Medicinal properties and contraindications of nettle for the human body, features of use

Nettle is a traditional medicinal plant used in various fields: folk medicine, cosmetology and cooking. The medicinal properties of the perennial nettle shrub have been studied since time immemorial, but contraindications for the use of the medicinal plant are also known. How to use nettles, collect and store the resulting material.

Chemical composition of the plant

The popularly known nettle, or kostyrka, has a rich chemical composition. Important amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements that make up the plant make it healing; the pungent herb is valued in folk medicine for its ability to stop bleeding, heal and disinfect wounds. Chemical composition:

• vitamin C;
• vitamin K;
• silicon;
• glycine;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• copper;
• manganese;
• and other components.

The medicinal plant contains 9 of the 10 most important amino acids for humans. Every part of the plant (from root to flower) has beneficial properties. Decoctions from kostyrka improve immunity, normalize blood clotting, and have a general strengthening effect.

Medicinal properties for the human body

The benefits of young nettle for the human body are enormous. The medicinal stinging herb was used in Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. The tradition of using nettle brooms for baths has been known in Rus' since time immemorial.

Leaves

Burning healing leaves are a storehouse of vitamin C and organic acids. Decoctions are made from the leaves, dried, crushed and made into briquettes. Chlorophyll contained in the leaves of the plant promotes rapid healing of wounds and skin regeneration. For this property, the beetle is so valued in cosmetology.Disinfecting properties allow you to cleanse the skin while fighting acne and purulent lesions.

Root

Tincture from the roots is successfully used in the treatment of liver diseases due to its choleretic effect and improves the functioning of the gallbladder. Kostyrka syrup is drunk for viral diseases to increase immunity and produce interferon.

Seeds

Flavonoids and linoleic acid are found in large quantities in the dried seeds of the plant. These components are indispensable for men and their health - potency improves, a positive effect is achieved in the fight against various diseases of the reproductive system.

It is recommended to lubricate sprained joints and bruises with seed oil.

Indications and contraindications for use

It is necessary to use folk remedies in the treatment of various diseases and in cosmetology with caution. Allergic reactions may occur; if used rashly, it can cause harm to the body. Contraindications to the use of the products are:

• increased blood clotting;
• thrombophlebitis;
• the presence of tumors and formations in the urinary and reproductive systems;
• kidney diseases;
• first trimester of pregnancy;
• varicose veins;
• hypertension.

Important! When preparing decoctions, tinctures, or storing nettles for the winter, it is important to follow the recipe and dosage.

Before external use, make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the burning shrub; a small amount of the product is applied to the inside of the wrist. There should be no itching, burning, or red spots on the skin from nettles.

How to use nettle

Nettle preparations are known not only in folk medicine; the stinging herb is used in pharmacology; medicines are produced in the form of briquettes, extracts, syrups and tinctures.You can dry the raw materials for medicinal products yourself during the summer. Nettle is a unique immunostimulating agent used in the treatment of colds, anemia, bleeding and various ailments of the respiratory and urinary systems.

For anemia

You can increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood by regularly drinking juice from the hot herb. Hemin atoms contained in the nutrient fluid double the level of iron absorption. At the same time, nettle juice fights vitamin deficiency and cleanses blood vessels, providing a medicinal effect.

For bleeding

The pungent herb is able to stop severe bleeding, having a hemostatic property. Vitamin K, which is part of the medicinal plant, stimulates the production of prothrombin, which thickens the blood and increases clotting.

For diabetes

As a component of insulin therapy, the medicinal plant can lower blood sugar levels. Secretin, which is part of the vitamin herb, stimulates the pancreas. The pungent herb is included in healing dishes for diabetics: vitamin-rich soups and salads are prepared from the leaves.

For respiratory diseases

Burning shrub is an excellent assistant in the fight against chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. Compresses, infusions, decoctions and syrups are made from the leaves. It is important to follow the recipe correctly and consult your doctor first.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Ulcers and gastritis are common gastrointestinal diseases; unpleasant symptoms bring discomfort and worsen the quality of life. Nettle decoction is used to get rid of ailments. It is recommended to combine the beneficial properties of nettle with the healing components of mint and St. John's wort.

A decoction of this herb reduces appetite and improves immunity.

For skin diseases

Heel spurs are an unpleasant skin disease that occurs when the body’s protective functions are reduced. To combat heel warts, compresses from young, burning leaves are used.

The plant also relieves pain from sprains, heals and disinfects open wounds. In cosmetology, nettle infusions treat acne skin and are used as vitamin masks.

