Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).
Other names: burning, stinging, burning.
Description. Perennial herbaceous plant Nettle family (Urticaceae). It has a long, creeping, branched rhizome with thin roots at the nodes. The stem is erect, herbaceous, hollow, bluntly tetrahedral, 50-170 cm high.
The leaves are opposite, petiolate, simple, entire, ovate-cordate or ovate-lanceolate, less often elliptical, dark green in color, large-serrate along the edge.
The entire plant is covered with simple short and long hard, stinging hairs. The burning sensation of the hairs is due to the presence of formic acid and histamine at the tips.
The flowers are small, light green, collected in inflorescences, which are located in the axils of the upper leaves. Female flowers are collected in drooping catkins, while male flowers are collected in erect spikes. Pollination occurs with the help of wind. Blooms from mid-June to September. Fruit ripening in July - September. The fruit is a yellowish-gray or light brown nut, ovoid or elliptical in shape.
The plant reproduces by seeds and vegetatively. It grows in damp and damp soils on the outskirts of low-lying swamps, in alder forests, in bushes, near homes, in littered areas, in clearings, and pastures. Stinging nettle loves soil rich in humus. The plant is distributed throughout temperate zone both hemispheres.
Collection and procurement of raw materials. For medicinal purposes, leaves, roots and seeds of stinging nettle are prepared and used.
The leaves are harvested during the flowering period of the plant. Pluck the leaves located at the top of the stem using gloves. Dry outdoors in the shade. The raw material is considered sufficiently dried if the central veins of the leaf break when bent. The shelf life of the leaves is 2 years.
Nettle roots are harvested in the fall, when the above-ground part begins to wither or early spring. The roots are dug up, shaken off the ground, the stems are separated, washed in cold running water, and cut into pieces. Dry in a room with normal ventilation and protected from sunlight place. Store in cardboard boxes or paper bags. Shelf life: 2 years.
When harvesting seeds, the tops of nettle stems (40-50 cm) are cut off two weeks after the end of flowering. They are tied into small sheaves and left for several days under a canopy to ripen the seeds, and then threshed on oilcloth or cloth. After threshing, the seeds are dried for several days, spread out in a thin layer and stirred occasionally. Store in paper bags or fabric bags. Shelf life: 2 years.
Composition of the plant. The leaves of stinging nettle contain tannins, the glycoside urticin, protein substances, vitamins B2, B3, K, C, organic acids(glycolic, glyceric), carotenoids (carotene, xanthophyll, violaxanthin), flavonoids, formic acid, chlorophyll (up to 5%), iron, manganese, boron, copper, titanium, nickel and other substances.
The roots contain tannins, ascorbic acid, and the alkaloid nicotine. The seeds contain fatty oil (17-33%), the main part of which is linoleic acid (73.5%).
What are the benefits of nettle, its beneficial, medicinal properties, application.
Stinging nettle has hemostatic, diuretic, weak choleretic, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor, and tonic properties. In addition, preparations of this plant normalize blood composition, increase the number of red blood cells, reduce the amount of sugar in the blood, normalize the disrupted menstrual cycle, and enhance the regeneration of mucous membranes gastrointestinal tract.
The hemostatic (hemostatic) property of nettle is due to the content of vitamin K. This vitamin stimulates the production of prothrombin in the liver - one of the most important factors blood clotting. Only fresh nettle leaves have a hemostatic effect. Dried leaves, on the contrary, slow down the blood clotting process. Flavonoids and organic acids give nettle its diuretic properties.
The chlorophyll contained in the leaves enhances the body's basic metabolism, increases muscle tone of the uterus and intestines, improves the activity of the respiratory center and cardiovascular system, and also stimulates granulation and epithelization of affected tissues.
As a hemostatic agent, stinging nettle is used in the treatment of nasal, pulmonary, uterine, intestinal, and hemorrhoidal bleeding. As a diuretic, this plant will be useful in the treatment of edema, ascites, kidney stones, and rheumatism.
It will also be effective in the treatment of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, atherosclerosis, iron deficiency anemia, cholecystitis, hypovitaminosis, diabetes, to normalize the menstrual cycle, and increase lactation. If a person has lost his sense of smell, then nettle can help restore it.
Nettle will be a good tonic for older people, as it activates vital organs, increases the body's defenses, and prevents atherosclerosis.
Nettle leaves are used as monotherapy, as well as in combination with other herbs. Preference should be given to preparations made from fresh leaves rather than dried ones.
External use. Nettle is widely used as an external remedy. Use a decoction of nettle in vinegar diluted with water to wash your hair for hair loss, baldness, seborrhea, and premature graying. Fresh nettle juice is used to lubricate wounds and varicose ulcers that do not heal well. A decoction or infusion is used to rinse the mouth for gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontal disease.
For myositis, neuralgic and rheumatic pain, fresh nettle is used to sting sore spots.
Roots and seeds of stinging nettle, application.
A decoction of nettle roots is taken for gallstones and urolithiasis, prostate adenoma, gastritis, colitis, anemia, cough, as a blood purifier.
A tincture of the roots is drunk as a hemostatic agent for menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal diseases, fever, and diarrhea.
A decoction of nettle seeds is taken for coughs, insomnia, and to increase potency.
An infusion of a mixture of nettle leaves, nettle roots and licorice root is used in the treatment of chronic kidney inflammation.
Dosage forms and doses.
Nettle leaf juice take 1 dessert - tablespoon 3-4 r. before meals. per day for cholelithiasis and urolithiasis. For internal bleeding, 1 teaspoon four or five times a day. For the treatment and prevention of hypovitaminosis - 1 teaspoon three times a day. To prepare the juice, the leaves are ground in a meat grinder. The juice is squeezed through gauze folded in 2 layers. Fresh nettle leaf juice can be preserved by diluting it with vodka in a 1:1 ratio. The dose of this juice is doubled. Store in a closed glass container in the refrigerator.
Infusion of nettle leaves. 2 tablespoons (10 g) of raw material are poured with a glass of boiling water (200 ml), left for 40 minutes in a sealed container, filtered. 20 minutes before meals, take a quarter to half a glass from 3 to 5 rubles. per day.
Nettle extract liquid (Extractum Urticae fluidum) in 70% ethyl alcohol: 30 minutes before meals a day, take three times - 25-30 drops.
Indications for use of the drug: atony (loss of tone) of the uterus; uterine bleeding associated with decreased uterine tone; to accelerate uterine contractions in the postpartum period; bleeding from respiratory tract; nosebleeds; bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
Nettle root tincture. 2 tablespoons of dry crushed roots are poured into 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave for 10 days in a dark place at room temperature. Take 30–40 drops 3 times a day. per day.
