Harvesting, preparation, medicinal properties of stinging and stinging nettle. Nettle – medicinal properties, contraindications, when to collect and how to drink

People have been familiar with nettles since childhood; they are especially remembered by those who have been stung by them. Most often, the plant can be found on forest edges, in unturfed hollows formed by temporary watercourses, as well as on the banks of rivulets and streams. Nettle often grows on roadsides and in areas adjacent to the house, so people get rid of it, like other weeds. The burning plant is very common in Russia, Central Asia, Siberia, on Far East and the Caucasus. But nettle is also found in China, Canada, Japan, North America, Korea, Australia, Europe and Asia. The properties, contraindications for use and advantages of the plant will be discussed in detail in this article.

Description

The height of nettles ranges from 50 centimeters to 1.5 meters; the appearance differs slightly depending on the variety. If you notice a plant with dark green, jagged leaves and straight, tetrahedral-shaped stems, don't rush to pick it with your bare hands, or you may be seriously stung. On the territory of Russia, two species mainly grow - stinging nettle and stinging nettle. They also have contraindications for use, but before starting to talk about them, it is worth noting that the second has the most pronounced medicinal properties.

Benefits and harms

Like any drug or medicinal substance, it also has contraindications (they will be discussed a little later). The plant contains a large number of chemical trace elements. For example, vitamin K contained in nettle improves blood clotting and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, this substance is involved in the process of hematopoiesis and promotes the formation of 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 blanket of nettles.

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, also included in nettle, there is a rapid removal 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 found not only in carrots, but also in nettles.

To understand all the beneficial properties of the 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 eliminates dark circles under the eyes. The plant is used for chronic diseases, atherosclerosis and tuberculosis. At weak immunity Nettle stimulates carbohydrate-protein metabolism in the body. Thanks to the medicinal properties of the burning plant, bleeding quickly stops. Nettle has not only a hemostatic effect, but also an antibacterial effect. The plant helps well in the fight against ulcers, wounds and ulcers.

Miracle remedy for women

What do you need to know about a plant like nettle? Contraindications and beneficial properties are the first thing you should pay attention to before starting treatment. For women, nettle helps 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 women survive such a difficult period in life as menopause, because this herb contains active ingredients, which have a beneficial effect on female body. Taking a burning plant during menopause smoothes 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.

Problems of a sexual nature

Men who have problems in the intimate sphere are recommended to include in their diet salads that contain nettle leaves scalded with boiling water ( medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant are discussed in detail in this article) or crushed seeds. Grape wine would be a good addition to such dishes. 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 harvest nettles?

The leaves of the plant are collected when they have the maximum concentration useful microelements, usually this period occurs at the beginning and middle of summer. Although many healers believe that May nettle brings the most benefits. The medicinal properties and contraindications for use of the plant collected at different times are identical. You need to dry nettles in a shaded place, spreading the leaves on clean paper or a cloth towel. Together with the stem, the grass is dried in a suspended state so that the top is below and also in the shade. If nettle leaves are overdried, some will be lost. useful properties. Drying can be considered complete when the petiole becomes brittle, but the leaves do not crumble into dust. To prevent raw materials from deteriorating, all damaged and darkened areas must be removed before storage. According to traditional 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 foliage can be chopped and frozen. You can also prepare the root, but this must be done before flowering.

Nettle infusion

At heat treatment Some components of the plant tend to break down, so this use option is more beneficial. Preparation of nettle tincture is the most effective method extracting beneficial properties. It can be used for external use, as well as for warming the extremities and eliminating painful sensations. Due to the alcohol content of this tool long shelf life. To prepare the tincture according to classical method you will need 200 g of young nettles (dry ones will need a little more) and 0.5 liters of vodka. The leaves of the plant must be thoroughly washed and cut. The prepared raw materials are poured with vodka and infused for 8 days. It is better to keep the mixture in the sun for the first day, and for the next day in a dark place at room temperature. It is better to infuse the drug in a bottle or transparent glass vessel with the neck tied with gauze, but store it in a dark container. Before using herbs, you need to make sure whether they are allowed for you. Nettle is no exception. Contraindications to its use primarily concern people with a high risk of thrombosis.

Nettle juice

For preparation, young shoots and fresh leaves are used, everything is passed through a juicer. Drinking freshly prepared nettle juice three times a day (one teaspoon per dose) strengthens the body, improves blood composition and metabolism, and also has a hemostatic, diuretic, antifever, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. You can use it for rinsing oral cavity and as a lotion for wounds, burns, bedsores and trophic ulcers, and also for nose drops. The shelf life of juice in the refrigerator is no more than a day. Nettle extract produced by pharmaceutical companies has a similar effect. Since it is a concentrated juice, it can be used only after dilution with water and no more than 30-40 drops at a time.

