drink. And they hold an annual competition "Who will eat burning leaves more" This competition has been over 20 years old.
Nettles are also used for mystical purposes, making all kinds of slander on it. Remember the fairy tale about how Elsa wove shirts for her brothers from nettles? Superstitious people are wary of plant thickets on their site, trying to get rid of them as soon as possible.
But in the Tula region, on the coat of arms of which a plant is depicted, annual festivals are held. There it is valued for its qualities used in industrial production, where an environmentally friendly green dye is made from nettles.
If the nettle of our regions only burns painfully, then the plants of tropical latitudes can cause significant burns and even lead to death.
In folk medicine, there is a saying that one nettle "seven doctors" replaces, and this is really a true statement, given all the beneficial properties that this plant gives us.
Do not miss the moment when young nettles are born. It is still tender and very useful when eaten.
It is better to collect it before flowering.
Nettle is a valuable multivitamin plant, a kind of natural concentrate of vitamins. Ascorbic acid in it is twice as much as in the fruits of black currant and lemon, the content of carotene is higher than in sea buckthorn berries, carrots and sorrel, and only 20 nettle leaves provide our body with a daily intake of vitamin A. In addition, nettle is rich in vitamins K, E and B and trace elements: among which are iron, magnesium, copper, calcium, etc.
Nettle contains silicon, flavonoids, phytoncides, and organic acids, due to which nettle has general strengthening properties: it increases the body's resistance to many bacteria, toxins, the harmful effects of radiation, strengthens the immune system, and also provides a high degree protect the body from oxygen deficiency.
Improving the overall flow of all energy processes, nettle has a stimulating effect on carbohydrate and protein metabolism, which is why it is so often recommended for chronic diseases, when the overall resistance of the body is noticeably reduced.
Vitamin K saturates the nettle with a powerful hemostatic property. Vitamin K increases blood clotting and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which makes it possible to use nettle as a wound healing agent both for external use and for internal uterine, pulmonary, renal, intestinal and other internal bleeding.
Nettle leaves also contain pure chlorophyll, without any admixture of other pigments. Chlorophyll has a strong stimulating and tonic effect on the body, improves metabolism, increases the tone of the intestines, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory center, and also promotes the healing of affected tissues.
WHAT CAN BE PREPARED FROM NETTLE
Lots of different dishes! These are first courses, i.e. soups, second courses, salads and pies, cereals and sauces, meatballs, tea and juice.
It is only important to understand that young nettle is still rarely used as the main component of the recipe, more as an addition to taste. For example, like greens. Therefore, it can be put into many ordinary dishes that you usually cook, giving them a new taste and making them healthy.
HOW TO COOK NETTLE
In order for young nettles not to lose their beneficial properties, it is necessary to subject them to heat treatment as little as possible.
Maximum nettle should be boiled for no more than 3 minutes. Even when scalded with boiling water, it already stops stinging and can be finely chopped for use in salads or other dishes. If you want to keep as much vitamin A as possible, then it is better to grind nettles with your hands or with a ceramic knife.
Young nettles are added to soups, main dishes and cereals at the end of cooking.
Complying with these rules will not work only in pies and cutlets.
By brewing young nettle leaves we get tea.
Nettle leaf juice is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, or for drinks, to get it, young nettles are soaked in clean water for several hours, and then squeezed well in gauze.
HOW TO COLLECT AND PREPARE NETTLE.
You need to collect young nettles starting in April, in a clean forest, far from roads, landfills, cattle burial grounds and industrial enterprises.
We use young leaves and upper tender stems. We take healthy green parts. In order not to get burned, we use gloves.
YOUNG NETTLE CAN BE DRY, SALTED OR FREEZED FOR FUTURE:
It is necessary to dry in the shade, the shelf life of dried nettles is no more than 2 years.
For salting, young nettles are well washed and finely cut, 1 kg is taken from 50 to 100 grams of salt, this is somewhere around 2-4 tablespoons. Mix the chopped nettles well with salt, put them tightly in glass jars and close with ordinary reusable lids. Store in a cold place, such as a refrigerator or cellar, for up to 1 month.
