Nettle
Nettle (Urtica Dioica), also called "stinging nettle", grows throughout the spring and summer months mostly in Europe. It belongs to the plant family Urticaceae, which has more than 500 species. It is considered a common weed, growing all over the place. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has dark green leaves covered in small stinging hairs. |
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The sting contains some chemicals which irritates the skin and cause a burning sensation. That is where the Latin name came from, "Urtica" meaning "burning" and "uro" meaning "I burn". The second name "Dioica" means "two houses" and it refers to the fact that the male and female flowers grow on different plants.
Nettles have been used in herbalism for hundreds of years. They are edible, being traditionally cooked in soup, pudding or tea. They also make a fine cloth which is stronger than cotton.
Nettles produce strong fibers to support their long stems. The fibers are extracted by soaking the stems in water and allowing bacteria to destroy unwanted stem tissue. This process is called retting. Unlike cotton, nettle grows very fast and it can be harvested more than once a year, so it is very economical.
History and Folklore
- It is believed that nettle cloth was the very first cloth made by humans. Strings, fishing nets, clothes, ropes were used since the the Neolithic times. Nettle cloth has been found in burial sites in Denmark dating back to the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC).
- The Romans used nettles to relieve rheumatism and arthritis by flogging themselves with small branches tied together, stimulating the blood circulation.
- There are reports of the use of a nettle infusion in ancient Egypt.
- Hippocrates and his supporters used nettles as herbal remedies.
- The Buddhist Saint and Yogi, Milarepa, also known as the Green God, is said to have turned green and hairy after eating nothing but nettles during his meditations in a cave for many years. That is why the stone figurines of Milarepa are normally made out of green Jade.
- It was considered a protective herb: spread under the bed of a sick person would help him recover; sprinkled around the house would ward off evil spirits; kept in a room will protect anyone inside.
- It was believed that it enhances fertility in men.
Health Benefits
- It contains numerous vitamins and minerals that are essential for human body, like : Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (panothenic acid), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Iron, Selenium, Chromium, Zinc.
- It is used to treat skin diseases because it contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. The sharp nettle leaves inject the natural medicine into the body when struck against the affected area.
- It is used to treat asthma and allergies because it helps loosen congestion and open the bronchial airways.
- It is used to treat hay fever because of the high content of antihistamines.
- The natural anti-inflammatory properties help relieve the joint pain.
- It contains large amounts of Boron and Silicon, two minerals that help ease symptoms of arthritis.
- It is a natural diuretic. It helps the body to eliminate uric acid and bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
- It helps to lower blood pressure because of the diuretic properties.
- The diuretic action also helps to relive premenstrual bloating.
- It is used in cosmetics, for hair care.
- It contains Iron, and it is used for treating anemia. It actually has twice more Iron than spinach!
- It is used in Homeopathic medicine for treating minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, hives.
Nettle and Menopause
- Containing so many vitamins and minerals, it is very useful at menopause, when the body is depleted of them.
- It helps relieve joint pain, which is a major menopause symptom.
- It can be used for loosing weight, as a detox agent.
- It strengthens and beautifies the hair, as hair loss is a major menopausal problem.
My Home Remedies Solutions
- Because nettle has strong anti-inflammatory properties, I use a gargle with nettle infusion for throat and mouth infections.
- Cosmetically, nettles are used as a hair rinse. Drop few packets of Nettle Leaf Tea
in one gallon of boiling water, let it steep, cool down and use the infusion to rinse your hair. It will make it glossy and so beautiful!
- It is a natural diuretic and I strongly recommend it in any weight loss plan. Drink Nettle Leaf Tea
From Nettle to Herbal Supplements
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