Nettle root decoction. 2 tablespoons of dry crushed roots per glass of water, cook over low heat for 10 minutes, remove from heat, filter after cooling. The resulting volume of the decoction is brought to the original volume with boiled water (200 ml). Take 1 tablespoon 5-6 rubles. per day.
Nettle seed decoction. 2 tablespoons of seeds per 200 ml of water. After boiling, cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes, remove from heat, leave for 1 hour, filter. The volume of the resulting decoction is adjusted with cooled boiled water to the original volume (200 ml). Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day to increase potency and when coughing. For insomnia and to increase potency, you can take a quarter glass (50 ml) before bed.
A decoction of nettle seeds in wine. 4 tablespoons of seeds are boiled for 5 minutes over low heat in 400 ml of red grape wine. After cooling, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day to increase potency, for pleurisy and pneumonia.
Powdered nettle seeds. The seeds are ground into powder in a coffee grinder. 2/3 - 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds is taken with water 3 times a day for kidney stones, gallbladder, bronchitis, shortness of breath.
Infusion for the treatment of chronic kidney inflammation. To prepare the infusion, take 6 parts of dry crushed nettle leaves; 2 parts dry crushed nettle roots; 2 parts dry crushed licorice root. Pour 1 tablespoon of this mixture into a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, and filter. Take 1 glass 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Powder for the treatment of chronic hepatocholecystitis. A mixture of dry leaves of stinging nettle, sage, plantain, taken in equal amount grind into powder in a coffee grinder. The powder is taken 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, washed down with a small amount of water (50 ml).
For external use.
Nettle decoction to strengthen hair. 100 g of crushed leaves of stinging nettle, pour a mixture of 9% vinegar and water, taken in equal parts, cook over low heat for 30 minutes, filter after cooling. Before going to bed, wash your hair without shampoo or soap. This decoction is used for hair loss, baldness, seborrhea, and premature graying. The hair is washed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. For the same purposes, you can lubricate the scalp. fresh juice from nettle leaves.
Infusion of nettle leaves for rinsing. 3-4 tablespoons of crushed nettle leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water, left for 30-40 minutes in a sealed container, and filtered. Rinsing is done for gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontal disease.
Contraindications. Nettle preparations are contraindicated during pregnancy and people with increased blood clotting. Also for bleeding caused by cysts, polyps, tumors of the uterus and its appendages. Before starting nettle treatment, consult your doctor!
Stinging nettle - Urtica dioica L. Nettle family (Urticaceae).
Botanical characteristics
A perennial herbaceous plant with an erect tetrahedral stem, 50-150 cm high, branched, covered with stinging hairs. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, cordate-ovate, ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, 5-14 cm long, 2-4 cm wide. The leaves are pointed, serrated along the edges, with curved tips. The flowers are yellow-green, small, unisexual, in branched spike-shaped inflorescences, somewhat longer than the leaf petioles. The fruit is an achene, blooms in June – August.
Spreading
Stinging nettle is the most familiar and widespread weed. It grows among bushes, in forests and clearings, in wastelands and pastures, along roads, near fences, in garbage bins, near rivers and lakes.
Chemical composition
Stinging nettle leaves contain the glycoside urticin, tannins, carotenoids (carotene, xanthophyll, xanthophylepoxide, violaxanthin), chlorophyll, vitamins C, B2, B3, organic acids, micro- and macroelements of minerals: silicon, iron, copper, manganese, boron , titanium, nickel. In addition, the roots of the plant contain tannins, an alkaloid, nicotine, and vitamin C. The seeds contain a high percentage (up to 33%) of fatty oil, the main integral part which is linoleic acid, which is known to have anti-sclerotic properties.
Plant parts used
For medicinal purposes, the leaves, roots and seeds of stinging nettle are used. Raw leaves are sold in pharmacies. They are collected during the flowering period, separated from the stems and dried in the shade. Roots and seeds are used only in folk medicine. The roots are dug up in the fall and dried in dryers. Seeds are harvested at full ripeness.
Application and medicinal properties
Stinging nettle has a hemostatic, diuretic and restorative, choleretic, hypoglycemic, stimulating and activating properties metabolic processes actions. Preparations from the plant stimulate the activity of the respiratory and vasomotor centers, promote the healing of wounds, ulcers, and bedsores.
In folk medicine, nettle is widely used for hypovitaminosis as a tonic after serious illnesses, for diarrhea, gout, diabetes, rheumatism, chronic skin diseases, kidney, liver, bladder diseases, kidney stones, hair loss, diabetic periodontal disease.
Fresh juice is used to treat wounds, varicose ulcers, diaper rash, and bedsores.
Stinging nettle is part of the drug "Allohol", used for diseases of the biliary tract. It is included in many fees and is used independently for radiation injuries.
Even in ancient times, the plant was used as dietary product in the treatment of anemia.
However, it should be remembered that raw nettle is contraindicated in cases of increased blood clotting (as well as atherosclerosis, hypertension, polyps, tumors of the uterus and appendages, during pregnancy, in old age, in menopausal disorders with bleeding from the uterus). Dry nettle has no effect on blood clotting and can be used to treat atherosclerosis, which usually causes increased blood viscosity.
Preparation
- Decoction of nettle leaves: 1 tbsp. l. dry or fresh leaves pour Art. water, bring to a boil and boil under the lid for 1 minute. Leave for 30 minutes. Then filter and drink 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals for kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
- Infusion of nettle leaves: 1 tbsp. l. pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and leave for half an hour. Strain and take 3 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals for anemia, diarrhea, gout, diabetes, radiation injuries, kidney and liver diseases.
- Decoction of nettle roots: 1 tsp. crushed dried roots pour 1 tbsp. water and boil for 5 minutes. They insist for half an hour. Strain and take 1/4 tbsp. 3 times a day before meals for rheumatism, diabetes, kidney stones, edema, hair loss.
- Decoction of leaves and stems of stinging nettle for baths: 0.5 kg of dry chopped raw material is poured into 3 liters of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Leave for 2 hours, filter. Take a bath with a decoction for eczema, psoriasis, pustular skin lesions and diabetes.
- Decoction of rhizomes and seeds of stinging nettle: 1 tbsp. l. mixture of dry seeds and rhizomes is poured with 1 glass of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Infuse for 30 minutes, strain and take a quarter glass 3 times a day before meals for diabetes, anemia, edema, liver and thyroid diseases.
- Tincture of nettle leaves: Collect the leaves in a jar and fill with alcohol (40°). Leave in a warm place for 2 weeks. Strain and, before use, dilute half with boiled water, make lotions for purulent ulcers and fistula tracts during purulent processes in patients with diabetes.
