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This herb is not just an ordinary weed, it is one of the most healing plants. Its medicinal effects were already known in ancient Greece. It is said that if people knew how medicinal this herb is, they would grow nothing else in their gardens.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is the best-known and most widespread representative of the nettle genus in the Czech Republic. Nettle can be used in the kitchen, in cosmetics, but above all as a medicinal remedy. It has a wide range of effects – cleansing, detoxifying, strengthening and astringent. It has anti-rheumatic effects and successfully lowers blood pressure. It is suitable for diabetics, as it lowers the level of blood sugar.
Health benefits of nettle
Nettle is used in the treatment of anemia, as it supports blood formation well, cleanses the blood and also helps with internal bleeding. It also proves its strength in the treatment of flu and urinary and respiratory tract conditions. Especially in spring it helps to revive the metabolism.
On the internet I also found several articles and, above all, people’s experiences with using nettle tea for migraine. People wrote there that after drinking nettle tea for several days they noticed a rapid improvement, and after a few weeks they no longer even knew what a migraine was. Nettle is also used externally against various rashes, dandruff and hair loss.
Uses of nettle in the kitchen
Nettles also find use in the kitchen. Try making nettle soup for a change or, for example, nettle spinach, which contains 2x more iron than typical spinach. Or how about adding nettle to a classic broth? Let your imagination run free.
If you want to try something special, I recommend a spinach spread for which you will need finely chopped nettles, sheep cheese (or another), a little garlic and olive oil. Mix everything together and season to taste if necessary.
Nettle tea is used for the following ailments:
- anemia
- insufficient breast milk for breastfeeding
- urinary tract infections
- congestion
- reduces susceptibility to catching a cold
- difficult or bloody urination
- eczema
- headaches
- kidney and urinary tract gravel
- high blood sugar
- allergies (hay fever)
- for cancer, for example of the stomach – drink larger amounts of tea during the day
- metabolic and digestive problems
- rheumatism
Healthy nettle recipes
Nettle is a good helper for supporting weight loss, but you need to remember one important thing – nettle removes water from the body, so if you use it more often, you need to increase your fluid intake. With long-term use it is necessary to replenish potassium, which nettle flushes out. To replenish potassium, a banana and fresh vegetables will do.
Healthy drinks, decoctions and regimens from nettles:
Detoxifying nettle drink
This drink will cleanse your blood and rid the body of toxins. Wash young spring nettles well, including the root, pour over with freshly boiled hot water and let stand calmly for about 24 hours. Then strain through a sieve and drink the beverage over 3 days.
Nettle decoction against hair loss
As already mentioned, nettle is an excellent fighter against hair loss and dandruff. If this ailment bothers you, try using this decoction. Pour boiling water over a handful of fresh nettles and let steep for approximately 20 minutes. Then add the juice of 1 lemon and strain. Massage this decoction (the amount corresponds to 1 tablespoon daily) into your scalp.
Nettle regimen to strengthen the body
Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a handful of preferably fresh nettle tops and let steep for about half a minute, then strain through a fine sieve. Take preferably one cup in the morning before breakfast and two more cups during the day. For full effect apply this regimen for 4 weeks.