Hair treatment with nettles

Substances contained in the plant bring great benefit scalp and hair follicles. Normalize the condition of dry and oily hair Nettle decoctions and infusions will help. The main advantage of this treatment is that when cleansing and nourishing hairline not cleaned natural oils from the skin. Medicines prepared from nettle can be used both on individual areas of the head and along the entire length of the hair.

A decoction of a burning plant gives the hair silkiness, shine and strength. 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, then filtered and divided into parts. Add 2 cups of the prepared broth to a bowl of warm water 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 improve blood clotting, so it should be used with extreme caution in case of 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 folk medicine, not recommended for people with kidney disease and hypertension. The use of the herb during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, since such treatment can lead to involuntary contraction of the uterus and premature birth. If you have uterine bleeding, you will also have to stop using 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.

Come on, in childhood, which of us didn’t climb into the raspberry patch for juicy berries and, shouting “Ay!”, “Oy,” “Ay-yay-yay,” endured and gobbled on? Who were we so afraid of? Babayek? Moles? No, in the raspberry fields, in the fields, meadows, forests - biting nettles or, according to science, stinging nettles lay in wait for us everywhere.

Nettle is, in fact, a weed that no one specifically grows, but everyone knows it: children and adults, doctors, cosmetologists and even chefs. Interestingly, nettle, the medicinal properties of which are known to everyone, grows exactly where there is something to profit from - in raspberry thickets, among flowers. It’s as if the healer knows that we’re going to stick our noses in there - and she’s eager, really eager to treat us... And we, like a hedgehog of all things, famous cartoon“Hedgehog in the fog”, we still climb into the thickets, getting burned, groaning, but heroically enduring these torments. We are not hedgehogs and oh, how we feel the sting of the grass.

What are the benefits of nettles?

Common sense dictates that since nettle stings, then probably the most useful thing is contained in the leaves, or rather, in the stinging hairs that frame both the leaves and the stems. This is true. Nettle contains so many vitamins and minerals that the first aid kit is resting. Remember what we said when nettle, the beneficial properties of which were unknown to us at that time, stung: “It’s all for health, don’t worry and chew raspberries.” And they endured.

Contraindications to the use of nettle

Stinging nettle due to its powerful therapeutic effect can also harm a person.

It increases blood clotting, so it should not be taken by people at risk of developing blood clots.

For the same reason, hypertensive patients and those suffering from atherosclerosis should be careful.

Scientists have proven that the active substances contained in nettle can cause the growth of cancer cells, if any are already present in the body. Therefore, cancer patients or suspected cancer the use of nettle is contraindicated.

Nettle heals the kidneys, liver, bladder. However, in acute diseases, it can be harmful - take it in small quantities.

And do not forget that there may be allergies or contraindications to any other herbs included in a particular recipe.

In general, with such a list of contraindications, you should think carefully before using nettle internally.

By the way, this video tells you quite a lot about nettle in 4 minutes, including contraindications:

Nettle in cosmetology

The same vitamins and microelements can improve the condition of the skin and hair, help cope with acne, make the skin elastic, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, even out the complexion, moisturize the skin. Nettle is useful for hair; reviews of masks and decoctions can be found on various forums.

Lotion for oily skin and acne

1 cup of crushed nettle leaves pour 1 tbsp. vodka. Leave in a dark place for 10 days. Strain and dilute with 2 tbsp. water. Wipe cleansed facial skin. Do not drink under any circumstances, alcohol is a dangerous poison, do not forget about it.

Rejuvenating face mask

Grind fresh nettle leaves, add the same volume of honey melted in a water bath. Apply the mask and leave for no more than 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Anti-acne lotion

2 liters cold water(a lot of water, because it’s better to make more lotion - don’t drink it, wash your face with it), 12 tablespoons of nettle leaves - boil, strain and cool. Wash after sleep and before bed.

Mask for problem skin

1 tablespoon of crushed nettle leaves, pour the same amount of chopped plantain leaves into 4 tablespoons cucumber juice. Apply the mask and leave for no more than 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Against dandruff and hair loss

To solve hair problems, rub nettle infusion into slightly damp hair. This can be done no more than once a week, but the course is quite long - at least three months.

Pour a tablespoon of nettle leaves into a glass of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours, strain.

Nettle in cooking

We talked about medicine, about cosmetology too. What about food? After all, what goes into your mouth is useful.

