Now in pharmacies you can buy a huge number of medicines of plant origin. At the same time, such drugs have the widest spectrum of action and help to cope with a variety of pathological conditions. Many experts in official medicine agree that herbal remedies may well compete in their strength and properties with chemical medicines. One of the fairly common medicinal plants recognized by our physicians is nettle. In a pharmacy, it can be purchased as a drug "dried nettle leaves"; let us analyze in more detail the medicinal properties of such a remedy, complete with which there is a detailed instruction for use, which describes the use of this plant material, indications for use and contraindications for such treatment.
Medicinal properties of nettle leaves
Nettle leaves have a fairly wide spectrum of action due to their unique composition. So this vegetable raw material is a source of copper and calcium, iron and magnesium, as well as B vitamins, vitamin K and tocopherol. In addition, nettle is rich in phytoncides, flavonoids and astringents. This plant also contains a number of organic acids, chlorophyll and glycosides.
This composition makes nettle a wonderful tonic and healing agent. Its use helps to achieve an excellent expectorant effect, leading to a mild laxative result. In addition, nettle has choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties, dilates blood vessels well, stimulates the immune system and activates the body's defenses. The use of this plant can also help to cope with cramps.
External use of compounds based on nettle leaves will be appropriate in the treatment of various skin ailments, bleeding, open wounds and hair problems.
Indications
Nettle is most often used as a remedy that allows you to quickly and effectively stop uterine, intestinal, and hemorrhoidal bleeding. Preparations based on it will help to cope with hypovitaminosis, cure cholecystitis and atherosclerosis. In addition, such funds will be effective in the treatment of ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract and constipation. Medicines from nettle leaves are often used in the correction of respiratory ailments, to eliminate enterocolitis and nephrourolithiasis. Many experts advise taking them for iron deficiency anemia and gout. There is evidence that the preparations of this plant will help to cope with polymenorrhea, myalgia and diabetes.
External use of products based on nettle leaves is advisable in the treatment of purulent non-healing wounds, trophic ulcerative lesions and lichen. In addition, such compounds can help to quickly cope with furunculosis, acne and bedsores. Nettle decoction is able to quickly defeat various inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, including curing gum problems.
The leaves of this plant are also actively used in cosmetology; at home, masks and rinses for hair are prepared on their basis, which have a stimulating effect on growth processes.
Application
If you suffer from poor blood clotting, then on the basis of nettle leaves you need to prepare the following decoction: brew a couple of tablespoons of vegetable raw materials with a glass of only boiled water and boil over a fire of minimum power for ten minutes. The cooled remedy should be filtered and consumed in a tablespoon up to five times a day.
To stop bleeding, it is worth brewing a tablespoon of crushed vegetable raw materials with a glass of only boiled water. Keep this remedy on fire for ten minutes, let it cool completely and strain. Also take a tablespoon four to five times a day.
To stimulate and regulate metabolic processes in anemia, as well as for general strengthening of the body, you need to take a couple of tablespoons of nettle leaves and combine them with a glass of boiling water. Soak this remedy for a quarter of an hour, then strain and consume one or two glasses three times a day shortly before meals.
To prepare the rinse, you need to brew ten grams of leaves with half a glass of boiling water. The duration of infusion of such a composition should be ten minutes, after which it should be filtered.
For external washings and applying compresses, you should take a couple of table leaves of vegetable raw materials and brew it with two hundred and fifty milliliters of boiling water. After twenty-five minutes of infusion, strain the prepared remedy.
Contraindications for use
It should be borne in mind that the use of drugs based on nettle can cause allergic reactions, which indicate an individual intolerance to such a plant, and, accordingly, the impossibility of its further use. In addition, nettle-based preparations are contraindicated for bleeding caused by tumor formations and ailments that require surgical intervention. Even treatment with nettle is impossible if a person has excessive blood clotting, as well as during the period of expectation of a child. Particular care should be taken when treating people with renal insufficiency with stinging nettle.
Nettle leaves are a hemostatic agent of plant origin.
Release form and composition
The drug is produced in the form of crushed plant material, which is a mixture of leaf blades and, in rare cases, petioles (35, 50 or 100 g each in cardboard packs with an inner paper bag; 1.5 g each in filter bags, in a cardboard pack 10 or 20 bags).
Nettle leaves contain B, C, K vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids, iron and silicon salts, chlorophyll and other biologically active substances.
