Stinging nettle. Unconventional uses of nettle. Stinging nettle: beneficial properties

Distribution and ecology

Distributed throughout the temperate zone of both hemispheres: in Europe, Western and Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, China, the Indian subcontinent (and in the mountains of Nepal it climbs to a height of 3500–4000 m above sea level), found in North Africa from Libya to Morocco , listed and naturalized in North America and Australia.

In Russia it grows in the European part and Western Siberia, listed in Eastern Siberia and on Far East where it has spread widely. Prevails in forest and forest-steppe zones.

Ruderal plant. It grows in weedy places near houses and fences, near farmyards, along roads, in wastelands and abandoned lands, in unovergrown forest clearings, in damp meadows and forests (especially alder forests), the banks of reservoirs, ditches and ravines. Due to its ability to reproduce vegetatively using long rhizomes, it often forms extensive, almost pure thickets - wrens.

Nitrophilous plant. Serves as an indicator of soils rich in nitrogenous substances. In gardens and orchards it is a difficult weed to eradicate.

Stinging nettle: description

Stinging nettle is a perennial plant reaching a height of 55 cm to two meters. The herbaceous stem of stinging nettle is ribbed, tetrahedral, erect, branched into axillary shoots, and hollow inside.

The leaves of stinging nettle are large, 7-18 cm long, usually ovoid in shape (sometimes there are specimens with an elliptical leaf blade), dark green with a pointed tip and denticles along the edge. On the stem, the leaves of stinging nettle are arranged oppositely and are attached to it by long petioles. Both the stem and leaves of nettle are covered with stinging hairs, touching which causes itching and small blisters. Although there are species that are completely devoid of burning pubescence.

The inflorescences of stinging nettle are unisexual, located in the axils, and are a spike-shaped panicle with flowers of a greenish tint. The calyx-shaped perianth is covered with numerous hairs and is dissected into 4 segments.

The fruit of stinging nettle is a small single-seeded nut of a biconvex shape, only 1-1.4 millimeters in length and compressed on the sides to the contours of an ellipse. The color of the fruit varies from yellow to brownish and is determined by the degree of ripening. By the way, one bush of the stinging nettle plant is capable of producing about 22 thousand seeds by the end of the growing season!

Stinging nettle: collection

Green leaves of stinging nettle and its stems are an excellent medicinal raw material and an excellent vitamin and feed supplement for livestock. Nettle leaves are collected from mid-May to the end of July; this is done in dry weather, preferably before lunch, when the dew has already disappeared, but the sun is not too hot. Raw materials for feed are mowed throughout the vegetative period, dried into hay, or added when making a silage mixture.

Harvesting stinging nettle (how to dry and store)

The cut plant should be dried a little in the shade for 2-4 hours in a shady place, then the raw materials are either dried in special dryers, setting there temperature regime at 45-50°C, or lay out on a clean cloth/paper in a ventilated area and dry naturally until the leaves are perfectly brittle. You can store dry nettle for no more than two years; glass containers with a tight lid or bags sewn from natural canvas are perfect for this.

Growing

Nettle prefers sunny or semi-shaded areas and soils rich in nutrients. Nettle is especially demanding of high nitrogen content in the soil, so it is necessary to add mineral fertilizers. Seed germination requires relatively heat soil, so sowing should be done no earlier than May–June. At small areas cultivation it is recommended to breed nettle dividing the root.

Urtica urens (stinging nettle) is a small, annual species of nettle. IN folk medicine a decoction of its leaves and roots is taken orally for long and heavy menstruation, hemorrhoids, diabetes and nervous attacks (epilepsy, hysteria), and is used externally for baths for swelling, wounds, diaper rash, and bruises.

Stinging nettle and stinging nettle: differences

A common neighbor of stinging nettle is stinging nettle. The plants are very similar in appearance, chemical composition, and medicinal uses. However, it is possible to distinguish these types.

The panicle inflorescences of stinging nettle are much shorter than the inflorescences of stinging nettle. The stem of stinging nettle is more branched, the leaves are not so pointed and have an oval shape with a serrated edge.
If dioecious nettle grows in large thickets from 55 cm to 2 meters in height, then stinging nettle forms small clumps (flower beds) during its growth, and its bushes are much more modest and do not exceed 60 centimeters in height.

Chemical composition

Nettle leaves contain carotenoids (β-carotene, violaxanthin, xanthophyll, xanthophyll epoxide); vitamins C, K, B1, B2; tannins (3.2%); chlorophyll (up to 5%); glycoside urticin, flavonoids (1.96%): quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol; organic acids (oxalic, formic, fumaric, lactic, succinic, citric, quinic); phenolcarboxylic acids (caffeic acid, gallic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid); starch (up to 10%); alkaloids (0.010–0.29%): nicotine, histamine, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine; coumarin esculetin; macro- and microelements.