If young nettle is poured with boiling water several times, its pungency will disappear. Add it to salads and preserves, baked goods, and crushed into green oils and pates.

And what an amazing taste the sorrel soup will have if you add scalded nettles along with the sorrel. Try it, you will like it.

Oh, and nettle is useful, even though it stings. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare it with gloves so that your hands do not become covered with blisters. Although such treatment also has its place - in children's fairy tales, grass turns swans into people. Do you remember the fairy tale about a sister and her 12 brothers? They were doomed to remain beautiful swans during the day and only at night turn into young guys. They were saved by their sister, who picked nettles and knitted shirts with her bare hands. It’s just a pity that my youngest and most beloved brother didn’t have time to tie up his sleeve - so he was left with a wing instead of an arm. Although... The fairy tale is a lie and there is no hint in it, wear gloves and don’t play the savior of the swans!

Stinging nettle is well known in folk medicine, but for ignorant people it is a stinging weed. Healing properties nettles are well known; it was previously believed that the plant could replace seven healers. It is difficult to answer what nettle cures, because it has proven itself to be universal medicine, helps against many ailments.

Benefits of nettle for the body

“Green doctor” - that’s what people call it herbaceous plant– is a valuable food product and an effective remedy. Unique properties The benefits of nettle for the body are determined by its chemical composition. This is a balanced multivitamin concentrate and a storehouse organic matter, containing vital substances, including:

• vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin K and others;
• minerals: iron, silicon, gum, manganese, copper, nickel;
• proteins, fats, fiber, sugars.

The plant contains more vitamin C than citrus fruits, and more carotene than sea buckthorn and carrots. In addition to these vital substances, the grass is rich in chlorophyll, starch, tannins, flavonoids, histamines, phytoncides, glycosides, glucokinins. It contains organic acids. All these components determine medicinal effect.

Nettle - medicinal properties for women

The beneficial properties of nettle for women have been confirmed by many years of experience. effective use medicinal and cosmetic products. Contraindications are the presence of thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, pregnancy, individual intolerance. Masks, decoctions, lotions based on plant materials have a refreshing and tonic effect.

Effectively used to strengthen hair:

• Fresh Juice;
• infusion of leaves for rinsing hair.

A decoction of seeds is effective:

• for the prevention of neoplasms in women;
• used to stop bleeding;
• relieves painful conditions during menstruation.

For men

The plant is also useful for men's health. The healing properties of nettle for men help restore sexual function and prolong full life men, enhance sexual attraction. In addition, infusions have proven themselves in the treatment of diseases. genitourinary system. Nettle treatment (decoctions and tinctures) is effective for getting rid of prostate adenoma.

Medicinal properties of leaves

The leaves are a source of vitamins; young shoots are eaten for severe hypovitaminosis and to normalize metabolism. The medicinal properties of nettle leaves are manifested in improving blood circulation, have a blood purifying, hemostatic and vasoconstrictor effect, lower blood sugar. The leaves are used for anemia, allergies, and urticaria. Hypertension may be a contraindication.

Infusions and decoctions from the leaves provide pain relief, wound healing and antiseptic effect, they are effective for acne. The recipe for such tinctures is simple, their description is attached to medicinal raw materials, purchased in pharmacy. The dry leaf is slowly brewed with boiling water and consumed as tea. This remedy works well when nervous disorders. Multivitamin infusions from herbs provide restorative effect.

The brewed herb has therapeutic effect for bronchitis, for suffocation, has an expectorant effect. The use of the collection is effective for rheumatism, gout, and has an anticonvulsant effect. Contraindications are kidney disease. Without consulting a doctor, this herbal raw material should not be used, nor should it be prescribed, otherwise it can cause serious harm.

Nettle root

Medicinal properties nettles are not limited to using only the leaves of the plant. The medicinal properties of dried nettle root have a very wide spectrum of action. On gastrointestinal tract syrup, tinctures from the root of the plant have a choleretic effect, activating the liver, stimulate appetite, work as a mild laxative, they are also useful for liver diseases.

Hello dear readers. Nettle is a very valuable plant in folk medicine. Of all the types of nettles, stinging nettle is the most common and used. For many, this is incredible, but it is a fact: this weed, which most people try, often not very successfully, to fight in their gardens, has properties that even some pharmaceuticals would envy. By the way, nettle is sometimes also used to produce medicines that can be found in pharmacy chains. It is very useful for the body, as it has a number of positive effects on it, including: restorative and tonic, diuretic and laxative, expectorant and anticonvulsant, wound healing and anti-inflammatory. Moreover, most of them have been known to mankind since ancient times.