Indications for use
- Physiologically heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Non-abundant bleeding in the post-coagulation period of treatment of cervical erosion.
Contraindications
Phytopreparation is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Bleeding with tumors;
- Bleeding in diseases requiring surgical intervention;
- Increased blood clotting;
- Children's age up to 12 years;
- Pregnancy;
- individual sensitivity.
With caution, the drug should be used in renal failure.
Method of application and dosage
A decoction is prepared from nettle leaves. To do this, 4 filter bags are placed in an enameled or glass dish, poured with 1 cup (200 ml) of boiling water, covered with a lid and infused for 15 minutes, periodically pressing the bags with a spoon. If medicinal raw materials are used, 2 tbsp. pour 1 cup boiling water, cover with a lid and insist on a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
Then the packages / raw materials are squeezed out, the volume of the infusion is brought to the original volume using boiled water.
The drug should be taken orally in a warm form, 1 tbsp. 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals. Immediately before taking the infusion must be shaken.
Side effects
Nettle leaves are generally well tolerated by the body, in some cases allergic reactions are possible. The possibility of hypercoagulability cannot be ruled out.
special instructions
If indicated, the phytopreparation can be used during lactation.
drug interaction
There is no information on interaction with other medicinal products.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store in a dry, dark place and out of the reach of children.
The shelf life of herbal raw materials is 2 years, the prepared infusion is 2 days if stored in a cool place.
Instructions for use:
Nettle leaves are a herbal remedy with a wide spectrum of action.
pharmachologic effect
Nettle leaves contain copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin E, K, B, flavonoids, phytoncides, astringents, glycosides, chlorophyll, organic acids. All these substances endow nettle with healing properties and make it possible to use it as a tonic, healing, expectorant, laxative, choleretic, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, anticonvulsant.
They practice the external use of nettle leaves - for skin diseases, bleeding, open wounds, hair problems.
Release form
In the pharmaceutical industry, crushed dried nettle leaves, nettle herbal tea, nettle liquid extract are produced.
At home, nettle leaves are dried naturally or used fresh.
Indications for use
Nettle is used to stop uterine, intestinal, hemorrhoidal bleeding, treatment of hypovitaminosis, cholecystitis, atherosclerosis, gastrointestinal ulcers, constipation, respiratory diseases, enterocolitis, nephrourolithiasis, iron deficiency anemia, gout, polymenorrhea, myalgia, diabetes mellitus, tonsillitis.
Externally, nettle leaves are used for purulent non-healing wounds, trophic ulcers, lichen, furunculosis, acne, bedsores. Rinsing the mouth with a decoction of nettle is practiced for problems with the gums.
In cosmetology, nettle leaves are used for hair - to stimulate their growth.
Contraindications
The use of nettle leaves is not recommended for: hypersensitivity to the agent, bleeding caused by a tumor, diseases requiring surgical intervention, with increased blood clotting. Pregnant women should not take nettle decoctions, because. they increase the tone of the uterine muscles, can provoke premature birth. Fresh nettles are used with caution in case of renal insufficiency.
Instructions for use
In case of poor blood clotting, a decoction is prepared from nettle: two tablespoons of crushed dried leaves are poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled for 10 minutes, then cooled, filtered. Take a decoction 4-5r / day, 1 tablespoon.
To stop bleeding, one tablespoon of the leaves of the plant is brewed with one glass of boiling water, boiled for another 10 minutes, filtered after it cools down and take 4-5 rubles / day, 1 tablespoon each.
To regulate metabolism in case of anemia, an infusion prepared from two tablespoons of table leaves, poured with one glass of boiling water and aged for 15 minutes, is taken as a general tonic. Take infusion three r / d. before meals, one or two glasses.
For rinsing the mouth, use an infusion of 10g of leaves brewed with 0.5 st. boiling water (decoction is insisted for 10 minutes).
The use of nettle leaves in collections is also practiced. For the treatment of acute gastritis, nettle, St. in a warm place. After drinking one glass several r / day (about 1.5 liters) for 7-10 days.
For constipation, a collection of nettles (one part), buckthorn bark (three parts), yarrow flowers (one part) is used - one tablespoon of the collection is brewed with a glass of boiling water, kept on fire for another minute, insisted for half an hour, filtered and drink 0 at night, 5-1 glass for 2 weeks.