For freezing, we also wash young nettles well, dry them, put them in plastic bags or plastic jars from mayonnaise and put them in the freezer for storage.
SEVERAL RECIPES OF DISHES FROM YOUNG NETTLE:
SOUPCHIK "VITAMIN" FROM NETTLE (with cheese)
Compound:
for 2 liters of water:
2-3 pcs. medium sized potatoes
1-2 carrots
200 gr Adyghe cheese
a bunch of young nettles
30 gr butter
about 1 tbsp. coarse salt
spices: ground black pepper to taste, 2 bay leaves
sour cream
Boil water and add diced potatoes.
Remove the foam, add the carrots, bay leaf and butter cut into small cubes.
Wash nettles and remove thick stems, if any. Don't cut it too small. So that the nettle does not sting, you can pour boiling water over it, but it is better not to do this in order to save more vitamins, but to cut it with rubber gloves.
Adyghe cheese(paneer) cut into cubes.
When the vegetables in the saucepan become soft and easily pierced with a knife (after 10 minutes), add cheese, nettles and salt. Let it boil for another 5 minutes and turn it off.
Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and serve with sour cream.
That's all! Nettle soup is prepared very quickly and turns out to be tasty and satisfying. At the end of cooking, by the way, you can add sorrel, it will be even tastier and healthier.
OAT PANCAKES WITH NETTLE AND SWAN
Pour a little boiling water into the hercules and place it to swell.
At this time, wash and chop the young nettle, quinoa and green garlic feathers.
Add crushed greens, salt, one egg and a spoonful of rast to our herculean mass. oils.
Knead the fritters.
Put our pancakes with a spoon on a frying pan heated with vegetable oil. Fry on both sides until golden brown.
COTTAGE COTTAGE WITH NETTLE
Wipe 200 grams of cottage cheese through a sieve, mix the curd mass with a glass of finely chopped nettle leaves. Add 3 finely chopped garlic cloves, 3 tbsp. l. vegetable oil and 1 tsp. mustard.
JUST NETTLE SALAD:
You will need: young nettle, green onion, dill, parsley, vegetable oil, pepper, salt.
Nettle leaves should be washed and scalded with boiling water, finely chopped, combined with finely chopped dill, parsley and green onions, salt, pepper and season with oil.
NETTLE SALAD WITH NUTS AND GARLIC
You will need: 500 g of nettle leaves, 50 g of parsley and dill, 4 cloves of garlic, 1-2 walnut kernels, 3-4 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, salt.
Rinse the nettles and dip in salted boiling water, boil for 3-4 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon, put in a colander, knead slightly, transfer to a bowl. Mix the oil with crushed garlic and salt, put the mixture to the nettles along with chopped dill and parsley, as well as crushed nuts, sprinkle with lemon juice.
NETTLE SALAD WITH WALNUTS AND ONIONS
Dip washed nettle leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, put on a sieve, chop with a knife, put in a salad bowl, chop green onions and combine with nettles. Dilute crushed walnut kernels in 0.25 cups of nettle broth, add vinegar, mix and fill nettles in a salad bowl with the resulting mixture. Sprinkle with finely chopped herbs.
Young nettle - 800 g, green onion - 120 g, parsley - 80 g, peeled walnuts - 100 g, herbs, salt to taste.
NETTLE SALAD WITH EGG
Dip nettle leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, put on a sieve. Then chop, season with vinegar, put slices of boiled eggs on top, pour over sour cream.
Young nettles - 600 g, eggs - 4 pcs., Sour cream - 80 g, vinegar, salt to taste.
sauerkraut
You will need 100 g of salt, 5 kg of nettle, 2 g of cumin, 150 g of apples, 150 g of carrots, bay leaves, allspice and 50 g of cranberries or lingonberries.
