Nettle

Nettle belongs to the Urticaceae family, the main feature of which is pungency. Since ancient times, nettles have been used for medicinal purposes. Avicenna described this plant in his writings. But in Russia, the beneficial properties of nettles were learned much later - only in the 17th century.

Nettle in other languages:

• in Latin - Urtica,
• in English - nettles,
• in french - ortie,
• in German - Brenn-Nessel.

Nettle is a herbaceous plant that, depending on the species, can be annual or perennial. The grass has a powerful root system, leaves with jagged edges. In some cases, they have deep lobes. The entire surface of the nettle leaf is covered with stinging hairs.

The flowers of the plant are unisexual, four-membered and very small. They are in special inflorescences that look like spikelets. Nettle flowering usually begins in late spring and lasts throughout the summer. The fruit is a small biconvex nut, which is characterized by a yellowish-brown or light brown color.

About 50 types of nettle are known to science, but the most common are:

• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Other names are medicinal nettle, zhigalka, zhegala, zhalyuga, goad, zhguchka, goad, etc.This species has an erect stem, the height of which can reach from 50 to 150 cm. Its leaves are quite large, characterized by a heart-shaped shape with teeth at the ends. Nettle has spike-shaped inflorescences, as well as short stinging and long non-stinging hairs. This herb is called dioecious because the male and female flowers are on different plants. (photo 1)
• Stinging nettle (Urtica urens L.). This plant has a straight, slightly branched stem, which is 15–60 cm high. The leaves are relatively small, because they reach only 4–5 cm, they are elliptical or ovoid in shape. This species has only very stinging hairs, which is why it got its name. (photo 2)
• Stinging nettle (Urtica geleopsifolia). This species has a thick, rounded stem, the height of which can be from 40 cm to 1 meter. Large leaves are presented in the form of a lanceolate-heart-shaped, their top is elongated, the edges are sharply serrate. The plant has different hairs, both stinging and non-stinging.

Although nettle grows like a weed, but thanks to its beneficial properties, it is cultivated and grown in different countries of Europe. It grows most in the northern hemisphere of Europe, and is less common in the southern. This plant prefers fertile soil with sufficient moisture content, and can also grow in forests, vegetable gardens and even under windows.

• Nettle leaves are harvested from May to August.
• In order not to experience discomfort when collecting leaves, you should wear gloves.
• Nettle leaves are carefully torn off the stem, and then dried.
• The roots of the plant can be dug up in spring or autumn. They are cleaned of soil, washed and dried.Can be dried outdoors or heated.
• Nettles can be dried only in the shade or in rooms with excellent air ventilation, while the air temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
• Drying the plant in direct sunlight is strictly prohibited, because under its influence the raw material loses many useful substances.
• The seeds of the plant are collected in the fall, when the fruits are already ripe. First, the shoots are cut, dried, and then threshed.
• Dry leaves or roots should be stored in paper or cloth bags. The storage area should be dark and dry. Under these conditions, raw materials can be stored for two years.

A distinctive feature of nettle is its pungency. The burning hairs of the plant are a reliable defense against animals that feed on grass. The hair is presented in the form of a large cell, which is shaped like a medical ampoule. When the hair comes into contact with something, the tip of the hair breaks, penetrates under the skin and all the components of the cell enter the body. Of course, such "burns" do not pose a threat to human life, but not always, because there are some types of nettles that can kill.

Nettle has the following characteristics:

• widely used in medicine, it treats almost all human diseases;
• used as a spice for various dishes of the world;
• nettle leaves have twice as much ascorbic acid as blackcurrant berries;
• contains a large amount of carotene, it is even more than in carrots, sorrel or sea buckthorn;
• used in cosmetology, having a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair.

The calorie content of the plant is 24.8 kcal

Nutritional value per 100 grams of nettle:

• Proteins - 1.5 gr.
• Carbohydrates - 5 gr.
• Dietary fiber - 0.5 gr.
• Organic acids - 0.1 gr.
• Water - 90 gr.
• Mono- and disaccharides - 4 gr.
• Starch - 0.5 gr.
• Ash - 1 gr.

You can learn more about nettle from the video.

Nettle has a rich chemical composition, so it has a beneficial effect on the entire body. This plant contains a large amount of useful substances.