For the treatment of hemorrhoids, one part of nettle leaves, two parts of oregano and buckthorn bark are mixed. Collection (1 tablespoon) brew 1.5 tbsp. hot water, 5 min. boil, 4 hours. kept in a warm place. Take a decoction in the form of heat three r / day for 0.5 st. for 15min. before meals.
For external washes and compresses, two tablespoons of table leaves are poured into a glass of boiling water, 25 minutes. insist, persevere.
Nettle leaves for hair (100g) pour 0.5l. water, 0.5 l. vinegar, boil for half an hour, filter.
Nettle decoction is a drink unique in its beneficial properties, which allows you to get rid of the symptoms of many diseases and improves the condition of the body. Want to know more about the plant? Read our review - we have collected interesting and useful information about the drink. You will learn how to prepare it, why it is needed, study the benefits and contraindications in order to make an informed decision about the use.
Composition and application
To understand the benefits of nettle decoction, you need to carefully study the chemical composition of the plant. Do not mistake it for a useless weed - this is a real storehouse of useful vitamins, elements and other components.
Let's study them in detail - the composition includes:
- Vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system;
- Vitamin A (retinol), which stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and liver;
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) - normalizing the condition of the skin and hair;
- Vitamin K has a regenerating and hemostatic property;
- B vitamins improve sleep, strengthen the nervous system and normalize the state of the body;
- Carotenoids improve vision.
In addition, the following elements are concentrated in nettle:
- Glycosides and chlorophyll;
- Flavonoids and histamines;
- Phytoncides and organic acids;
- Zinc and copper;
- Molybdenum, calcium and potassium;
- Manganese, sulfur, aluminum;
- Barium, iron and chromium.
Below we will describe in detail what nettle decoction helps with - but for now, we will briefly note the main areas of use of the drug:
- Ingestion as a drink;
- Washing the face and body;
- Rubbing into the scalp in cosmetology;
- as compresses;
- In cooking.
Let's discuss the indications for the use of nettle decoction - for this you need to carefully study the list of useful qualities of the plant.
Beneficial features
The benefits of nettle decoction for the body are undeniable - thanks to the rich composition, we can extract the maximum benefits and get rid of some diseases. Let's examine in detail in which cases the drink can have a beneficial effect:
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect in diseases of the liver, kidneys and gallbladder;
- Allows you to block blood circulation and is used as a prophylactic to prevent the occurrence of cancer;
- Removes cholesterol and lowers sugar levels, used in diabetes;
- Improves the activity of the urinary system, allows you to remove sand and small stones;
- Facilitates the course of prostatitis and kills pathogenic bacteria;
- A decoction of nettle with bleeding of a different nature allows you to stop the harmful process;
- Used for severe allergies - histamines help stop a negative reaction to an irritant;
- Strengthens the immune system;
- Allows you to get rid of worms;
- A decoction of nettle for the face helps to remove the manifestations of eczema and psoriasis;
- Enriches the blood with oxygen and nutrients, including hemoglobin;
- Eliminates pain in the lower back, neck and back;
- Dries out external inflammations, relieves suppuration;
- Helps to get rid of acne and cellulite, severe wrinkles and vascular network;
- Normalizes sweating;
- Stimulates hair growth and fights hair loss;
- Used for the treatment and prevention of impotence, increases libido and stimulates the reproductive system;
- Normalizes sleep, relieves psycho-emotional fatigue, calms the nervous system;
- Cleanses the liver of toxins and toxins.
Separately, we note how the drink affects young children, in which cases it can be used:
- Eliminates pain in the stomach;
- Relieves cough;
- Strengthens immunity;
- Relieves inflammation in the oral cavity;
- Used for anemia to normalize iron levels;
- Helps to cope with an allergic reaction.
In order not to encounter contraindications of nettle decoction, you should first agree on the reception of the remedy with a pediatrician.
Pregnancy and lactation is an important stage in a woman's life, during this period any medicines, even natural ones, should be taken with caution. We will tell you in which cases nettle helps - but do not forget about consulting a gynecologist:
- Improves mood, helps relieve headaches;
- Nettle decoction after childbirth and during pregnancy relieves depression and gives strength;
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system;
- Eliminates puffiness and positively affects the functioning of the kidneys. Also, read how to take during pregnancy in our other article.