Rinse the young shoots of the nettle and place in an enamel bowl along with apples, carrots, cranberries or lingonberries, bay leaves, cumin, salt and pepper. Then apply oppression. After 2 weeks, nettles can be used in cabbage soup, for seasoning fish and meat dishes.
NETTLE OIL FOR SANDWICHES
Take 2 tbsp. l. nettle leaves and finely chop or mince, and then mix with 100 grams of soft butter. Add some grated horseradish to your liking and you have "green butter" for spreading slices of bread.
PLANTAINE AND NETTLE SALAD WITH ONION
Dip plantain and nettle for 1 minute in boiling water, put on a sieve, chop and add chopped onion and horseradish. Season with salt and dill, sprinkle with chopped eggs, pour over with sour cream.
Young plantain leaves - 250 g, nettle - 200 g, onion - 250 g, horseradish - 100 g, eggs - 2 pcs., sour cream - 80 g, vinegar, salt to taste.
NETTLE JUICE
Rinse young shoots of nettle and pass through a juicer. Pour the pomace with boiled water, pass through a meat grinder and squeeze again. Mix the juices of the first and second extractions, pour into scalded 0.5 liter jars and pasteurize at a temperature of 65-70°C. Store juice jars in a cool place.
These juices are used to prepare various condiments, sauces and drinks.
MOLDOVAN BORSCH WITH NETTLE
Rinse the prepared young nettle leaves, pass through a meat grinder.
Send rice to boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, add diced potatoes, sautéed roots, onions. tomato puree, salt, add sorrel leaves, 3 minutes before readiness, add the prepared nettle mass to the soup, boil.
Serve with sour cream
NETTLE SOUP (Bulgarian cuisine)
Boil young shoots of nettle, rub through a sieve. Fry flour in butter, dilute with nettle broth, mix with mashed potatoes, salt and cook for 5 minutes. When serving, put butter in the soup.
For 250 g of nettle - 3 tbsp. spoons of flour, 3 tbsp. tablespoons of butter.
FILLING FOR NETTLE PIES
Pour young shoots of nettles with boiling water, drain the water, chop the nettles and mix with boiled rice. Add finely chopped eggs, salt, season with melted butter.
For 1 kg. nettles - 100 g of rice, 5 eggs, 60 g of butter, salt to taste.
EGG WITH NETTLE
Scald and chop young nettles. Lightly fry finely chopped onions in a pan, add prepared nettles, coriander greens, salt, melted butter, put out everything. Then pour in the eggs and fry until done.
For 150 g of nettle - 20 g of melted butter, 30 g of onion, 2 eggs, salt and coriander greens to taste.
A rich set of biologically active elements explains the wide range of restorative and therapeutic and prophylactic properties of nettle. Nettle allows you to restore the functions of vital organs and normalize the body as a whole.
However, when using nettle, you should be aware that it thickens our blood, so people who have problems with blood vessels, heart, hypertension are not recommended to use it frequently. Pregnant women should not eat it, because it can provoke premature contractions.
And here is a video on how to eat nettles
Nettle is known to all. She is one of the first plants that any child will unmistakably recognize. I think there is not a single person who has not felt her burning touch at least once in their life. No wonder this property is mentioned in its other names. Here are some of them (collected in Dahl's explanatory dictionary): zhegala, zhigalka, strakiva, screech, burn, zhguchka, zhiguchka.
All these names indicate pungency, but not only this is noticeable nettle. She is the owner of many useful properties that have been used by people since ancient times.
nettle species
Nettle (Urtica)- This is a herbaceous plant that grows almost everywhere. Likes moist fertile marshy soils, shady places. Easily propagating by seeds, layering and rhizomes, it quickly masters all available space, giving gardeners and gardeners a lot of trouble. Flowering begins in May and continues until October.The most common and studied are 2 species: stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and stinging nettle (Urtica urens). They are quite similar, but everyone can find the differences.
Stinging nettle- perennial plant. The name contains the peculiarity of its flowering: on each of the branches can be placed or only female flowers or just men. The stem is hollow, tetrahedral. It reaches a height of 60 to 200 cm. It is she who most actively captures all the area at her disposal, creates thickets.