Nettle, a herb and leaves whose medicinal properties will be discussed today, never ceases to amaze. This is a truly affordable and effective natural cure for many diseases.

Chemical composition of nettle

The results of many studies claim that nettle, among the plants known to science, holds the record for the content of vitamins C and A in its leaves and stems. By the way, vitamin A is known to be found in large quantities in carrots. It has a very good effect on vision and work vestibular apparatus, nervous system, participates in the processes of cell division and blood formation. So, in nettles, per 100 grams of product, this substance (vitamin A) is several times greater than in carrots. And there is 8-10 times more vitamin C in it (in nettles) than in the well-known lemons.

At different times of the year, the amount of vitamins in nettles differs significantly. So, most of them, as a rule, are found in May plants, and it is for this reason that nettles are recommended to be included in your diet to combat spring shortage vitamins in the body.

In addition to vitamins A and C, the plant contains the following:

• B vitamins
• vitamin E, H and K. They are most abundant here.

Its mineral composition is also very impressive:

• barium
• calcium
• iron
• potassium
• manganese and aluminum
• molybdenum

Another leading position is occupied by nettle in terms of silicon (Si) content. This element is relatively rare in food products. Meanwhile, without it, the body’s full functioning is impossible.

It has a powerful general strengthening effect, is an effective antioxidant, and is directly involved in the formation and development bone apparatus and so on.

Composition of nettle (per 100 grams of product):

• water (75 to 82 grams)
• carbohydrates (5 to 6 grams)
• proteins (about 4 grams)
• fiber (3-3.5 grams)
• ash (just under 2 grams)
• fats (0.4-0.6 grams)

Nettle contains about 40-45 kcal per 100 grams of plant weight.

A high concentration of chlorophyll causes green color plants. But in nettle it no longer contains any impurities or pigments. This allows it to combine perfectly with another, no less useful substance - secretin, which makes nettle an excellent natural medicine that can effectively combat most work disorders digestive tract, impaired metabolism, having a pronounced positive influence on the state of the body even with diabetes mellitus, bringing the blood glucose level to relative normal.

Nettle contains organic acids and essential oils, which are also in a positive way, at proper preparation and the use of products from it, affect human health.

Such a wide range of minerals (micro- and macroelements), vitamins and other beneficial substances makes nettle truly one of the most healing plants known to modern science.

Nettle herb and nettle leaves - medicinal properties

Traditional medicine considers nettle as a unique raw material for the preparation of many remedies used for a wide range of various diseases.

Medicinal properties:

✔ Anti-inflammatory

✔ Hemostatic

✔ Antiseptic

✔ Laxative

✔ Wound healing

✔ Expectorant

✔ Choleretic

✔ Painkiller

✔ Multivitamin

✔ Hemostatic

✔ Tonic

✔ Blood purifier

Nettle is used, depending on the indications, internally or externally. This plant is widely used to treat various ailments in folk medicine.

Leather

She helps cope with allergic rashes, shallow wounds. It has a pronounced antiseptic effect and anti-inflammatory healing properties.

Hair and scalp

A decoction from this plant allows you to quickly strengthen your hair and soothe the scalp, as a result of which dandruff and itching disappear, the hair itself stops falling out in quantities exceeding the norm, and becomes manageable and shiny. Apply infusion, masks, etc. But the oily shine goes away for a long time if you use nettle infusion to rinse your hair after washing 1-2 times a week.

Blood clotting

Externally, nettle is used to stop small and medium-intensity bleeding, as it directly affects the processes of blood clotting, accelerating them.

For face

In cosmetology, in addition to rinses, nettle masks are also used, which have wonderful nourishing and healing effects on the skin of the face.

Gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract)

Ailments of the digestive system can be soothed by taking nettle internally for medicinal purposes. In this vein, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, wound healing, regenerating, helps reduce gas formation, and stimulates the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.

The healing properties of nettle come in very handy for hemorrhoids, which, unfortunately, cannot completely disappear under its onslaught, but reduces its manifestations very significantly.

Genitourinary system

The genitourinary system will experience positive changes from the use of nettles. Moreover, both for women and for men. Nettle will help normalize the functioning of the ovaries, prevent prostate diseases, and improve potency. It has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect in diseases of the urinary tract, kidneys, and genital organs.

A decoction of this plant alleviates the general physical and psychological condition during menstruation, and tea from it is indicated for lactation and breastfeeding.

Exchange processes

Nettle leaves, due to their, without exaggeration, outstanding abilities in terms of regulating metabolism, help you lose weight without resorting to the use of pharmaceutical drugs that are hazardous to your health, and without exhausting yourself with debilitating diets and excessive physical activity.