- Stinging nettle root oil: Crushed roots of stinging nettle are poured with hot sunflower or corn oil(1:2) and leave for 2 weeks. Strain and use for rubbing for neuralgic pain.
- Tincture of stinging nettle roots: Chopped dry or fresh roots are cut and filled with alcohol (70°). Leave for 1 week at room temperature. Strain and use for rubbing for joint and neuralgic pain.
Useful properties of stinging nettle
Stinging nettle (U. urens L.) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) - unpretentious perennials, which are found everywhere. Stinging nettle is annual plant, its stem is shorter (up to 70 cm), the leaves are more rounded, the staminate and pistillate flowers are collected in one inflorescence. According to the content biologically active substances leaves of stinging nettle and stinging nettle are similar, so for medicinal use and cooking they can be collected together. It differs from the dioecious one by being smaller in size. But its action at the moment of contact is similar.
Stinging nettle - Urtica dioica L. Nettle family - Urticaceae Perennial herbaceous plant 40-150 cm high. The stem is straight, simple, covered with stinging hairs. The leaves are opposite, long-petiolate, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate. Heart-shaped at the base, coarsely toothed at the edges. The flowers are green, small, collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, which are located in the upper axils of the leaves. The fruit is a single-seeded dry nut. Blooms from June to September.
The name “nettle”, which is familiar to us, is translated into Latin as Urtica Dioica, which literally means “burning”; it is clear why nettle was called that way. The word “nettle” came to us from the Old Russian meaning of the word “silk”, or coprina. Nettle was an excellent raw material for the production of various fabrics. For many years, nettles were cultivated in fields and greenhouses specifically for light industry of that time.
Nettle has been known as a medicinal plant for a long time. Avicenna in the “Canon of Medical Science” says the following about it: “In a medicinal dressing with vinegar, it makes abscesses open, helps with them, and is beneficial for hardening... Crushed nettle leaves stop nosebleeds...”
It was the hemostatic effect of nettle that attracted the attention of doctors. From the 16th century decoctions of the leaves of this plant have become widely used for pulmonary, intestinal and uterine bleeding. However, since the beginning of the 20th century. Nettle fell into the category of forgotten medicinal plants.
During the Great Patriotic War, when the need for hemostatic agents increased sharply, they remembered nettles again. Scientists have created a liquid extract from the leaves of stinging nettle, which has served well in hospitals and clinics.
Almost the entire plant, rhizomes, leaves, and seeds are used in medicine. For medicinal use leaves and tops of the plant are mainly used in May - August; roots - in the fall, after the growing season. Rhizomes contain tannins, nicotine, vitamin C; seeds - fatty oils (16-33%); flowers and seeds - vitamin C. Fresh leaves contain acids (formic, oxalic, succinic, pantothenic, gallic), glycoside urticin, gum, tannins and protein substances, mineral salts, iron, vitamin C (150-200 mg%), various carotenoids (up to 50 mg%), vitamins K and B2, protoporphyrin, coproporphyrin, sitosterol, histamine, essential oil, chlorophyll (2-5%), phytoncides.
Properties of nettle
We are accustomed to the fact that we get vitamins only from vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, herbs, as a source of vitamins, are undeservedly forgotten. And the same nettle contains two times more carotene than carrots, sea buckthorn and sorrel, and more ascorbic acid than currants and lemon.
And just 20 nettle leaves will provide the body with a daily ration of vitamin A. And, of course, nettles contain iron, magnesium, copper, and calcium. So it would be a very good idea to add scalded nettle leaves to salads. Well, if we talk about its medicinal properties, then it will help restore the functioning of many organs.
Drying nettle leaves under vacuum and low temperature (freeze drying technology) makes it available to long-term storage. Lyophilization allows you to preserve all the properties of nettle for a period of 2-3 years. Leaves prepared using this method have increased efficiency, because vacuum drying makes all components of nettle more digestible - hence the higher effect.
What is nettle rich in, and why is it so necessary for people?
This is a valuable multivitamin plant, a kind of natural concentrate of vitamins. Almost all vitamins, many microelements, organic acids, as well as phytoncides and tannins are found in it, and fatty oil is found in the seeds. There is 2.5 times more ascorbic acid in this plant than in blackcurrant fruits and lemon.
Results of chemical analysis of dry nettle leaves
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COMPOUND |
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Crude protein(s) |
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Carbohydrates |
23.8 (dry weight) |
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Fiber |
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Amino acids |
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Histidine |
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Aspartic acid |
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Glutamic acid |
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Methionine |
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Isoleucine |
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Phenylalanine |
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mg/kg |
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manganese |
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Chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic were not detected. |
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Vitamins |
mg/100g |
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Thiamine (vitamin B1) |
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Pantothenic acid (vitamin B3) |
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Biotin (vitamin H) |
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Vitamin PP |
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Meso-inositol |
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Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) |
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Vitamin K |
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Beta carotene |
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Such a rich set of amino acids, macro- and microelements, vitamins provides a wide range of restorative, health-improving and therapeutic-and-prophylactic effects of nettle on the human body. Nettle proteins contain 9 out of 10 essential amino acids, which, in combination with minerals and vitamins, allows you to maintain high performance and quickly restore strength after hard work, fatigue or illness.
Essential amino acids are not synthesized in the human body and must be obtained from food. This:
Lysine, which promotes the absorption of calcium and supports normal nitrogen metabolism necessary for the formation and growth of bones, as well as during recovery after operations and injuries;
Histidine, which protects the body from the effects of radiation, necessary for the formation of red and white blood cells and maintaining immunity;
Arginine, necessary for maintaining metabolism in muscle tissue, improving the condition of the skin, participating in the restoration of joint cartilage, strengthening ligaments and heart muscles, slowing the growth of tumors and stimulating the immune system;
Threonine, supporting protein and fat metabolism and immunity;
Methionine, normalizing the functions of the liver and preventing the deposition of fats in it, preventing muscle weakness and hair loss;
Phenylalanine, improves memory and attention, improves blood circulation, promotes the formation of insulin.
Other amino acids contained in nettle are involved in the restoration of damaged tissues, skin formation, and strengthening of joints. The effect of glutamine, the percentage of which is the highest, is especially surprising. It improves brain activity, reduces cravings for alcohol and smoking, and maintains acid-base balance in the body.