For musculoskeletal pathologies

Regular consumption of nettle in the form of teas and infusions in combination with sports training allows you to quickly gain muscle mass, the hormonal system is restored in the shortest possible time.

Since ancient times, hot herb has been valued by healers for its ability to relieve pain in joints, sprains, bruises and dislocations.

For diseases of the urinary system

Juice, extracts from seeds and roots are used as medicines for the formation of kidney and bladder stones. At the same time, the blood is cleansed and liver functions are restored.

Antitoxic effect

Lignin, in combination with vitamins and cellulose polysaccharides, contained in the chemical composition of nettle, is responsible for the antitoxic effect of the medicinal plant. Toxins are removed from the entire area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract.

General strengthening effect

A rich vitamin cocktail in combination with important amino acids is responsible for boosting immunity and fighting viral diseases. It is recommended to consume drinks during the season of respiratory diseases.

Benefits of nettle for women

Nettle is an assistant in maintaining women's health. The healing herb normalizes hormonal levels, stabilizes metabolic processes, and promotes weight loss.The burning shrub is used in folk medicine to treat female diseases.

For heavy periods

For its ability to stop bleeding, the pungent herb is successfully used in gynecology to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of heavy menstruation. Normalization of hormonal levels and metabolic processes brings the menstrual cycle to a regular schedule.

Nettle for uterine fibroids

When treating uterine fibroids, the healing properties of flagellum are used as part of complex therapy. The hemostatic effect helps to reduce the amount of discharge, while reducing the risk of anemia, and lipid metabolism returns to normal.

Nettle during breastfeeding

Since ancient times, nettle infusion has been used to stimulate lactation and improve the quality of breast milk. All nutrients, vitamins and elements pass through the milk to the baby, the mother’s emotional state improves, and her emotional and hormonal levels return to normal.

Is it possible to take nettles during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Use during pregnancy is undesirable only in the first trimester, the uterus may become toned. In the future, the healing infusion prevents the occurrence of anemia and vitamin deficiency in an expectant or nursing mother.

Important! Before using traditional medicine, you should consult your doctor. Nettle is contraindicated for people with increased blood clotting; allergic reactions may occur.

For cervical erosion

The disinfecting and healing effect of the juice is used in the treatment of cervical erosion. Cotton swabs are dipped in the broth and inserted into the vagina.

Nettle in cooking

Healthy eating is the norm of life for a modern person. Vitamin-rich nettle leaves are successfully used in cooking.To get rid of the “burning effect” of the leaves, they are scalded with boiling water and used in salads with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Green spring soup is a storehouse of the first vitamins. There are many recipes for this delicious dish; everyone will probably remember their own, known since the time of their grandmothers.

Pies with sorrel and nettle have gained popularity. In dry form, nettle leaves are used as seasonings. It’s not difficult to create a vitamin snack; it’s important to arm yourself with imagination and a good mood.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, kostyrka is used in the form of infusions and decoctions for hair and facial skin. Methionine contained in hot herb strengthens hair, reduces hair loss, moisturizes the scalp, and eliminates dandruff.

The disinfectant effect allows you to fight acne and pimples. The skin becomes soft and tightened.

Is nettle good for weight loss?

Tea made from nettle leaves and flowers improves metabolic processes in the body, the vitamin complex improves mood, and nettle reduces appetite. You can prepare healthy tea at home. Due to these properties, the weight loss effect is noticeable within a few months, muscle mass is gained faster.

Nettle broom for a bath

A symbol of the Russian bath along with a broom made of birch and oak. Arthritis, rheumatism, skin ailments - a nettle broom will suppress unpleasant symptoms. After a bath with a nettle broom, the skin looks fresh and the tone returns to the tissue.

Aromatherapy based on nettle brooms is a remedy for colds and chronic fatigue.

Collection and storage of nettles

Rules for collecting and storing nettles:

1. The best time to collect leaves is during the flowering period.
2. The roots for harvesting are dug up in the spring.
3. To create oil, the seeds must reach the stage of full ripeness.
4. Raw materials are not collected along highways.
5. Before storing for storage, raw materials must be completely dried.
6. It is recommended to store dried material in paper or fabric bags.
7. The storage room must be dry, out of direct sunlight.

Important! Drying of raw materials should be carried out under the influence of heat, without direct sunlight, otherwise the leaf plates will become discolored and lose some of their vitamins.

Nettle is a unique plant endowed with healing properties and a rich chemical composition. But before using nettle-based drugs, be sure to consult a doctor; there are contraindications.