Improving blood composition

Nettle contains a lot of iron. It is an essential component used by the body in the process of red blood formation. blood cells— . Therefore, remedies from this plant - effective prevention and treatment of anemia.

For constipation

Nettle decoction helps with constipation, acting very quickly: as a rule, the condition normalizes within the first 24 hours after starting to take it. With increased blood pressure, thanks to the vasodilating effect of nettle, its indicators often return to normal or approach natural physiological indicators.

Hypertensive crisis

Another mechanism to avoid hypertensive crisis- decongestant. Nettle stabilizes the water-salt balance in the body, removing excess liquid natural ways: with urine and sweat. But, you should be careful with its use if you are prone to thrombophlebitis, as it can affect the thickness of the blood, in the direction of increasing it.

For the liver and gall

Nettle will help cleanse the body of toxins, improving liver function. As a result, the body’s condition and well-being are significantly improved, and performance increases. And these are not the only advantages that nettle can bring to almost everyone who decides to take advantage of its miraculous power.

Considering all the medicinal properties of nettle leaves, we must not forget that every coin has two sides. Contraindications are what should always be taken into account.

Contraindications:

1. Pregnancy with complications (nettle is allowed for use only after doctor’s approval).

1. Children's age up to 7 years.

1. Individual intolerance.

1. Thrombophlebitis.

1. Phlebeurysm.

1. For hypertension, nettle is used only after consultation with a therapist.

Nettle leaves - treatment

As a rule, to prepare certain nettle-based products, its fresh leaves are used. So, decoction and tea from nettle leaves are indicated for:

✔ Cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholecystopancreatitis.

✔ Lack of appetite.

✔ Toxic contamination of the body.

✔ Internal bleeding (minor) and as a hemostatic agent.

✔ Ailments of the musculoskeletal system (radiculitis, arthrosis, arthritis, muscle pain and so on).

✔ Diseases Bladder, kidneys and liver.

✔ To strengthen the walls of blood vessels and so on.

How does nettle act on the blood: cleanses, thins or thickens?

Remedies from this plant have a direct effect on the blood. In addition to the fact that they effectively cleanse it of toxins, teas, decoctions and infusions, due to the presence of formic acid in nettle leaves, thicken the blood.

Therefore, they should be used with caution, taking into account all contraindications and possible side effects.

Nettle infusion, decoction and tea - how to prepare, application

Each of these means has its own positive sides, in terms of their impact on health. And each of them is prepared and consumed differently. So, to prepare the infusion, you need to take crushed leaves of young nettle (a slight presence of fresh stems in the raw material is allowed).

Nettle infusion

If you don’t have green nettles, you can use dried, specially prepared ones.

Preparation. For a teapot with a volume of 400 milliliters, 2-2.5 teaspoons are enough. Nettle is poured into a teapot and poured with boiling water (not to the very brim). The product is infused for 10-12 minutes, after which it is filtered.

Application. The infusion should be taken no longer than one week, half a glass half an hour before meals or an hour after it.

It helps with colds, and also - can be used for the purpose of normalizing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, in the presence of foci of inflammation in the body, and so on. In principle, such an infusion has the entire range of positive effects that were described above.

Nettle decoction

Preparation. How to cook: pour 6-7 large healthy young leaves into a glass of clean drinking water in an enamel bowl, place it on a gas stove over low heat, bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Next, immediately remove from the stove and leave for about 20 minutes. After this, you need to strain the broth.

Application. That's it, it is completely ready for use. You need to drink half a glass of it for prevention, and a whole glass for treatment, several times a day.

For what diseases is it used? The decoction is useful in treating stones in gallbladder and kidneys, with attacks of suffocation, liver ailments, internal bleeding, hemorrhoids, edema, diseases of cardio-vascular system, lungs and so on.

In particular, the decoction is very helpful for sore throat, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. It is also used for dermatovenerological diseases, as well as in for cosmetic purposes to strengthen hair and get rid of dandruff.

Nettle tea in a thermos

Nettle makes a healthy and very tasty tea. It is best if, during its preparation, as a additional ingredients, will be used: currant leaves And dried fruits rosehip.

Preparation. You should take: 2/3 of nettle (fresh or dried), 0.5/3 of currant leaves and 0.5/3 of chopped. 2.5 teaspoons of this mixture are poured with boiling water (liquid volume - 450-500 milliliters).

It is best to prepare tea in a thermos. After the raw materials are filled with boiling water, the thermos is closed and the tea is infused for 10-15 minutes. After cooking, it must be strained. The volume of one thermos should be enough for a day, that is, 500 milliliters.