Nettle is almost the only product that contains vitamin K - a hemostatic factor that increases blood clotting, especially during external and internal bleeding, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
These properties are especially important for the gastrointestinal tract, where microdamage constantly occurs. The antitoxic effect of nettle is pronounced. At the same time, lignins and cellulose polysaccharides contained in plant fibers are combined with vitamins C, K, E, group B, therefore, when nettle is consumed as food, toxins are absorbed throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Nettle also contains formic acid, tannins, and flavonoids. The presence of bioflavonoids is an important factor in antihistamine and antioxidant action, which makes it possible to recommend nettle for the prevention and treatment of asthma. Nettle is rich in vitamin C, the content of which is not inferior to citrus fruits. In combination with the amino acid cystine, vitamin C affects the bronchi and mucus secreted by the pulmonary epithelium. Therefore, nettle should be consumed by anyone who has weak or diseased lungs.
Vitamin C and lipoproteins contained in nettles, being antioxidants, have positive influence for prevention cardiovascular diseases. Normalization of activities cardiovascular system Contributes to the high content of potassium and calcium. Therefore, constant use of nettle is one of the factors in reducing the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
The high content of beta-carotene in nettles (2 times more than in carrots!) helps strengthen the retina and improve vision. Large quantities chlorophyll, which has an anti-radiation effect, is extremely valuable when working in conditions of increased radiation and during irradiation; When applied topically, chlorophyll promotes wound healing. Therefore, nettle is a must for those who work with a computer. Unique combination substances in nettle provide its unsurpassed effect on the body.
Essentially, we can talk about unique properties this plant, which, unfortunately, is used very little in practice, since dry nettle is not always available in pharmacies, and it is very difficult for city residents to collect and prepare it for future use. In addition, you should not collect nettles from highways, because it may be toxic due to the lead it contains.
People suffering from diabetes mellitus especially need to consume nettle. There is evidence that eating nettle helps restore the functions of beta cells of the pancreas, as a result of which in diabetic patients insulin dependence is sharply reduced until normal sugar metabolism is completely restored. In addition, the presence of secretin in nettle, which stimulates the formation of insulin, is also antidiabetic, helping to remove sugar from the blood.
It strengthens the immune system, has a general strengthening effect, and helps resist the effects of radiation. Nettle will also help those who suffer from metabolic disorders and diabetes, as it has a stimulating effect on protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and on the formation of insulin.
Nettle helps, thanks vitamin K and as a powerful hemostatic and wound healing agent, used both externally and internally.
And also - a diuretic, choleretic agent, increasing the tone of the intestines, uterus and cardiovascular system. Actually, it seems that this is an almost universal healer.
INDICATIONS FOR USE |
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Nettle decoction that affects the condition of the whole body |
A person becomes vigorous, healthy, the heart improves its function, the composition of the blood improves, movements become easier, sclerosis goes away: put 200 g of May nettle (leaves) in a bottle and pour in 0.5 liters of vodka or 50-60% alcohol. Tie the neck of the bottle with gauze. Keep it on the window for the first day, and the remaining 8 days in a closet in the dark. Strain and squeeze. Accept: 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals and 1 teaspoon at night before bed. Drink the whole bottle. |
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To maintain tone and strengthen strength, for the prevention of acute respiratory diseases Andto saturate the body strength and energy |
All you need to do is buy young nettles and make juice from it. Accept: at least 60 ml per day, which corresponds to 12 teaspoons. If desired, the juice can be sweetened natural honey |
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For anemia as a vitamin supplement and normalizes metabolism |
2 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over spoons of nettle flowers, leaves or herbs, leave for 15 minutes, strain. Accept: 1-2 glasses 3 times a day before meals. Nettle decoctions and infusions help increase the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the number of red blood cells. |
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When blood clotting is weakened |
2 tbsp. Brew spoons of leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, cool and strain. Accept: 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day. |
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For bleeding |
1 tbsp. Brew a spoonful of nettle leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, cool and strain. Accept: 1 tbsp. spoon 4-5 times a day. Or 2 tbsp. Brew tablespoons of dried nettle leaves with 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 1 hour and strain. Take 1/2 cup 2 times a day |
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For compresses and rinses |
2 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over spoons of the whole plant, leave for 25 minutes, strain. During the period of scarring, rinse the fistula tracts with juice from fresh leaves. |
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From wounds and cuts |
Fill the bottle with fresh nettle leaves, add alcohol and close with a stopper. Place in the sun for two weeks. Gauze soaked in the tincture and applied to a wound or cut will speed up healing and protect against infection |
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Mouth rinse |
infusion of leaves 1:10 - 10 g of nettle leaves, brew 1/2 cup boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, strain, cool |
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For acute articular rheumatism, muscular rheumatism, gout |
Nettle decoction 1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of dry leaves, leave, covered, for 1 hour, strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals |
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For chronic cough, nettle roots |
chop finely and boil well in sugar syrup. Accept: 1 tbsp. spoon several times a day. Or pour a pinch of nettle flowers into 2 cups of boiling water, leave, covered, for 1 hour, strain. Drink like tea |
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Like a good pain reliever |
At severe pain use a decoction: nettle leaves - 1 part, buckthorn (bark) - 1 part, pour 8 g of the mixture into 1 liter of boiling water, heat for 10 minutes over low heat, leave, wrapped, 30 minutes, strain. Accept: 1 glass 4 times a day |
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For inflammatory liver diseases, gallbladder, various departments gastrointestinal tract |
in the form of infusions 1:10. Sometimes freshly prepared juice is used |
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To improve performance kidney |
Nettle decoction is taken with honey or sugar. For such a decoction, one teaspoon of dried nettle leaves per glass of water is enough. For nephritis and pyelonephritis, the dose is increased to 1-2 tablespoons, kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. Accept: a third or half a glass before meals |
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Nettle decoction acute gastritis |
a) nettle leaf, plantain leaf, St. John's wort herb, chamomile flowers (equal shares of all). 4 tbsp. spoons of the mixture, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a warm place. Drink 1 glass up to 1.5 liters per day for 7-10 days; b) nettle leaf, St. John's wort herb, knotweed herb, peppermint leaf (equal shares of all). 4 tbsp. Brew 1 tablespoon of the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a warm place. Drink from 0.2 to 1.5 liters per day for 7-10 days. At gastritis and ulcers take 1 tsp. 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals, diluted in 1/2 glass of water. |
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For habitual constipation |