April nettle dioecious under the fence. A photo
On my site, the nettle lives on the north side - near the fence and in the raspberry bush, where by July it grows just on a par with the berries, if measures are not taken in time.
- an annual plant. Propagated by seeds, grows in small clumps. It is inferior in size to stinging nettle, it can reach a height of 35–40 cm.
These species can be distinguished from each other by the shape of the leaves, and by appearance inflorescences. Stinging nettle has more rounded leaves with straight, deep teeth. And in the dioecious they are elongated, pointed and have small sharp teeth. Stinging nettle inflorescences are short spike-shaped, not longer than the petiole of the leaf, while in the dioecious nettle they are long branched, hanging down like catkins.
What to do with a nettle burn
So why nettle? Dahl's dictionary says that the name comes from the word krap, to krapit. Everyone knows that after close contact with the burning hairs that cover the entire plant, marks, specks remain on the skin. Nettle burn is very painful, albeit short-lived. The skin at the point of contact is covered with red blisters, which can last from 1-2 hours to several days. If the trace of the burn persists for more than 10 hours, then we are talking about an allergic reaction.
What can you do if you get burned by nettles? First of all, take a look around. In the forest or on a personal plot, healing plants. Leaves, in this case, will come in handy. They need to be washed, kneaded until a greenish juice appears, and applied to the affected area.
Help relieve pain ice water. If you put the burnt place under the stream, then the pain will subside, calm down. Water must be cold, there will be no sense from warm.
Cold water helps relieve pain
- How to dry. For any harvesting method, young shoots are good. They are collected, washed and dried in the shade, preferably in a draft. Well-dried nettles are stored in cloth bags. Part of the herb can be ground into powder, and added to soups and sauces in winter. On our site, a regular reader shares her experience of harvesting nettles in a publication
- How to freeze. The collected washed nettle shoots are well dried, crushed and loosely (not compacted) placed in plastic bags. Plastic disposable containers with lids are also good. Then it is frozen, and in winter it is used in the preparation of soups, sauces and omelettes.
- How to salt. Washed and dried shoots are placed in jars, sprinkled with salt. For 1 kg of nettle, 50 g of salt will be required. Unfortunately, this preparation requires storage in the refrigerator.
- How to preserve. First, a mixture of greens is prepared: for 0.5 kg of nettle, take 100 g of green onions and 300 g of sorrel. Everything is washed, cut, put in a saucepan, add 1 glass of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. The mass is brought to a boil, boiled for 5 minutes, and then sealed in sterilized jars. It turns out a wonderful dressing for green cabbage soup.
Nettle in folk medicine
Nettle has been used in folk medicine for a long time. To list briefly, its most basic properties are as follows: hemostatic (for internal and external bleeding), diuretic, antiseptic, stimulating lactation. Its property to “purify” the blood is also known, therefore, in folk medicine, nettle decoction is used for skin diseases (acne, furunculosis, lichen).
With muscle pain, sciatica, it is useful to soar the patient in nettle brooms scalded with boiling water.
Despite the obvious benefits of using this plant, there are contraindications. Nettle increases blood clotting, so people who are prone to varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and pregnant women should use it with caution.
Nettle for pets
Nettle can be a valuable food and a useful vitamin supplement for our pets. First of all - for . They are given fresh herbs scalded, dried herbs are steamed and mixed with bran.Nettle goes well as a top dressing for poultry: (and, and adults) turkeys,. This herb is added to the diet of piglets and calves for the prevention and treatment of beriberi.
Aquarists add dried and fresh nettles when preparing minced meat for feeding fish. It is useful for replenishing calcium and vitamin K.
My grandmother respected this plant very much and used it very widely - in soups, and salads, and chickens, and in a bathhouse - to rinse her hair with a decoction. But what I found most interesting was this way of using it.