The chemical composition of this plant includes:

• glycoside urticin - stimulates the activity of many body systems;
• tannins - exhibit astringent, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory properties, can bind and remove toxins, cleansing the intestines;
• protein compounds - have nutritional value;
• formic acid - exhibits antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory medicinal properties;
• ascorbic acid - participates in metabolic processes and improves immunity;
• carotenoids - natural antioxidants and immunostimulants;
• chlorophyll - acts on the body like hemoglobin.

The chemical composition of nettle also contains violaxanthin, sitosterol, histamine, organic substances represented by flavonoids, coumarins, acetylcholine, etc. 100 grams of fresh wormwood contains:

• vitamins: A - 0.1 mg, PP - 0.5 mg, A (RE) - 100 mcg, B1 (thiamine) - 0.03 mg, B2 (riboflavin) - 0.03 mg, C (ascorbic) - 10 mg , PP (Niacin equivalent) - 0.749 mg.
• macronutrients: Ca (calcium) - 40 mg, Mg (magnesium) - 30 mg, Na (sodium) - 70 mg, K (potassium) - 260 mg, P (phosphorus) - 50 mg.
• trace elements: Fe (iron) - 0.5 mg, I (iodine) - 9 mcg.

• Nettle has an anti-inflammatory effect due to its high content of potassium.
• This plant helps to quickly remove toxic substances from the body, and also improves metabolic processes.
• The components of the plant have a beneficial effect on the liver and bladder.
• Nettle perfectly stops bleeding due to its pungency.
• This plant has antibacterial properties and also fights various microbes.
• Nettle leaves are used for a general strengthening effect on all systems.
• Nettle is useful for the female body: it reduces the uterus, increases lactation, eliminates menstrual pain, and normalizes the menstrual cycle.
• This plant helps to increase platelets, red blood cells, hemoglobin in the blood, and also significantly reduces the sugar content.

Some people still need to refrain from eating nettle, so as not to harm their health. First of all, this rule applies to people who suffer from atherosclerosis, varicose veins or thrombophlebitis, because nettle produces a hemostatic effect, which can cause blood clots. During pregnancy, especially in the last months, it is strictly forbidden to take this plant, so as not to provoke a miscarriage or premature birth, because nettle helps to reduce the uterus.

• thrombophlebitis
• phlebeurysm
• kidney disease
• hypertension
• atherosclerosis
• blood clotting problems
• during pregnancy
• in renal and heart failure
• with gynecological diseases (polyps, tumors of the uterus)

Nettle oil retains all the beneficial properties of this plant, and can also be stored for a long time. It is very convenient to use, because it can be added to face or hair masks, shampoos, gel, etc.

Even in its pure form, nettle oil helps to cope with many problems:

• used against wrinkles;
• helps eliminate dandruff;
• prevents hair loss;
• slows down the appearance of gray hair;
• returns the previous hair color due to the improvement of hair follicles;
• added to ointments for joint pain or for wound healing.

Making nettle oil at home:

1. The stems of the plant are cut off entirely along with the flowers. Only fresh herbs should be chosen. If the leaves are dry, then such a plant will not work. Remember to use gloves to avoid discomfort.
2. After harvesting, nettles should be left for a couple of hours so that the leaves wilt a little. During this time, all the acid from her hairs will evaporate, and she will stop stinging.
3. Cut off all the leaves from the stem, you can use the young heads of the plant.
4. Using a meat grinder, grind all the leaves and put them in a clean glass container, while the mass should remain loose for better contact with the oil.
5. Purified refined oil is poured into a container with nettles. The best option is olive oil, but regular sunflower oil can also be used. The oil should reach the neck of the can to displace as much air as possible.
6. Grinded nettle particles have a dark color, and the oil is transparent.
7. When the oil is ready, the nettle will become transparent, and the liquid will turn dark. This process usually takes two weeks.

The jar is best stored in a dark, cool place. To speed up the process, you can occasionally shake it.The finished oil is filtered through a two-layer gauze and poured into a clean glass dish.

Nettle juice is an excellent way to maintain the body in the spring, when people often suffer from beriberi. Making nettle juice at home:

• The juice is made from young plants, so nettles must be plucked before flowering. The leaves are thoroughly washed or left in water for 5 minutes. Be sure to make sure that there are no insects in the leaves. You need to select all the twisted leaves and discard. Leave the nettle for a while to dry out a little. Put the leaves in a bowl and carefully rub the nettle with a rocking chair. The container is placed on a small fire and simmer for about 10 minutes until the basin is heated. Next, with the help of gauze, juice is squeezed out.
• Another way to prepare juice is that a meat grinder is used to grind nettles, and there is no need to heat it up. The resulting mass is squeezed through cheesecloth.