Collection: nettle leaves - 1 part, yarrow flowers - 1 part, buckthorn bark - 3 parts. 1 tbsp. Brew a spoonful of the mixture with 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 1 minute, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Accept: 1/2 - 1 glass at night. Course of treatment - 2 weeks |
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For frequent diarrhea |
eat dry, powdered nettle or drink an infusion of nettle leaves and blackberries. Crushed raw leaves are recommended to be applied to fresh wounds. Nettle juice is used to treat old wounds, ulcers and fistulas. |
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For hemorrhoids |
nettle leaves - 1 part, oregano herb - 2 parts, buckthorn bark - 2 parts. 1 tbsp. Brew 1.5 cups of mixture hot water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 4 hours in a warm place. Accept: warm, 1/2 cup 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals |
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In case of excessive menstruation and various bleeding |
Take the juice of fresh nettle leaves orally, 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in 1/4 cup 20 minutes before meals. Liquid nettle extract (pharmaceutical preparation) Accept: 30-40 drops 30 minutes before meals in 1/4 glass of water to prevent uterine bleeding |
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For cervical erosion |
insert a cotton swab moistened with juice from fresh nettle leaves, or a paste of leaves on a swab into the vagina |
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To increase lactation |
nettle leaves - 1 part, dill fruits - 1 part, sweet clover herb - 1 part, anise fruits - 1 part. 2 tbsp. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, cool, strain. Accept: 1/2 cup 2 times a day 1 hour after meals |
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To lubricate affected areas of the skin |
Nettle is used in the form of an ointment, which is prepared from dried and powdered nettle leaves, annual pepper grass and petroleum jelly. Apply the ointment 2 times a day. a) nettle leaf - 2 parts, dandelion root - 1 part; b) nettle leaf - 2 parts, dill seed - 1 part, anise seed - 1 part. 2 tbsp. spoons of the mixture, brew 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, drink in sips throughout the day |
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For nosebleeds |
use dried and crushed leaves, and use fresh leaves to destroy warts |
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Nettle juice - for acne wounds and ulcers |
fresh leaf juice has early and ulcer-healing properties. You can squeeze it out using a meat grinder or juicer (the leaves are washed before doing this). For acne At the same time, take nettle infusion orally |
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Heal diaper rash, acne and skin wounds |
tampons soaked in juice help (apply and stick with a band-aid, change 2-3 times a day until healing) |
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Nettle decoction - for baldness |
for seborrhea and focal baldness, boil 100 g of leaves for 30 minutes. in 1 liter of vinegar diluted with water 1:1. Wash your hair in the evening before bed, without shampoo, every other day, course for 3-4 weeks, then break for 1-2 weeks, and repeat the course again |
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Decoction for hair loss and dandruff |
nettle leaves - 20 g, coltsfoot leaves - 30 g, calamus rhizomes - 30 g. 6 tbsp. Boil a spoonful of the mixture for 10 minutes in 1 liter of water, wrap it warmly for 1 hour, cool, strain. Wash your hair with a decoction 3 times a week for dandruff and hair loss. Wash your hair with nettle decoction before bed without soap. For the decoction: 100 g of crushed nettle leaves, pour 0.5 liters of tbsp. vinegar and 0.5 liters of water and cook for 30 minutes, when cool, squeeze |
Medicinal properties of NETTLE SEEDS |
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Saving recipe male power |
Caucasian centenarians, for whom late marriage and procreation in old age are not a problem, often use a tincture of nettle seeds. To enhance potency, the recipe uses not vodka, but real grape wine. Pour 5 tablespoons of seeds into 0.5 liters of grape port, boil for 5 minutes, cool and strain. Accept: 50 ml before bed or 1 tbsp 3-4 times a day. You can also use a decoction of nettle seeds |
Nettle is one of the few plants in whose leaves green chlorophyll is almost not accompanied by other pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, etc. Therefore, nettle leaves serve as a convenient object for obtaining pure chlorophyll, which is used in food industry as a harmless dye.
Nettle was used to make a very durable fabric, which in the tenth century was used to make sails, ropes, and fishing gear.
In many countries, nettles are grown specifically. In France it is grown as animal feed. This unpretentious plant, and crops can be harvested frequently.
It is especially often fed to pregnant animals and young animals. Cows receiving nettles give more milk and best quality. Chickens' egg production increases.
A nettle broom in a bathhouse is very useful, especially for osteochondrosis.
A decoction of the rhizomes and roots of stinging nettle in folk medicine is used internally for furunculosis, hemorrhoids and swelling of the legs, and an infusion of the roots is used as cardiac remedy.
Sugared nettle rhizomes are also used for coughs.
An infusion of stinging nettle flowers in the form of tea is drunk for choking and coughing for expectoration and resorption of phlegm.
Uses of nettle leaf powder. 2 tbsp. spoons of powder are mixed in a glass of curdled milk, yogurt or kefir and consumed once a day.
0.5 g of nettle leaves crushed into powder is taken 3 times a day for the same diseases as the infusion. The powder is sprinkled on wounds and used externally for nosebleeds.
Fresh nettle leaves applied to purulent wounds to cleanse and heal them and used to remove warts. Nettle leaves mixed with honey help with shortness of breath
Fresh nettle juice take 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day for the same diseases as the infusion.
Syrup from nettle juice and honey with tea is recommended for anemia, bleeding, diabetes, cough and decreased potency.
A simple kidney cleansing recipe: swallow 3 g of nettle seeds once a day.
If you mix nettles with salt, knead this mixture and apply it to dense tumors, then this paste will slowly dissolve any formations and cleanse purulent ulcers.
Candied nettle rhizomes They are used for coughs, and the seeds are used for kidney stones, dysentery and as an anthelmintic.
Raw leaves are fermented like cabbage.
Delicate nettle inflorescences brewed as tea.
Potency can be increased and with the help of this medicine: take one glass of red grape wine and a tablespoon of dry nettle. Mix all this, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, strain the broth and take a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
Nettle is absolutely indispensable in modern cosmetology for the skin of the face, head, hands and feet.
Bath. Nettle along with roots and rhizomes are crushed and poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1:20, leave for half an hour, strain. A bath at 36-37 °C can be taken at any convenient time.
Nettle lotion- ideal for oily skin. How to make it? Extract the juice from fresh nettles, take one tablespoon of this juice and mix it with one hundred milliliters of alcohol or vodka. Wipe your face with this lotion morning and evening for two to three months. You will see that your skin will become matte, fresh and healthy looking.
To tone the skin of the hands It is recommended to make baths with nettles. We take one tablespoon of nettle per liter of water and make an infusion in which we keep our hands for no more than a quarter of an hour. After the bath, hands should be thoroughly dried and soaked in cream.
Nettle masks are very popular, which are especially useful for dehydrated or lacking skin tone. We start making a mask with 1 tablespoon of milk. The milk should not be cold: it is better to warm it up and let it cool to room temperature. Add ready required quantity milk to one tablespoon of nettle. It is desirable that it be dry nettle, which is easy to chop. Leave the milk with nettles for ten minutes, and then add a spoonful of yolk. Mix and you can apply to your face. You need to wash off the mask after a third of an hour, preferably with boiled water (not hot). If you have oily skin, use white instead of egg yolk.