Application. Drink the product as you would regular tea. Sometimes they add it Bee Honey or a little sugar, but not everyone likes this combination of nettles with them.

For what diseases is it used? This product cleans perfectly blood vessels, strengthens the body's defenses, neutralizes toxins, improves the condition of the kidneys and liver, and improves mood. You can drink it irregularly on an ongoing basis (per week - no more than 1-2 days).

Nettle tincture with vodka - preparation, use, treatment

It can be prepared using either fresh raw materials (mostly leaves, but you can also add a small amount of peeled root) or dry ones.

Tincture on fresh leaves

Recipe for alcoholic nettle tincture using fresh leaves and roots. Nettles should be washed thoroughly and the water should be allowed to drain. Grind it with a kitchen knife. If you come across stems, occasionally, this is allowed.

To prepare 500 milliliters of tincture, you need to take 1 glass of plant material and 2 glasses of store-bought vodka (if you don’t have vodka, you can use moonshine). Place the nettles in a glass jar, add vodka, and close the lid tightly.

Leave for 2 weeks in a dark and cool place, shaking every 2-3 days. After completing the infusion process, strain and squeeze out the pulp.

Tincture of dried leaves

Recipe for alcoholic nettle tincture dried leaves and roots. This tincture is prepared as follows: half a glass of dry crushed raw materials is poured into a jar, half a glass of vodka and 1/3 glass of boiled, but already cooled, water are poured into it. Everything is thoroughly mixed. Next, the cooking recipe is identical to that used when using fresh, green raw materials.

Shelf life of the tincture. The finished tincture, prepared according to one of the above recipes, can be stored for no more than 4 months, provided that it is poured into dark glass bottles and left in the refrigerator. But, of course, it is best to use fresh tincture.

A properly prepared tincture, for which only high-quality raw materials are used, retains almost all the beneficial properties inherent in fresh May nettle. It is used for diabetes and diseases associated with the stomach, anemia and urolithiasis, gall bladder problems and immune system. This is an excellent general tonic. Can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

How to use? In most cases, the tincture is used as follows: 10-12 drops, dissolving it in 50 milliliters of drinking water, 1 hour after meals. Average course: 10-15 days.

Is nettle root useful - medicinal properties

Nettle root contains less vitamins than the above-ground part of the plant, however, micro- and macroelements, as shown laboratory research, there is much more to it.

Its effect on the body is not as pronounced as the effect of nettle leaves and stems. However, you should not neglect adding it to products from this plant, in particular to alcohol (vodka) tincture. Is nettle root beneficial? Undoubtedly yes.

How and when to collect nettles, and how to dry them correctly?

WITH therapeutic purpose plant leaves, roots, stems and even seeds are used. Its main part, which predominates in the composition of the raw materials used to prepare certain products at home, is the leaves.

They can be collected from late summer to mid-autumn. In this process, plants are cut at a height of about 5 centimeters from the ground, tying them into bunches of 5-7 pieces. They can be hung in the attic, or under sheds, until completely dry.

If you dry the raw material by spreading it on paper in a thin layer, you can reduce its drying time by almost 2 times.

To preserve everything, it is important that the nettle dries in the shade, not in direct sunlight, otherwise it may lose a significant part of its beneficial properties. The shelf life of finished raw materials is 2 years in dry, dust-free rooms.

Harvesting roots, as well as leaves alone, is practically no different from the process of harvesting above-ground parts of a plant, in terms of drying and harvesting time.

The roots should be dug up, cleaned of soil, thoroughly washed and dried. Next, peel them using a kitchen knife, chop them (cut into slices lengthwise, each about 2-3 millimeters thick). Add to decoctions or tinctures.

Nettle is a universal biological source active substances. Alternative medicine included this medicinal plant among the most useful representatives of the “green pharmacy”. The medicinal properties of nettle are especially valued for chronic inflammatory diseases, women's ailments, anemia, bronchitis, and hair loss. The Russian people have long believed that the use of hot herbs replaces 7 healers. Let's find out why a seemingly ordinary plant is given an honorable role in alternative and official medicine, how to use nettle leaves with maximum benefit for the body.

Legendary plant

According to an ancient parable, the stinging effect of nettle was given to it by God to protect it from destruction by people and animals. Many people are not averse to eating juicy greens, but the fear of stinging hairs stops them. There is a belief that nettle leaves and the medicinal properties of this herb successfully replace 7 healers. It is believed that even plant branches placed under the bed of a sick person protect against illness and help resist dark forces. Russian doctors recognized the healing properties of nettle back in the 17th century; they recommended using fresh leaves to treat wounds and lubricate ulcers on the body with juice.

