Nettle is a valuable and very common herb. In areas, it is considered as a weed to be disposed of. However, it is worth noting that nettle is very much appreciated in folk medicine, and today it is still used to treat many diseases.
Today, nettle is increasingly used in cosmetology and in home body care procedures. It is gaining more and more popularity thanks to cosmetic blogs and portals, on which the infusion of this herb is encouraged, as a remedy for hair loss and skin problems. However, this is just one of the few uses for this inconspicuous plant. Why is it worth including nettle tea in your diet?
Valuable properties of nettle
Interestingly, Hippocrates recommended the use of nettles to reduce hemorrhage. As it turns out today, this was not unreasonable. Nettle contains a lot of vitamin K1, which ensures proper blood coagulation. Therefore, by eating nettles, you prevent excessive bleeding with possible damage to the body.
The Latin name for nettle is Urtica, which means "burning." This comes from the effect that nettle has on our skin; touching a live plant causes a burn and blisters on the skin. Previously, this property was especially often used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism. Nettle contains, among other things, formic acid, which causes the aforementioned burn sensation. However, this acid increases blood circulation and has an analgesic effect, so unpleasant blisters cease to itch after several hours, and the affected area becomes more resistant to pain. Nettle accelerates the flow of lymph and blood, thereby relieving inflammation.
Daily consumption of nettle tea helps to cleanse the blood and remove toxins (therefore, it also has a diuretic effect) and additionally supports the digestive organs (especially the liver).
Therapeutic properties of nettle tea for anemia
People suffering from anemia are usually advised to consume large amounts of meat. Meanwhile, based on research, it turned out that anemia can be treated with nettles. This herb contains a large amount of iron and vitamin C. Iron of plant origin is much better absorbed when it is combined with vitamin C. With a decrease in iron levels, it is worth remembering nettles, in which case the juice will be more useful than tea. But if we do not have access to fresh nettles, you can make tea.
Nettle for people with insulin resistance and hypertension
Nettle tea lowers blood glucose, so it’s good to combine it with a carbohydrate-rich diet. Nettle tea will be especially useful for those who have problems with high fasting blood sugar. In addition, nettle also reduces pressure - this is due to the fact that it dilates blood vessels.
Nettle tea for hair
Nettle tea can accelerate hair growth and prevent the loss of existing ones. Nettle also has a good effect on the skin - it reduces acne and accelerates the relief of inflammation. All this thanks to the vitamins and minerals contained in this plant: vitamins A, C, E, silicon, magnesium and calcium. Interestingly, nettle tea can also be used externally as a hair rinse.
How to make nettle tea
Nettle should be collected in the spring, when there are no flowers yet - then all the minerals accumulate in the leaves. It is important to remember that nettles must be collected in places far from civilization; the one that grows near the road, of course, loses all its nutrients.
Tea can be prepared from the leaves, or you can eat them raw. If you want to drink tea for a whole year, wash the torn nettle (then it does not burn) and dry in the shade. Finished leaves can be stored in a jar. It is enough to place the dried leaves in boiling water and cook for 10 minutes under a lid.
Is it possible to overdo it with nettles?
For the reason that nettle tea has a diuretic property, it should be consumed in moderation. Too frequent consumption can leach valuable minerals from the body. A maximum of 1 cup of tea per day is recommended.