If your hair falls out, they should be strengthened with the following infusion. Take two large spoons of dry nettle and two large spoons of coltsfoot, brew this mixture with 200 ml of boiled water, leave this infusion for some time and then squeeze out. This infusion must be rubbed into the scalp, especially into the hair roots once every three days.
With increased sebum secretion, dandruff, hair loss After washing your hair and drying your hair, rub an infusion of nettle leaves into the scalp: 1 tbsp. Brew a spoonful of leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours and strain. Use once a week for a long time.
Infusions and decoctions
Herbal decoction |
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| 1 tbsp. l. dry crushed leaves and roots of nettle in 300 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, leave for 1 hour, filter. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day for the same diseases as the infusion, | It is recommended mainly for bleeding, acute joint and muscle rheumatism, gout, hemorrhoids, furunculosis, swelling of the extremities |
| Boil 100 g of dried nettle leaves per 1 liter of water for 10 minutes, leave for 1 hour, filter. Take 200 ml 4-5 times a day as a hemostatic, wound healing and multivitamin agent | for washing, rubbing, compresses, lotions for various skin diseases, as well as for hair growth and strengthening (they wash their hair with the decoction every other week for several months) |
| Boil 300 g of nettle roots in 3 liters of water for 20 minutes over low heat, leave for 2 hours. Used as warm baths | for rheumatism, gout, joint pain (the decoction can be used repeatedly), and for tumors, add 100 g of leaves to the decoction. |
Herbal infusion |
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1 tbsp. l. dry nettle leaves in 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 1 hour, filter. Accept: 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals as tonic, multivitamin |
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1/2 tsp. dried nettle flowers in 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 20 minutes. Accept in the form of tea |
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Herbal tincture |
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600 g of fresh nettle leaves per 500 ml of 96% alcohol are infused for 10 days, filtered. Accept 3-10 drops 3 times a day |
for the above diseases |
For medicinal purposes, the nettle infusion should be filtered no later than after an hour.
Procurement of raw materials
For cooking medicines The roots of the plant and leaves of stinging nettle are used. The leaves are collected when the nettle is in bloom, then dried in ventilated rooms or in the open air. Raw materials ready for storage dark green, tastes bitter and has a faint odor. The shelf life of the leaves is 24 months. The roots are stored in late autumn. Procurement of raw materials, as it turned out, is almost the most important moment in the whole process. The leaves are collected by separating them from the stem. To prepare for future use, dry the leaves in the shade the same day. When the central vein of the leaf becomes brittle, the raw material is ready. Tight closed jars And plastic bags are not suitable, since storage in them impairs the quality and healing properties of plants.
Side effects and contraindications
Nettle has the property of enhancing uterine contractions in women, so it should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester.
It is not recommended for use by people with possible thrombosis, increased blood clotting, as well as with hypertension and atherosclerosis. For those who have heart problems, as well as atherosclerosis, when blood vessels narrow.
Nettle propagation
We speak out in defense of such a useful “weed” again and again. After all, by destroying nettle shoots, we deprive ourselves of the richest source of vitamins. Nettle can be grown on site, which is done easily by sowing seeds or shoots from the root. It is necessary to sow in September thicker than other seeds. If you propagate it by roots, then in September or October, depending on the weather, you need to dig up the stems, separate them, plant them in a certain place, cutting off the old stem, two fingers above the root. The nettles should be neither too tall nor too old. It is necessary to plant tightly and trample down the soil so that the stems cannot grow at random. Thus, nettles planted in September or October can be cut back next spring.
A field, once sown or planted with nettles, does not need to be sowed another time, because the nettles will grow from roots that no weather can harm. Moreover, nettle can grow in the most unsuitable places; it does not require plowing,
Nettle recipes
Nettle is a valuable food product. Tasty and nutritious cabbage soup is cooked from young shoots and leaves, and salads are prepared from the leaves. The tops of shoots with leaves are suitable for making cabbage soup and puree until late autumn. Nettle leaves are included in various teas. You don’t need to store boiled nettle for a long time, it quickly loses its vitamins. The best thing is to take nettle as food on the day of collection. In addition, nettle leaves and shoots can be pickled and used, as they do, for example, in the Caucasus, as a seasoning for meat dishes.
Flower formula
Formula of nettle flowers: male flowers – O(4)T(4)P0, female flowers– O(4)A0P(2).In medicine
Nettle preparations are used for heavy menstrual bleeding, for light bleeding in the post-coagulation period of treatment for cervical erosion, for menopausal bleeding, subserous fibroids, for insufficient involution of the uterus after childbirth and abortion. A decoction of the leaves is taken for diseases of the liver and biliary tract and for helminthic infestation. In dental practice - for periodontitis and gingivostomatitis.
In dermatology, the plant is used externally for eczema, skin rashes, vitiligo (rubbed into areas of depigmentation); for furunculosis, festering wounds, trophic ulcers, for the treatment and prevention of seborrhea and hair loss, as well as for infected wounds, nosebleeds, burns, traumatic skin lesions (bruises, etc.).
Stinging nettle leaves are included in many herbs and dietary supplements.
In cosmetology
The beneficial properties of the plant have found application in cosmetology. An infusion of nettle leaves is used for increased sebum secretion, dandruff, and hair loss. Shampoo - for caring for hair roots.
In France, nettle infusion is rubbed into the scalp to grow and strengthen hair in case of hair loss. In Bulgaria, the infusion is recommended for washing hair in case of baldness, and fresh leaves are recommended for destroying warts.
In dietetics
Green borscht and nettle salads are excellent healthy dietary dishes.
Technical
Nettle chlorophyll is harmless natural paint for the pharmaceutical, food and perfume industries.
Also for a long time nettle was known as an industrial crop. Yarn, rope, twine, rope, coarse fabrics were made from nettle bast fibers, fishing tackle, which were strong, light and did not get wet in water for a long time. Nettles were used to make sieves for sifting flour and straining honey.
Classification
Stinging nettle (lat. Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the nettle family (lat. Urticaceae). The genus nettle has 40-50 species; about 10 species grow in the CIS.
Botanical description
Stinging nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant, up to 170 cm high, with a long creeping branched rhizome and thin roots at the nodes. Stems are erect, tetrahedral, grooved. Leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate-lanceolate, large-serrate. The stem and leaves are covered with long, stinging and short, simple hairs. The hair shells are silicified and fragile, so formic acid and histamine leak out of a broken hair. The flowers are small, unisexual, green, with a simple four-parted perianth. Male flowers with four stamens, female ones - with one pistil, sessile stigma. The inflorescences are axillary, long, spike-shaped, pendulous. Formula of nettle flowers: male flowers - O(4)T(4)P0, female flowers - O(4)A0P( 2 ). The fruit is an ovoid yellowish-gray nut, 1.2-1.5 cm long. Nettle blooms from June to September.