This was in the mid-eighties of the last century. We went by car to visit my grandmother's sister - in Moscow. I note that from our edges it is 1000 km. In those days of total shortages, only in Moscow (and several other large cities) it was possible to stock up on bed linen, clothes, even food. Leaving the capital, we bought a lot of things, including meat. It was summer, and somehow it was necessary to bring it. We froze it first, but there was still a danger of not saving it. On the way home, we stopped in the woods for lunch. Where - I do not remember, I was not enough years old. Grandmother picked more nettles and wrapped our precious meat with it. This is how we brought him then safe and sound ...
I think many summer residents have developed their own relationship with nettles. I hope that for you she is not so much an enemy as a good neighbor. Can you share your experience with this plant?
Stinging nettle is a ubiquitous perennial plant covered with thin, stinging hairs over its entire surface. Known to everyone since childhood, the plant that “bites” or “bites” is a weed that is difficult to eradicate for gardeners, but has long been used both for medicinal and food purposes.
Today, nettle is part of many herbal medicine recipes, sold in the pharmacy network in dried form and actively harvested by many people on their own. We will devote this article healing properties nettle, the peculiarities of the effect of the plant on the body and the rules of safe treatment.
An interesting fact - during the Gallic War, the legionnaires of Caesar's army beat themselves with nettle branches to keep warm.
Why do nettles bite?
On the leaves and stems of the plant there are a large number of hairs in the form of thin peaks, which serve as nothing more than protection from herbivores. Upon contact with the skin, the hairs release an allergenic mixture of histamine, choline and formic acid, which causes an immediate reaction in the form of redness, burning and blisters. The older the plant, the more noticeable the “nettle bite”.
The chemical composition of nettle
The studies were carried out by the State Unitary Enterprise "GOSNIISYNTEZBELOK". 100 grams of dry raw nettle contains:
| Main substances: | Amino acid composition: | Mineral elements in the ratio of 1 mg per 1 kg of dry raw materials: | Vitamins, mg/100 gr: |
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The following elements were not detected - chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic. |
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A rich set of macro- and microelements, amino acids, vitamins nettle herb provides medicinal properties, as well as a wide range of restorative and preventive action. Nettle proteins contain 9 out of 10 essential amino acids, which, together with the vitamin and mineral group, allows you to maintain a high intellectual and physical performance, quickly recover from stress and illness.
Pharmacological properties
- Normalization of lipid metabolism, mainly due to iron salts and vitamins;
- A pronounced hemostatic effect due to the presence of vitamin K, which is involved in the production of a blood coagulation factor - prothrombin. This property is characteristic of fresh raw materials, while dried nettle, on the contrary, slows down the process of blood clotting;
- Choleretic action;
- Anti-inflammatory effect;
- Acceleration of tissue regeneration;
- Increased tone of the uterus and intestines;
- Stimulation and toning of the body, increased basal metabolism due to the high content of chlorophyll.
- Improvement of cardiac and respiratory activity.
Contraindications to the use of nettle
Medicinal plants, like any medicine, may not be beneficial, but harmful if they are used in certain conditions and diseases in which they are contraindicated and may not help, but harm, and nettle is no exception. It is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, as well as:
- First trimester of pregnancy;
- Treatment with antidepressants and drugs for insomnia - the plant enhances their effect;
- Thrombophlebitis, increased blood clotting and atherosclerosis - when using a plant, blood thickens, which is dangerous for these pathologies.
- Hypertension. Brings blood vessels into tone, so it can increase pressure;
- Bleeding due to cysts, polyps and other tumors of the uterus;
- Severe kidney disease.
The use of nettle for human health
Roots, stems and leaves of nettle are used. The pharmaceutical industry produces the following types of nettle preparations:
With anemia
Nettle contains iron, which is directly involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, as well as the amino acid histidine, which is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells. In addition, the use of nettle contributes to a better absorption of iron from other foods. Rich in vitamin mineral composition helps to overcome the unpleasant symptoms of anemia in the form of fatigue.
nettle tea- 2-3 tablespoons dry nettle is poured with half a liter of boiling water and insisted on a water bath for a quarter of an hour, cooled and filtered. The resulting volume is consumed throughout the day. Since the taste of the drink is specific, you can add a little honey to the infusion. Assigned to course treatment within 4 weeks. After a short break, the treatment is repeated.