Three centuries of use by scientific medicine

The “image” of the legendary plant has noticeably improved after a thorough study of it chemical composition And biological action active substances. Residents of modern cities should definitely pay attention to the property of nettle preparations to increase the body’s resistance to negative influences external environment. The plant helps with many diseases. The most valuable thing is its hemostatic and cleansing effect, tonic effect for a number of organs and systems.

Nettle will even save your head from hair loss. Medicinal properties and contraindications are included in two unequal lists. The first is much broader than the second; the plant brings more benefits than harm. Freshly cut nettle leaves can be eaten as a dietary product with virtually no contraindications.

Family Nettle genus Nettle: stings and heals

Thin and fragile hairs on the leaves and stems of plants are filled with sharp crystals of silicic acid salts. When the protruding part of the burning cell wounds the skin and breaks off, caustic compounds, such as formic acid, are released. “Burning” is the translation of the Latin name of the Nettle genus - Urtica. These are annuals and perennials that usually grow near homes as weeds. Medicinal value acquired the following types:

Active ingredients of stinging nettle

Impressive list natural ingredients contain fresh leaves and dried nettle herb. The medicinal properties of the plant are due to the presence of active ingredients in its parts:

1. The green pigment chlorophyll is the “blood” of plants.
2. Vitamin complex: A, E, B2, B9, K, C, RR.
3. Formic and pantothenic acids.
4. Glycoside urticin.
5. Flavonoid quercetin.
6. Tannins.
7. Proteins and proteins.
8. Phytoncides.
9. Comedy.
10. Calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, iron, manganese.

Medicinal properties of nettle

Plant preparations have wide range effects on the body. The burning hairs contain natural antiseptic- formic acid, as well as regulators of the functions of living organisms - acetylcholine and histamine. Together, these substances have an analgesic effect and help with radiculitis and polyarthritis. Nettle has a variety of effects on the body:

• stimulates granulation and epithelization in the area of ​​damage;
• increases the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content;
• has a hemostatic effect;
• regulates the amount of sugar in the blood;
• increases coagulability when blood vessels are damaged;
• improves basal metabolism.

Stinging plant in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of stinging nettle are valued for lung diseases. Traditional healers prescribe a decoction of the plant for anemia, bronchitis, spleen diseases, and diarrhea. Healers recommend rubbing fresh herbs for joint and muscle rheumatism, and in this way getting rid of warts on the body. Since ancient times, in folk medicine, juice has been obtained from fresh nettle leaves and given to patients with fever, kidney stones and gall bladder, and lubricated with infected wounds.

Scalded nettle leaves in brooms for a Russian bath or herbal steaming in bags exude a healing aroma that has a beneficial effect on the body. In case of impaired kidney function or neuralgia, prepare brooms from fresh grass, steam them and apply them to the sore spot. Procedures with nettle bath broom relieve aches from colds, pain from osteochondrosis and radiculitis. The cosmetic effect of the solution after steaming the herb and rinsing the body and head is to increase the elasticity of the skin, improve the condition and growth of hair on the head.

List of contraindications for treatment with a nettle bath broom and the use of procedures with steamed leaves:

1. Feverish state of the body.
2. High body temperature.
3. Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
4. Hypertension.
5. Thrombophlebitis.
6. Varicose veins

Stinging nettle in scientific medicine

An infusion of the leaves of the Urtica dioica plant is prescribed for different types bleeding. This is how doctors value the hemostatic effect that nettle has. The medicinal properties and recipes for preparing medications for use in internal bleeding are similar. For infusion, take 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves and brew 200 ml of water. Accept it medicine three times a day before meals, one tablespoon.

The Urtica dioica plant is present in the following medicines:

• collection No. 2 for the production of medicine according to Zdrenko’s recipe;
• medicine "Allahol";
• liquid and thick extracts;
• laxative collection No. 1;
• briquettes from leaves.

Application medicinal plant and drugs made from it have a number of contraindications. Among them are late dates pregnancy, thrombophlebitis, bleeding caused by tumors and polyps internal organs. Nettle is contraindicated for those who suffer from increased blood clotting.

Benefits of nettle for women's health

Created by nature effective composition, which is used by the beautiful half of the population. This is the same green healer - stinging nettle. The healing properties for women include a tonic effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus. Medicinal plant increases the number of platelets, which delay the release of blood. The main fluid of the body begins to clot faster, the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells increase.