Spreading
It grows along the edges of forests, along the banks of rivers and streams, in ravines, wastelands, in bushes, in shady forests, as a weed near homes and roads.
It grows in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, and is found in Eastern Siberia, in Far East and in Central Asia. Widely distributed in all regions of the CIS.
Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.
Procurement of raw materials
Nettle leaves (Urticae folia) collected during flowering are used as medicinal raw materials. The leaves are cut off along with the stems, they are allowed to wither, when the pungency is lost, the leaves are torn off. Dry in well-ventilated areas or in dryers at a temperature of 40-50ºС.
Chemical composition
Nettle leaves contain carotenoids (β-carotene, violaxanthin, xanthophyll, xanthophyll epoxide); vitamins C, K, B1, B2; tannins (3.2%); chlorophyll (up to 5%); glycoside urticin, flavonoids (1.96%): quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol; organic acids (oxalic, formic, fumaric, lactic, succinic, citric, quinic); phenolcarboxylic acids (caffeic acid, gallic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid); starch (up to 10%); alkaloids (0.010-0.29%): nicotine, histamine, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine; coumarin esculetin; macro- and microelements.
Pharmacological properties
An infusion of nettle leaves has a hemostatic effect, increases uterine tone, normalizes the ovarian-menstrual cycle, reduces blood loss during menometrorrhagia, accelerates blood clotting, increases the content of hemoglobin, platelets and red blood cells in the peripheral blood. In addition, the plant has other medicinal properties. Medicinal forms of nettle have vasoconstrictor, choleretic, vitaminizing, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, increase the regeneration processes of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
Stinging nettle preparations activate metabolism, enhance the action of many enzymes and ferments, regulate the tone of the endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems body.
The hemostatic properties of the plant are associated with the presence of vitamin K in the leaves, which stimulates the production in the liver of one of the most important blood clotting factors - prothrombin.
The amount of active ingredients, mainly vitamins and iron salts contained in nettle, normalize lipid metabolism in the body and have a stimulating effect on the formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis).
Nettle leaves enhance the activity of the digestive glands and the secretion of milk in nursing women, and have an insulin-like effect (significantly reduce sugar levels in the blood and urine).
Chlorophyll in nettle leaves is persistent, has a stimulating and tonic effect, enhances basic metabolism, and also increases muscle tone of the uterus and intestines, improves the activity of the cardiovascular system and respiratory center; stimulates granulation and epithelization of affected tissues.
In case of hemorrhagic metroendometritis, nettle promotes faster resorption and elimination of the inflammatory process.
An ointment based on nettle extract has many beneficial properties and is used for antibiotic-resistant skin diseases. The ointment has a phytoncidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus.
Plant preparations can serve as a means of preventing atherosclerosis, anemia, bronchial asthma, and vitamin deficiency. In medicine, infusions, decoctions, steams, tinctures, extracts, teas, etc. are prepared from nettle leaves as a remedy.
Use in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of nettle have been known for a long time. Dioscorides recommended it for gastrointestinal disorders, purulent and allergic diseases. In the Middle Ages it was used for lead poisoning and kidney stones.
Ancient herbalists recommended it as an anti-fever and anti-cancer agent. Aqueous infusions of flowers, strong infusions of nettle leaves, decoctions of roots and rhizomes were used for various ailments: rheumatism, colds, asthma, kidney diseases, stomach diseases, malaria, dysentery, anemia, bleeding, helminthic infestation, etc.
The plant is used in folk medicine for uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea, and menstruation disorders. The plant was previously included in the pharmacopoeias of several countries and was widely used for medicinal purposes. Nettle was also used as an external hemostatic and wound healing agent. A decoction of the whole plant was used for washes and compresses for tumors. Dried and crushed leaves were used for nosebleeds, and fresh leaves were used to destroy warts. Nettle was also used as a skin irritant (that is, a reflex therapy factor).
In Russian folk medicine and folk medicine of other countries, the beneficial properties of aqueous infusion and decoction of nettle are used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, kidney stones, dysentery, dropsy, chronic persistent constipation, colds, diseases of the respiratory organs, hemorrhoids, acute articular and muscular rheumatism, gout. Nettle infusion is also used as an internal “blood purifier” that improves blood composition in the treatment of various skin diseases(lichens, acne, boils).
Nettle flowers were used for respiratory diseases as an expectorant. In a mixture with other herbs, nettle was used for pulmonary tuberculosis. Nettle is distinguished by its ability to restore the sense of smell.
Literature
1. State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR. Eleventh edition. Issue 1 (1987), issue 2 (1990).
2. State Register medicines. Moscow 2004.
3. Medicinal plants state pharmacopoeia. Pharmacognosy. (Ed. I.A. Samylina, V.A. Severtsev). – M., “AMNI”, 1999.
4. “Herbal medicine with the basics of clinical pharmacology”, ed. V.G. Kukesa. – M.: Medicine, 1999.
5. P.S. Chikov. “Medicinal plants” M.: Medicine, 2002.
6. Sokolov S.Ya., Zamotaev I.P. Handbook of medicinal plants (herbal medicine). – M.: VITA, 1993.
7. Mannfried Palov. "Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants". Ed. Ph.D. biol. Sciences I.A. Gubanova. Moscow, "Mir", 1998.
8. Turova A.D. "Medicinal plants of the USSR and their use." Moscow. "Medicine". 1974.
9. Lesiovskaya E.E., Pastushenkov L.V. "Pharmacotherapy with the basics of herbal medicine." Tutorial. – M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2003.
10. Medicinal plants: Reference manual. / N.I. Grinkevich, I.A. Balandina, V.A. Ermakova and others; Ed. N.I. Grinkevich - M.: Higher School, 1991. - 398 p.
11. Plants for us. Reference manual / Ed. G.P. Yakovleva, K.F. Blinova. – Publishing house “Educational Book”, 1996. – 654 p.
12. Medicinal plant raw materials. Pharmacognosy: Textbook. allowance / Ed. G.P. Yakovlev and K.F. Blinova. – St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2004. – 765 p.
13. Forest cosmetics: A reference guide / L. M. Molodozhnikova, O. S. Rozhdestvenskaya, V. F. Sotnik. – M.: Ecology, 1991. – 336 p.