• Nettle is used as a condiment.
• Based on this plant, gourmet sauces are prepared.
• Leaves can be used as one of the main components of second courses.
• This plant is added to soups, because it gives them a beautiful green color and an excellent herbal taste.
• This ingredient is widely used in the preparation of soft drinks, and is also a component of health tea.

How to cook nettle?

• When cooking, nettles must be added a few minutes before full readiness.
• To add nettle leaves to a salad, you first need to rinse it, pour over with boiling water, cook for several minutes, rinse with cold water and proceed to cutting.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg potatoes
• 300 ml 15% cream
• 0.5 liters of milk
• 1 bunch nettle
• Grated cheese, pepper and salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons spoons of butter

Cooking:

Boil the potatoes in salted water, then drain the water and dry the potatoes. Pour olive oil into a frying pan and cook nettle leaves for up to 10 minutes. Make mashed potatoes and put on a small fire. Then add butter, cream, milk and continue to stir. Next, put the cooked nettle and mix everything thoroughly. The resulting soup can be pureed with a blender. The soup is served hot along with grated cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of nettle leaves
• 100 grams of sorrel
• 100 grams of green onions
• 3 boiled eggs
• Vegetable oil for dressing
• Salt to taste

Cooking:

Nettle leaves, sorrel and green onions twist with a meat grinder. Peel the boiled eggs from the shell, finely chop and add to the herbs. Dress the salad with vegetable oil. Salt to taste.

For how to cook nettle and sorrel soup, see the following video.

Due to its rich chemical composition, nettle helps in the treatment of many diseases of various body systems. Nettle helps to cope with various diseases:

• to strengthen immunity - the infusion will help: take 200 grams of chopped nettle, pour 0.7 liters of vodka. Put the infusion on the windowsill for 24 hours, and then hide it in a dark place for another 8 days. Then strain and store in a dark glass container. It is recommended to use this remedy for 0.5 teaspoons. spoons half an hour before meals twice a day;
• with sciatica or muscle pain - you need to grind nettle leaves with a meat grinder, add butter and grated horseradish. Get an ointment for external use, which should be stored in the refrigerator;
• in diseases of the cardiovascular system - decoction: cut off only the tops of the leaves of the plant, rinse thoroughly and put in the shade to dry, then finely chop and pour half a liter of water. Bring to a boil and keep on fire for another 5 minutes. Before use, strain and add liquid honey to taste. You need to drink a decoction four times a day;
• with painful periods - you should use nettle juice for half a tea. spoons for a day, after dissolving it in a small amount of water;
• with gastritis - you need to mix 1 table. a spoonful of nettle, St. John's wort, knotweed and peppermint. Collection of herbs pour 1 liter of hot water and leave to infuse for 2 hours, wrapped in a warm towel;
• constipation- it is necessary to take nettle leaves, yarrow flowers and buckthorn in the same ratio. Pour all 1 tbsp. hot water and let it brew for half an hour. Be sure to strain before use. Drink 200 ml before going to bed;
• for better metabolism - 2 table. spoons of nettle leaves pour 200 ml of hot water, leave for 15 minutes to brew, strain with a strainer or gauze. Take 400 ml three times a day before meals;
• with bad breath from the mouth - you should take 1 table. a spoonful of crushed nettle leaves, add half a glass of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes under a closed lid, and then cool to room temperature before rinsing;
• for gout or rheumatism - 1 table. pour a spoonful of nettle leaves with a glass of boiling water, wrap in a towel and leave for one hour. Cool and strain. Apply 1 table. spoon 4 times half an hour before meals;
• with severe or chronic cough - you need to take the roots of the nettle, chop, pour them with sugar syrup and put on a small fire for 20 minutes. Use the decoction should be 1 table. spoon no more than five times a day. You can also use nettle flowers. Only 1 tea. pour a spoonful of flowers with two glasses of boiling water and let it brew for 15 minutes;
• with severe pain - in equal proportions, take nettle leaves and buckthorn bark, pour one liter of hot water, boil for several minutes on low heat, and then give it time to brew. It is recommended to take a decoction of 200 ml once a day.