Nettle for bleeding
The mechanism of action is similar to that in the treatment of anemia, since any bleeding is accompanied by blood loss and, accordingly, anemia of varying severity. The plant also has a hemostatic effect.
Nettle infusion- 1 tbsp fresh raw materials are mixed with 1 cup of boiling water, covered with a lid and infused for 120 minutes. You can wrap it with a terry towel over it. The cooled infusion is filtered and drunk 1 tbsp. before eating food. The duration of the course is 2 weeks.
For diabetes
Nettle does not directly affect blood sugar levels, but maintains the condition of blood vessels, pancreas and liver, which suffer from diabetes, and also normalizes basal metabolism. Secretin is involved in the synthesis of its own insulin. Long-term treatment with nettle leads to the restoration of the work of pancreatic beta cells.
Decoction of nettle and dandelion- 30 grams of nettle leaves and cuttings, as well as dandelion roots, pour 600 ml of water, boil over low heat for half an hour. The finished broth is cooled under the lid (about 4 hours), filtered and diluted half with water. Take 0.1 l before meals three times a day for 2 weeks. Can be taken throughout the year with breaks of 1 month.
For respiratory diseases
Great for treating persistent coughs. Nettle root is used, the beneficial properties of which help to get rid of the painful symptom.
Syrup- about 100 g of fresh plant roots are crushed with a knife, poured cold water, which is drained after 10 minutes. In parallel, sugar syrup is prepared: 3 tbsp. sugar is dissolved in 100 g of water and boiled over low heat, crushed roots are added to the mixture and boiled for about 5 minutes. The syrup is allowed to brew, filtered and taken 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
The well-known drug Allohol contains nettle. The plant is successfully used in the treatment of hepatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, chronic constipation. Take in the form of infusion for a course of at least 2 weeks.
For skin diseases
Itchy dermatitis, minor wounds and abrasions, eczema, furunculosis, acne - all these problems can be cured with nettle. An infusion of the plant is used, which rubs problem areas 2-3 times a day, or dry nettle powder. Dry plants are crushed in a blender to a powdery mass and sprinkled on problem areas.
With musculoskeletal pathologies
Nettle treatment is indicated for rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, sciatica.
Broom- strong plants are cut along the stem of approximately the same length and collected in a broom (very good if flowering specimens are also present). The finished broom is dipped in hot water and perform the usual bath procedures. If the bath is contraindicated for health reasons, a hot steamed broom can be applied to painful places until it cools down.
For diseases of the urinary system
The plant has a diuretic effect, therefore it is indicated for conditions accompanied by edema. It also helps in the treatment of inflammatory processes. Used as an infusion for at least 1 week.
Antitoxic action
Previously, nettle was used as a universal antidote, but today these properties of the plant help with poisoning, including alcohol and bacterial poisoning. Lignins and polysaccharides actively bind toxic components and remove them from the body. An infusion is prepared, which should be diluted with half-cooled boiled water so as not to provoke vomiting. Within 2-3 days after poisoning, take half a glass of infusion three times a day, drinking the indicated volume in small sips and gradually.
Restorative action
Without exception, all the components of nettle are beneficial, we will describe only a few of them:
- the amino acid lysine is involved in the regeneration of bone tissue, histidine protects against radiation and helps work immune system, arginine enhances immunity tension, threonine supports basal metabolism, phenylalanine accelerates blood flow;
- vitamin K stops bleeding and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- bioflavonoids have antioxidant and antihistamine effects.
nettle for hair
The rich mineral composition of the plant, vitamins and the amino acid methionine lead to the cessation of hair loss, getting rid of dandruff, enhancing the growth of hair shafts and improving their structure. 