14. Healthy skin and herbal remedies/ Author: I. Pustyrsky, V. Prokhorov. – M. Machaon; Mn.: Book House, 2001. – 192 p.
15. Nosov A. M. Medicinal plants. – M.: EKSMO-Press, 2000. – 350 p.
16. Herbal medicine for allergic skin diseases / V.F. Korsun, A.A. Kubanova, S. Ya. Sokolov and others - Mn.: "Polymya", 1998. - 426 p.
Nettle family - Urticaceae.
Stinging nettle (lat.Urtica dioica ) is a perennial dioecious herbaceous plant with a long rhizome. The stems are erect, bluntly tetrahedral, grooved, with hard, stinging hairs. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, large-fingered, covered with stinging hairs. The flowers are small, unisexual, green, with a simple four-parted perianth. Male flowers have four stamens, female flowers have one pistil, sessile stigma. The inflorescences are axillary, long, spike-shaped, pendulous. The fruit of stinging nettle is an ovoid nut. Plant height 30-150 cm.
Stinging nettle (lat.Urtica urens ) is a monoecious annual herbaceous plant with a branched stem. The leaves are ovate-elliptical, sharp, incised-serrate, covered with stinging hairs. The flowers are small, green, with a simple perianth, staminate and pistillate. The flowers are collected in a spike-shaped inflorescence, which is equal in length to the leaf petioles or shorter than them. In stinging nettle, unlike stinging nettle, the spike-shaped inflorescences are pendulous and longer than the leaf petioles. Plant height 15-60 cm.
Common names: zhaliva, zhguchka, zhegala (Tver region), strekava (Pskov, Tver region), seri-palax (Mordovia), wind (Chuvashia), seizir, kirtken (Kyrgyzstan), eginj (Armenia), tchintchari (Georgia).
Flowering time: June - August.
Spreading: Nettle is found almost throughout Russia.
Place of growth: Nettle grows along the edges of forests, gardens, bushes, river banks, ravines, wastelands, near housing and roads.
Applicable part: leaves and roots with rhizomes.
Collection time: leaves are collected in June - August, roots - in late autumn.
Chemical composition: stinging nettle leaves contain up to 269 mg% vitamin C, carotene and other carotenoids (up to 50 mg%), vitamins B and K, formic, pantothenic and other organic acids. up to 5% chlorophyll, more than 2% tannins, gum, protoporphyrin, coproporphyrin, sitosterol, glycoside urticin, iron, phytoncides, quercetin, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids were found in the leaves.
Stinging nettle leaves contain carotene, vitamins, pantothenic acid, iron and calcium salts, tannins, carotenoids, tannins, and the glycoside urticin.
Collection and preparation: Nettle leaves are collected when the plant is in flower. They do this with protective gloves, as fresh leaves sting to the point of burns. The leaves are dried under shelters, scattered in a layer of 3-5 cm and stirred periodically. Shelf life - 2 years. Rhizomes are dug up in early spring or autumn, cleared of soil and dried under shelters or in dryers at a temperature of 40°C. Shelf life - 2 years.
Contraindications: Since the plant enhances blood clotting, nettle has contraindications for use: if any varicose veins veins, thrombophlebitis and simply thick blood - to avoid the appearance of blood clots. Nettle should not be used for hypertension or kidney disease. Use very carefully for atherosclerosis.
Application:
Nettle is widely used in folk medicine in various countries.
Russian medicine used it back in the 17th century and highly valued it as a good hemostatic and wound healing agent.
Nettle has a diuretic, weak laxative, expectorant, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, “blood purifying”, hemostatic and wound healing effect. It enhances the activity of the digestive glands and the secretion of milk in nursing women. Nettle increases the percentage of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells in the blood. There are indications that a decoction of the leaves can lower blood sugar.
In Russian folk medicine and folk medicine of other countries, water infusion and decoction of nettle is used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, kidney stones, dysentery, dropsy, chronic persistent constipation, colds, diseases of the respiratory organs, hemorrhoids, acute articular and muscular rheumatism, gout . Nettle infusion is also used as an internal “blood purifier” that improves blood composition in the treatment of various skin diseases (lichen, acne, boils). A decoction of the leaves with barley flour is drunk for chest pain.
In a mixture with other herbs, nettle is used for pulmonary tuberculosis. Nettle leaves are included in various stomach, laxative and multivitamin preparations.
A water infusion of nettle has long been used in folk medicine for hemorrhoidal, uterine, pulmonary and intestinal bleeding.
IN recent years Nettle began to be used in scientific medicine for uterine and intestinal bleeding in the form of a liquid extract. Clinical testing has shown that it does not cause any harmful effects. The liquid extract also has diuretic, antifever and anti-inflammatory effects. Nettle extract regulates menstruation and reduces blood loss from it. To increase blood clotting, it is recommended to use a mixture of liquid extracts of nettle and yarrow. The hemostatic effect of nettle is explained by the presence in it of a special antihemorrhagic vitamin K, as well as vitamin C and tannins.
In folk medicine, a decoction of the rhizomes and roots of stinging nettle is used internally for furunculosis, hemorrhoids and swelling of the legs, and an infusion of the roots is used as a heart remedy. Sugared nettle rhizomes are also used for coughs.
An infusion of stinging nettle roots is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis. An infusion of stinging nettle flowers in the form of tea is drunk for choking and coughing for expectoration and resorption of sputum.
Nettle is also used as an external hemostatic and wound healing agent. Infected wounds are more quickly freed from pus and heal faster if they are sprinkled with nettle powder or fresh leaves are applied to them. A decoction of the whole plant is used externally for washes and compresses for tumors. Dried and crushed leaves are used for nosebleeds, and fresh leaves are used to destroy warts.
Nettle infusion is rubbed into the scalp to grow and strengthen hair in case of hair loss.
Even in ancient times, nettle was used in folk medicine as a skin irritant (that is, a factor in reflex therapy).
Nettle has a multifaceted effect on the human body and deserves wide application in scientific medicine.
Directions for use:
1) Infuse 1 tablespoon of dry nettle leaves for 1 hour in 1 glass of boiling water, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 1/2 hour before meals.
2) Infuse 1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaves for 1 hour in 1 glass of boiling water, strain. Wet your hair with the infusion after washing and lightly rub it into the skin, but do not wipe your head. Apply rubbing for several months, repeating them every week.
Powder from dried nettle leaves is sprinkled on weeping and festering wounds.
Briquettes are produced from crushed nettle leaves weighing 75 g, divided into 10 segments. One slice is poured into a glass of boiling water, left for 10 minutes, filtered, and cooled. Prescribe 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Stinging nettle Urtica urens 2X-3X is used in homeopathy. Prescribed for allergic diseases: angioedema of the skin and mucous membranes, urticaria and hay fever.