We figured out why to drink a decoction of nettle, we hope that you have no questions left? Now it is worth discussing the possible harm - do not leave this information unattended!
Contraindications
You have studied the benefits of nettle decoction - agree that the list of plant virtues is impressive? It's time to discuss the possible harm - any drug has certain contraindications that are important to consider before use.
You should not drink a decoction in the following cases:
- With fixed high blood pressure;
- People suffering from varicose veins;
- With atherosclerosis;
- If you suffer from heart failure.
A decoction of nettle during breastfeeding and during pregnancy is prescribed only by a doctor.
Please note that the information provided can be used for informational purposes only - we do not give any advice. Only a specialist can give an appointment, determine the dosage and methods of ingestion. Be sure to seek advice before use and do not drink the drink without restrictions, follow the measure!
Why are they taking it? Read the information in the article at the link.
Where to get nettle
You can purchase dried leaves at a pharmacy or a large store - the products are available without a prescription and restrictions. If you want to collect the plant yourself, you should follow these tips:
- The most fully useful properties are revealed in May - choose this time for collection;
- Collection time - after the dew has dried, but before sunset;
- It is better to look for leaves in ecologically clean places. The plant spreads easily - it can be found in almost any yard, but it is better to refrain from such collection. Choose remote places - forests, glades, away from roads and houses;
- Dry the leaves in the shade, in a well-ventilated area, spreading out one by one on a flat surface;
- After drying, the leaves are placed in a jar with a tightly screwed lid and stored in a dark place.
Recipe
Now let's discuss how to cook nettle tea, whether it is an acquired plant or leaves you have collected:
- One tablespoon of leaves pour 0.2 liters of water;
- Boil;
- Leave under a towel to brew for an hour;
- Strain and refrigerate.
How to drink a decoction of nettle for various diseases?
The medicinal plant nettle (lat. Urtíca) got its name from the stinging hairs that cover the leaves and stems of the plant. In Latin, "uro" means "burn". For food and medical purposes, the stinging nettle species is used, which is widespread in Europe, Asia, China, India, North Africa, Australia and the USA.
A weedy perennial herbaceous plant in Russia also has other popular names: zhguchka, goad, zhgala, strekuchka. It can be found in Slavic herbals, starting from the 16th century, as a means of healing wounds. And in ancient times, there were beliefs that warriors whipped themselves with nettle stalks to keep warm. The healing properties of nettle juice were described in treatises by Dioscorides and Hippocrates.
blank
Raw materials are harvested from April to July, tearing off burning leaf plates from the stems or beveling the aerial part, and then manually picking off the leaves from the stems. Next, the nettle is dried, spread out on natural fabric or paper with a layer of up to 5 cm, always in a dark room with good ventilation, for example, under a canopy, in an attic or in a barn.
On an industrial scale, raw materials are dried at temperatures up to 50 ° C in electric dryers. The shelf life of dried nettle leaves in paper or cardboard is up to 2 years. In most pharmacies of the countries of the post-Soviet space, stinging nettle is sold all year round. The plant is also included in medicinal herbal preparations, including multivitamin, kidney, hemostatic, gastric, wound healing, etc.
Useful properties of nettle
Stinging nettle, photo
For economic and pharmaceutical purposes, nettle leaves are used, its medicinal properties and contraindications are due to the vitamins and minerals that make up the composition. Fresh and dried vegetable raw materials are considered a natural multivitamin concentrate, due to the presence of ascorbic acid (up to 30 mg%), carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A), vitamins of group B, K.
Nettle contains chlorophyll - a green pigment that is the "blood" of plants and has a beneficial effect on the hematopoietic system of the human body. This powerful antioxidant improves the functioning of all organs at the cellular level, preventing oxidative stress and promoting the healing of internal and external damage.
And in fresh plant materials, there are nitrogen-free extractive substances, a small amount of lipids, ash, crude protein and pure protein compounds responsible for building cells and tissues. Dietary fibers present in raw nettle - fiber (36.5%) - provide powerful cleansing properties of the plant.
Burning leaves are a natural source of rare trace elements, including potassium, copper, titanium, boron, nickel, manganese, iron, etc. Phenolic and organic acids, glycosides, phytoncides, tannins, sugars, porphyrins, secretin present in nettle dioica, enhance the therapeutic properties of extracts and extracts from the plant, allowing it to be used in folk medicine as an internal and external remedy.