The leaves of the plant are rich in vitamins, iron and other active compounds turns medicinal herb into a trusted friend women's health. Nettle is useful for lactation and restoration of the body after childbirth, as it increases hemoglobin, restores strength and strengthens the body. The shoots and leaves of the plant are eaten as dietary product. Young greens are cut into liquid dishes, old leaves are fermented like cabbage.

Recipes for using nettle for gynecological problems

Previously, nettle juice was used by midwives to stop uterine bleeding. Now folk recipes Women can supplement traditional methods of helping their bodies with their periods. Irregular nature and abundance of menstruation are often caused by inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages. In such cases, the bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of nettle are useful. Nettle leaves collected in environmentally friendly places are crushed and juice is obtained. During menstruation, take 1 teaspoon of medicine three times a day (before meals). The juice is first diluted with 2 tablespoons of water.

The medicinal properties of nettle in gynecology do not end there. A decoction of dry leaves is used during menstruation to normalize the volume of discharge. Preparation medicinal solution: take 1 full tablespoon of dry raw materials and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, then let stand for 2 hours. Take ½ glass before meals healing decoction(3 times a day).

Dead nettle. Medicinal properties of white damselfish

When preparing medicinal raw materials, one should distinguish between stinging nettle and stinging nettle. The first plant, a representative of the nettle family, was discussed above. Deaf nettle, or white nettle, does not have burning properties. The flowers of the plant do not hang in clusters, but form whorls in the axils of the cuttings of the upper leaves. The calyx is bell-shaped, the corolla is white.

IN medical practice White damask flowers have found application. The medicinal properties of nettle are due to the tannic and mucous components contained in the petals of the plant. The raw materials contain the glycoside kaemferol, the flavonoid isoquercetin, saponins and some essential oil. Preparations from clasp flowers are used as astringents, hemostatics, diuretics and anti-inflammatory medicinal products. Traditional healers It is recommended to use an infusion of nettle flowers for colds, inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa, and internal bleeding. Contraindications are the same as for consuming stinging nettle.

Therapeutic effects of nettle on skin and hair

The hot plant helps preserve and restore natural beauty and prevents hair loss on the head. Nettle vitamin complex - set natural ingredients for gentle care of body coverings and hairy part heads. The benefits of B vitamins for smooth and shiny curls and lush hair are well known. Freshly squeezed nettle juice stimulates hair growth, strengthens its follicles and shafts. Vitamin C and microelements increase protective properties cells, reduce the negative influence of the external environment.

Active use of fresh juice, decoction and infusion of a burning plant to improve appearance It started so long ago that no one remembers the authors of the most common recipes that include nettle. The healing properties for hair are manifested when using the decoction to rinse the hair after washing. It is very simple to prepare this remedy: you need to brew 2 full glasses of chopped or otherwise crushed fresh or dry leaves in 2 liters of boiling water. Then leave for 1 hour, wrapping the dishes to keep warm. You can rinse your hair with the prepared decoction 2 times a week. As a result, hair loss will stop, it will become shiny and smooth, and will emit a light aroma of green fields.

Recipes with nettle for facial skin

It is useful to use nettle compresses, masks and homemade creams with a decoction of the plant, juice or gruel on the face. fresh leaves. The procedures have an anti-inflammatory, restorative and rejuvenating effect. Remedy for oily skin from nettle leaves helps with unhealthy shine. To do this, you will need to chop a full glass of fresh herbs, steam 200 ml of boiling water, cover and leave to steep.

The finished product must be passed through a strainer and diluted boiled water until the original volume is restored (200 ml). Wipe the face with a sponge or cotton swab. Nettle leaves, the medicinal properties of homemade cosmetics with a decoction, fresh plant juice help cleanse enlarged pores and speed up the healing of scars.

A mask with nettle and honey has a rejuvenating effect. To prepare it, take the components equally (nettle leaves are pre-crushed, honey is slightly heated). Apply cosmetic product better evening for half an hour, then rinse the mixture with warm water. Such homemade mask with nettle, when used weekly, helps to significantly improve the condition of the skin. The use of nettle helps heal acne and pimples.

Harvesting of dioecious and dead nettles is carried out during the flowering period, when all plant organs are already mature (except for seeds). Plants are usually collected on the outskirts settlements, in vacant lots, in forests away from highways. Leaves and flowers must be clean and dry, otherwise when dried they will darken and become unsuitable for treatment. Dry the grass and flowers by spreading them in a thin layer under a canopy, on a windowsill where there are no direct sun rays. It is necessary to regularly turn over and inspect raw materials, and remove blackened parts of plants in a timely manner.