Due to its rich chemical composition, nettle helps in the treatment of many diseases of various body systems.

This drink is used for gout, rheumatism, diseases of the liver or gallbladder, because it has an excellent diuretic effect.

Cooking:

You can use fresh or dried nettle leaves. Leaves are placed in a saucepan, filled with water and closed tightly with a lid. Place the saucepan over low heat and bring to a boil. Leave for half an hour for the tea to infuse. You can drink three times a day, it is recommended 15 minutes before meals.

Tea can be prepared not only with nettle, but also with other useful herbs. For example, a very tasty and healthy drink made from nettle and rose hips. To prepare it, you need to take 2 tables.spoons of nettle leaves and 100 grams of wild rose, pour two liters of boiling water, leave for two hours in a thermos and the tea is ready.

On the water. You need to take 2 tables. tablespoons of dried nettle leaves, pour 200 ml of hot water and let it brew for half an hour. Take tincture should be 50 ml four times a day.

On alcohol. Pour 200 grams of dried grass leaves with a bottle of vodka, leave for 14 days away from sunlight. Then strain with a strainer and drink 1 tsp. spoon every day. Store the tincture in the refrigerator.

Nettle leaves help with various problems with hair, give them shine, health and beauty. Therefore, there are many recipes for healing hair with the help of this medicinal plant.

• Decoction for hair treatment. You need to take 150 grams of nettle leaves, pour 1 liter of hot water, add 1 table. a spoonful of thick honey and let it brew for 1 hour. Then the infusion must be filtered with a strainer. A small bowl of warm water will need 400 ml of broth. Rinse your hair with this water.
• Decoction of dandruff. It is necessary to mix in equal proportions the roots of calamus, nettle, coltsfoot, so that 100 grams come out. Pour the resulting collection with one liter of boiling water and cook for no more than 10 minutes. Then wrap the broth in a warm towel and let it brew for one hour. Cool and strain. It is necessary to rinse the scalp 3 times a week.
• Infusion for hair loss. Pour 1 table. a spoonful of nettle leaves with one liter of boiling water and leave for an hour and a half to infuse. Strain after cooling. This tincture should be gently rubbed into the scalp 4 times a month, and more often for a quick result.
• Decoction for healing hair. Take 200 grams of nettle leaves, chop and pour 500 ml of vinegar.Then add 500 ml of water and put on fire for half an hour, then cool. The decoction is used after washing the hair.

Nettle has a positive effect on all skin types, helps slow down the aging process and the appearance of wrinkles, fights acne, and is also used to nourish the skin of the hands and feet.

• Mask for normal or dry skin types - you need to pour 1 tsp. a spoonful of nettle leaves 1 table. spoon of boiled milk, let it brew for 10 minutes and add 1 teaspoon. a spoonful of pre-whipped yolk. This mask should be applied for only 20 minutes, and then rinse and moisturize the skin with a nourishing cream.
• Mask for oily skin type - 1 tsp. a spoonful of plant leaves is poured into 1 table. a spoonful of hot milk and infused for 10 minutes, then whipped protein is added. Apply the mask for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
• Mask for dry skin type - 2 table. spoons of dry nettle leaves pour warm water to form a thick slurry. Then hold in a water bath for 10 minutes. The mask should be applied to the skin of the face for half an hour. It is recommended to use 2-3 per week.
• Lotion for oily skin type - 1 table. pour a spoonful of juice from nettle leaves into 100 ml of vodka. The face should be washed twice a day. The course of treatment is two months.
• Wrinkle mask - take 50 grams of nettle leaves, pass through a meat grinder, add 1 table. a spoonful of honey Apply the mask on the face and neck for 25 minutes. After using it, moisturize the skin with cream. It is recommended to make this mask in spring or autumn. The course is 10 procedures.

• Bath to relieve fatigue - mix 1 table. a spoonful of nettle leaves and 1 table. a spoonful of black elderberry flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.Add the infusion to the bath and dip your hands or feet there for 20 minutes.
• Bath for excessive sweating of the legs - mix 50 grams of nettle leaves and 50 grams of sage, pour 3 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour. Next, the infusion is poured into the bath. It is recommended to use every day before bed.

