4 health remedies with nettle

Nettles belong to the urticaceae family which includes around thirty species. alone great nettle, also called stinging nettle or common nettle (Urtica dioica L.), and the little nettle, referred to as stinging nettle or shrike nettle (Urtica urens L.), are used for their medicinal properties. They are both stinging. However, they are also food plants, used for agricultural and industrial uses. Originally from Eurasia, they now grow all over the world. Nettle is a bio-indicator plant which, in certain circumstances, signals soil pollution.

Two parts of the nettle are used therapeutically: the leaves and the roots.

• The leaves, rich in polyphenols, are also known to contain many minerals such as calcium, potassium and silica as well as vitamins A and C. They are depurative, remineralizing, antiallergic.
• The root contains polyphenols, lignans, sterols and sugars. It is recommended in case of prostate adenoma.

You will find dried nettle in pharmacies and herbalists. For fresh nettle, you will have to opt for picking.

Usage precautions

• Some people may be allergic in nettle. Always seek medical advice in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding and drug treatment.
• Nettle is not recommended people who suffer from hypertension, kidney failure and people on anticoagulants.

Read also :

• Nettle powder: the anti-fatigue powder
• Nettle soup recipe