Application in cooking
Collected in early spring, young nettle shoots are valued by nutritionists all over the world for their ability to restore the human body depleted during the winter. Juicy delicate inflorescences, plucked in early spring and dried, are added to teas and infusions, useful and nutritious at any age.
Greens are added to soups, borscht, cabbage soup, fresh leaves are included in the recipe for vitamin salads, original and very tasty fillings for pies, pies and pastries are prepared from them, as well as fermented and salted for future use in order to enjoy an invaluable natural product throughout the year.
Use in cosmetology
Almost every woman knows that nettle is the best remedy for all types of hair. With a decoction of nettles, even our ancestor rinsed the curls, strengthening them and healing the hair. Such procedures were of particular benefit for hair loss.
Plant extracts are present in many modern products used in the care and treatment of hair diseases, ranging from baldness to dandruff. Until now, extracts from raw materials are actively used in home cosmetology for the preparation of effective compositions for the care of the face, body and skin appendages (masks, peels, creams, conditioners, lotions, shampoos, etc.).
Nettle treatment in official and traditional medicine
Water extracts from nettle leaves are an ancient remedy that helps with all types of internal bleeding, including gastrointestinal, uterine, hemorrhoidal, pulmonary, hepatic, etc. The hemostatic properties of the plant are provided by vitamin K, which increases the coagulability of blood plasma.
The juice of young nettle shoots is a multivitamin that stimulates all types of metabolism. And it is also used to treat wounds and burn surfaces as a regenerating, disinfectant and wound healing agent, provided with a high concentration of chlorophyll.
Traditional medicine advises to actively use externally fresh nettle bushes in the treatment of pathologies of the joints and lower back. In particular, doctors prescribe whipping of the lower back with a broom of juicy nettle for backache and sciatica, preferably in combination with bath procedures - steaming.
The use of nettle leaves is advisable to improve blood composition, especially with anemia. Preparations with a plant increase the content of hemoglobin in the blood plasma and increase the number of red blood cells produced, due to the presence of easily digestible proteins, iron and vitamins in the extract.
The benefits of nettle for maintaining health were also evaluated by patients with diabetes mellitus. The fact is that it contains the hormone secretin, which stimulates the production of insulin by the pancreas. Thus, taking plant-based products is useful for people suffering from pathologies of this organ (pancreatitis), and for lowering blood sugar levels.
The phytosterols in stinging nettle are good for men's health. Nettle drinks (tea, infusion) improve the condition of the prostate gland, which leads to increased potency and is the prevention of prostatitis.
But the burning leaves bring the greatest benefit to women. Infusion and decoction of nettle during menstruation, accompanied by bleeding, normalizes this process, relieving spasms and painful manifestations. Taking extracts from the plant can significantly reduce the amount of menstrual flow, if necessary.
An urgent question arises, how to make a decoction of nettle? For the preparation of the elixir, dried raw materials are used. One and a half tablespoons of herbs are poured with hot water (0.3 l), the product is simmered in a water bath for 5 minutes, insisted under the lid for 2 hours, filtered and taken warm, 100 ml three times a day before meals. Treatment is carried out during menstruation.
Contraindications for use
Like any medicinal plant, stinging nettle has contraindications and restrictions for use. First of all, recipes with leaves and their inclusion in the diet are contraindicated for people with individual intolerance.
If you are taking pharmaceutical preparations as prescribed by the doctor, then you should inform him about the start of therapy with nettle, since some pharmaceutical products are incompatible with extracts from it. For example, nettle extract has a depressant effect on the central nervous system if antidepressants are taken at the same time.
Since the plant has powerful hemostatic properties, in the presence of atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, its preparations can cause serious harm to the patient. It should be borne in mind that an increase in blood clotting when taking nettle extracts increases the risk of blood clots in people prone to this pathology.
During pregnancy, it is strongly not recommended to use nettle internally, even in the form of light tea, as this can provoke uterine contractions and miscarriage. Gynecologists do not advise to be treated with nettle preparations in the presence of cysts, polyps, any types of tumors, even if they are accompanied by bleeding.
Given the beneficial properties of nettle, it makes sense to diversify your diet in the spring, including fresh leaves in everyday meals. And also take care of the procurement of raw materials in order to always have at hand a powerful remedy that is so popular in traditional medicine, of course, if you and family members have no contraindications to its use. May the wisdom of nature always help you to be young and healthy!