Nettle is widely used for weight loss, because decoctions based on it work wonders, and tea not only helps to get rid of excess weight, but also has a wonderful taste and aroma.

This plant has a diuretic property, so it helps to get rid of excess fluid in the body. The use of nettle leaves helps reduce appetite, because it contains substances that dull the feeling of hunger. This plant helps to cope with stressful situations, because some people tend to "seize" their problems.

Rinse fresh nettle leaves thoroughly, dip in boiling water for a few minutes and dry. Then grind using a blender and add to food (cottage cheese, salads, soups).

It will take 2 teas. spoons of dried nettle leaves, 1 tsp. a spoonful of fennel seeds. Grass is poured with 500 ml of boiling water. Then hold for 20 minutes in a water bath. Allow the broth to cool and strain with a strainer. Use 35 ml of decoction no more than 4 times a day. It is necessary to drink a decoction between meals.

You should take 2 teaspoons. spoons of dried nettle leaves, 1 table. a spoonful of mint leaves and 1 table. a spoonful of green tea. Pour the herbs into a thermos and add a liter of boiling water, let it brew for three hours. All tea is recommended to drink during the day, dividing it into several doses.

Even in ancient times, various objects were made from nettle raw materials:

• In Russia, sails made of nettle cloth were very much appreciated, because they were distinguished by their high density.
• Nettle fabric was used to make bags, sacks and chuvals.
• In European countries, it was used in the manufacture of sieves for sifting flour.
• In Japan, this plant was used in the creation of expensive samurai armor.
• Nettle is used to make a beautiful light and warm fabric called "cheviot", which in many ways resembles linen or cotton.
• Chinese nettle is used to produce a fabric that is an excellent substitute for silk.
• Nettle infusion is actively used by flower growers to combat aphids.
• Nettle leaves are used in the production of bath brooms.
• The raw material is used as food coloring to obtain yellow or green color.
• Nettle is used as fertilizer to improve soil fertility.

For plant nutrition and nettle fertilizer, see the following video.

First you need to choose fertile soil with moderate moisture, because nettle does not grow well on dry, sandy soil, and also does not withstand excessive moisture. You can not sow a plant on land that is clogged with rhizomatous weeds. You should not plant it in the sun, it is better to choose a place in a small shade of trees. Nettles can propagate using seeds or rhizomes. Sometimes her seedlings are used, but this is not particularly necessary. Nettle seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, so they can be planted in April. At first, the nettle grows slowly, but then the stage accelerates significantly. Perennial nettle varieties begin to germinate as early as mid-April. Nettle care consists of weeding, watering and loosening the soil.

Sowing is best done with fine sand, as nettle seeds are small in size. After planting, it is better to sprinkle the soil with 5 mm peat or humus. Until the first shoots of the plant appear, it is necessary to constantly maintain moderate soil moisture. If you use its root system to propagate nettles, then the roots must be removed in early spring, cut into small cuttings (8–10 cm) and planted in the ground to a depth of 8 cm .

Nettle has been used by different peoples for many times. During antiquity, this plant was added to many dishes as a condiment. In ancient Egypt, nettle was considered a cult plant. The ancient Roman statesman Pliny described it in his writings. Thanks to him, the nettle got its Latin name.

According to some sources, the seeds of this plant could have been brought to Europe by Roman legionnaires, because they whipped themselves with plant shoots in order to survive in the cold season.

In Russia, nettle has always been valued among the population. For example, in the annals of the XIV century you can find descriptions of this miraculous plant. It was used for various purposes: added to food, made medicinal infusions and ointments, made durable fiber for ropes, ropes and fabrics, used as complementary food for pets. Nettle even replaced the “refrigerator”, so if the fish was overlaid with fresh leaves of the plant, then it remained fresh for a long time. And modern farmers use nettle as a guide, because it grows only on nutritious soil, which is the best for growing seedlings.

• Since 2002, the Nettle Festival has been held annually in the village of Krapivna, Tula Region.In this village, people long ago used nettle for many needs. This plant is used on the coat of arms of the ancient village.
• In Anderson's famous fairy tale, The Wild Swans, shirts made from nettle helped break the spell on the protagonist's brothers.
• This plant is often used to obtain chlorophyll, which is indispensable in pharmacology, food and perfume production.
• Our ancestors believed that this grass had magical properties, so they made amulets from it and never cut it down near houses.