Stinging Nettle: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Nettle or formerly known as stinging nettle is an undemanding plant that is native to the whole world. It is also considered to be nature’s multi-talent and can be excellently used in medicine for many health purposes.

Occurrence and cultivation of nettle

The plant grows up to three meters high and grows in meadows, between stones or on the edges of walls in both sunny and shady places. There are over 45 different species of nettle. The plant grows up to three meters high and grows in meadows, between stones or on the edges of walls in both sunny and shady places. The unbranched stem and leaves are covered with stinging and bristly hairs. The leaves of the stinging nettle are heart-shaped, toothed on the edge, deep green and grow up to eight centimeters long. The flowering period extends from June to October, the petals are white and tiny.

Effect and application

Use the nettle both in the kitchen, as well as in natural medicine. The leaves of the nettle are rich in minerals, iron and protein. In spring, the young leaves are harvested, cooked and made into nettle spinach or soup. Nettle leaves can also be eaten as a salad; washing and marinating destroys the stinging hairs and they no longer exert an irritating effect. The fresh pressed juice of the nettle is drunk pure for purification. In homeopathy, all parts of the nettle plant can be used. For external use, the fresh plant is spread over the diseased areas or a poultice is made from it. Nettles can be pounded with salt and used as a wound dressing for ulcers or as a bath additive. More often, however, nettle is used internally, for which leaves, stems and roots can be used. Nettle leaves can be dried and prepared as a tea, for which fresh leaves are also suitable. Dried nettle herb has a very good shelf life and can be made for storage. Alternatively, nettles can be used to make a tincture or nettle spirit. The roots of the plant can be cut and used together with the herb or also dried and stored. By preparing the nettle in strong wine vinegar, you can get nettle vinegar, which is good for external use.

Importance for health

Nettle leaves and herb have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect and are often used for rheumatic complaints and arthritis. This application is equally used for gout and lumbago. Thanks to its blood purifying effect, nettles can lower uric acid in the body and reduce these ailments. The properties of stinging nettle are effective against ulcers throughout the body, and this plant performs valuable services in stomach and intestinal disorders. Nettle also brings relief in inflammation of the urinary tract, hemorrhoids and jaundice. Here, especially the use of the root is indicated. In addition, stinging nettle has vasodilator, blood pressure lowering, hematopoietic, blood circulation stimulating and lowers blood sugar levels. It has a preventive effect against various diseases, but should not be used in cases of water retention in the tissues (edema). Nettle has a purifying and draining effect and is often used in spring for a purification cure. Due to the diuretic and digestive effect, toxins are eliminated, the metabolism is stimulated and the body is cleansed internally. The juice of the nettle counteracts spring fatigue. For beautiful, thick and dandruff-free hair, they are washed in a strong infusion of nettle. Supporting nettle tincture can be massaged into the scalp; a rinse with nettle vinegar strengthens the hair and gives it shine. For skin cleansing, the face and décolleté are washed with nettle infusion and, if desired, clarified with nettle spirit; oily skin and blackheads are thus prevented. Used internally and externally, nettle provides purification and health throughout the body.