For express help, you should use the juice of the plant, which is rubbed into the roots and distributed through the hair, wrap the head with cellophane and a towel and leave for 1 hour. Three or four procedures will lead to a visible result.
The benefits of nettle for women
With heavy periods
The plant contributes to the contraction of the uterus and the speedy cleansing of the internal cavity of the organ, and also helps to quickly restore blood loss. Freshly squeezed juice is used - the plant is crushed and the juice is squeezed out of the raw material through clean gauze. Take 1 tsp. three times a day before meals for 7 days (until menstruation ends).
Nettle with uterine fibroids
With benign tumors of the uterus, nettle has an embolizing effect on the vessels that feed the myomatous nodes: it narrows the vascular walls, thereby reducing the blood flow to the tumor, which leads to its gradual regression. It should be understood that large nodes are beyond the power of the plant, but in the case of small tumors, nettle is indicated. If the myoma is accompanied by bleeding, nettle is shown doubly.
Saturated decoction- 1 tbsp. nettle seed and crushed plant roots are mixed with 200 ml of water, boiled on a slow boil until half of the liquid has evaporated, cooled and filtered. Take 3 tbsp. before meals four times a day for a course of 3 weeks, after a month's break, the course is repeated.
Nettle while breastfeeding
Since ancient times, the plant has been used by nursing mothers to increase the amount of milk, since it increases blood hemoglobin, increases strength and has a positive effect on lactation. It is prepared in the form of tea: you can use the above recipe or buy ready-made filter bags at the pharmacy.
Nettle to increase lactation - how to take: For the best effect, it is recommended to alternate weekly courses of mono-teas: first nettle, a week later fennel, and then raspberry leaves.
During pregnancy
Nettle is prohibited for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, because. can cause spasm of blood vessels and uterus and provoke a miscarriage. In the future, nettle contributes to the overall strengthening of the body, better resistance to infections, especially of the urinary tract, and the prevention of anemia.
Take nettle in the form of tea, 200 ml once a day, but the finished tea should be half diluted with water. You can use it for 7 days, then take a 7-day break, after which the cycle repeats. Before using nettle, pregnant women should consult a gynecologist about the advisability of such treatment!
With cervical erosion
The healing properties of nettle in gynecology are also used to treat the most common disease of the genital area - cervical erosion. For treatment, freshly squeezed juice is used, with which a sterile swab is moistened and inserted into the vagina overnight. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Nettle for men
Having a positive effect on the genitourinary system, the plant helps to improve potency, especially with regular use. It tones blood vessels, including the vessels of the penis, and therefore improves erection. In addition, the plant helps with prostate hyperplasia.
You can use the plant for brewing tea, as described above, but the best effect is given by fresh seeds of the plant, 1 tbsp. which are crushed and mixed with the same amount of honey. This mixture should be taken daily 1 time per day.
Side effects
Like any medicinal plant nettle can cause allergic reactions, especially when used by people with a tendency to allergies. It is also possible violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, diarrhea, etc.)
Nettle in cooking
Nettle is no less useful in dishes, moreover, it gives them a special taste.
Shchi green- young shoots of the plant are washed under running water, poured with hot, slightly salted water and boiled for 1-2 minutes. Add finely chopped boiled egg, greens and sour cream. Can be eaten both hot and cold.
spring salad- young shoots of nettles are poured over hot water, finely chopped. Add 1 fresh cucumber, green onions and cilantro, finely chopped. Dressing can be from vegetable oil, salt and lemon juice or sour cream, to taste.
Application in other areas
- Nettle roots are a yellow or brown vegetable dye, and the pigment chlorophyll is used in the perfumery, pharmaceutical and food industries to color raw materials green;
- From the fiber of the plant, you can make a rope, rope, sail, carpet, fishing tackle;
- In the absence of cold, nettle leaves help preserve the freshness of perishable products;
- Useful oil is obtained from seeds;
- The plant is used in agriculture for fattening birds, pigs, large and small cattle.
The collection of wild nettle is the main source for obtaining useful raw materials, but in some farms this crop has been cultivated for a long time.