Where does nettle come from?
stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant that grows everywhere: in vegetable gardens, in the undergrowth, in parks… Nettle is especially famous for its stinging effect. Indeed, its leaves and stems are covered with small stinging hairs releasing irritating chemical substances on contact with the skin. Nevertheless, nettle contains many benefits for our health.
Herbalists and herbalists have used it for hundreds of years for its virtues. In the Middle Ages, nettle was used as a diuretic in case of water retention or kidney problems but also to relieve joint pain.
After having long been considered a weed, the nettle regains ain popularity today.
What are the benefits of nettle?
Nettle is a plant very rich in nutrientsin vitamins and in minerals. First, it contains a large amount of protein, about 8 g per 100 g in fresh leaves. It also contains significant amounts of potassium, calcium And magnesium but also iron, zinc, silica and manganese. In summary, it provides almost all the minerals and vitamins necessary for the body.
Nettle has many virtues, including detox propertiesbecause it cleanses the kidneys but also antioxidant properties.
According to studies carried out on animals, the nettle would make it possible to lower blood pressure but further research on human beings is necessary to affirm this property.
In which cases to take nettle?
excessive urination. It is also recommended to prevent kidney stones, to relieve and to irrigate the urinary tract and kidneys in case of inflammation.
- To relieve the rheumatism and the joint painthanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- For the urinary disordersnettle would prevent kidney stones and relieve the urinary infections by promoting the elimination of urine.
- In man, the root extract improves the clinical symptoms ofbenign prostatic hyperplasia like excessive urination, it could even decrease the volume of the prostate if certain studies are to be believed.
- Strongly remineralizing (it provides organic silicon), it is therefore indicated in case ofosteoporosis.
- It also has anti-anaemic benefits for women with heavy periods.
- It can prevent deficiencies and seasonal allergies.
How to use nettle?
The uses of nettle are multiple, both internally and externally. To know that thehe dry plant is richer in active ingredients, while the fresh plant contains more vitamins.
In the kitchen :
The nettle can first be cooked: by soupin omelets, in juice, in pies, in salads, in pesto…
It can also be prepared asinfusions with dried or fresh nettle leaves. Use two tablespoons of leaves to make a detox tea to drink at the end of the afternoon.
As a dietary supplement:
Nettle exists in the form of powder, it is sold in herbalists and in organic stores.
You can absorb two teaspoons per day, take 1 to 1.5 g per day in case of prostate adenoma.
The powder can also be taken in capsules, it is often combined with other plants as needed:
- harpagophytum and blackcurrant against arthritis pain,
- horsetail against bone demineralization,
- saw palmetto against prostatic hypertrophy.
Other forms of use:
- Nettle can be used in poulticein particular associated with green clay to fight against arthritis and rheumatism.
- It can also be used in mouthwash to fight against certain infections: canker sores, gingivitis or angina.
How to pick nettle?
As the nettle grows everywhere, it is easy to find. To pick it, it is necessary to equip yourself with gloves in order to pick it up without being stung. The nettle’s micro-needles are located on the top of the leaves. This is why you will avoid getting stung by grabbing from below.
After harvesting them, you can rub the leaves against each other to remove the prickles. Similarly, you should know that once heated, nettle leaves lose their stinging character.
Does nettle have any contraindications?
Consumption of nettle does not include no contraindications.
Nettle being diuretic, be sure to hydrate yourself regularly if you consume it.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid nettle in case of high blood pressure treatmentof diuretic treatment Or anti-inflammatorybecause the plant can interact with these drugs.
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