Application and medicinal properties

Stinging nettle has hemostatic, diuretic and restorative, choleretic, hypoglycemic, stimulating and activating metabolic effects. Preparations from the plant stimulate the activity of the respiratory and vasomotor centers, promote the healing of wounds, ulcers, and bedsores.

In folk medicine, nettle is widely used for hypovitaminosis as a tonic after serious illnesses, for diarrhea, gout, diabetes, rheumatism, chronic skin diseases, kidney, liver, bladder diseases, kidney stones, hair loss, diabetic periodontal disease.

Fresh juice is used to treat wounds, varicose ulcers, diaper rash, and bedsores. Stinging nettle is part of the drug "Allohol", used for diseases of the biliary tract. It is included in many fees and is used independently for radiation injuries. Even in ancient times, the plant was used as a dietary product in the treatment of anemia.

However, it should be remembered that raw nettle is contraindicated in cases of increased blood clotting (as well as atherosclerosis, hypertension, polyps, tumors of the uterus and appendages, during pregnancy, in old age, in menopausal disorders with bleeding from the uterus). Dry nettle has no effect on blood clotting and can be used to treat atherosclerosis, which usually causes increased blood viscosity.

Preparation

Decoction of nettle leaves: 1 tbsp. l. dry or fresh leaves pour Art. water, bring to a boil and boil under the lid for 1 minute. Leave for 30 minutes. Then filter and drink 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals for kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
Infusion of nettle leaves: 1 tbsp. l. pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and leave for half an hour. Strain and take 3 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals for anemia, diarrhea, gout, diabetes, radiation injuries, kidney and liver diseases.
Decoction of nettle roots: 1 tsp. crushed dried roots pour 1 tbsp. water and boil for 5 minutes. They insist for half an hour. Strain and take 1/4 tbsp. 3 times a day before meals for rheumatism, diabetes, kidney stones, edema, hair loss.
Decoction of leaves and stems of stinging nettle for baths: 0.5 kg of dry chopped raw material is poured into 3 liters of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Leave for 2 hours, filter. Take a bath with a decoction for eczema, psoriasis, pustular skin lesions and diabetes.
Decoction of rhizomes and seeds of stinging nettle: 1 tbsp. l. mixture of dry seeds and rhizomes is poured with 1 glass of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Infuse for 30 minutes, strain and take a quarter glass 3 times a day before meals for diabetes, anemia, edema, liver and thyroid diseases.
Tincture of nettle leaves: Collect the leaves in a jar and fill with alcohol (40°). Leave in a warm place for 2 weeks. Strain and dilute by half before use. boiled water, make lotions for purulent ulcers and fistula tracts during purulent processes in patients with diabetes.
Stinging nettle root oil: Crushed stinging nettle roots are poured with hot sunflower or corn oil (1:2) and left for 2 weeks. Strain and use for rubbing for neuralgic pain.
Tincture of stinging nettle roots: Chopped dry or fresh roots are cut and filled with alcohol (70°). Leave for 1 week at room temperature. Strain and use for rubbing for joint and neuralgic pain.

Nettle in cooking

As a multivitamin edible plant, nettle is especially valuable in the spring: young leaves are added to vegetable salads as the main green mass, cabbage soup, borscht, and pickles are cooked. The phytoncidal, that is, antimicrobial, properties of nettle have long been used to extend the shelf life of perishable products.

Nettle salads: 150 g nettle, 1 egg, 20 g sour cream, vinegar, salt.
Young nettle leaves are boiled for 5 minutes, crushed, seasoned with vinegar, and slices of boiled egg and sour cream are placed on top.

Stinging nettle: contraindications

The main thing is not to forget that recipes with nettle are not suitable for everyone: people with sensitive skin may experience burns or irritation. Before you begin any procedures using stinging nettle, you should study the contraindications.

Infusions, decoctions, teas and other preparations for oral administration containing nettle are strictly contraindicated for people with increased blood clotting, atherosclerosis, the presence of cystic formations, polyps, hypertensive patients, as well as during pregnancy, especially in the last months.

Stinging nettle stings less than stinging nettle, due to the fact that the content of formic acid in it is much lower, but in terms of usefulness it is in no way inferior to its “stinging colleague”.
Brooms for bath procedures, knitted from stinging nettle, save from rheumatism.
In Rus', stinging nettle inflorescences were used as a love potion in love affairs, and according to legend, a nettle bush planted near the threshold of a hut or under its window drove away evil spirits and all sorts of evil spirits from the owners of the home.
Dried stinging nettle emits a subtle odor that repels cockroaches.
If frostbite occurs on the extremities, an effective way to alleviate the condition of the victim is to use steamed and cooled dried nettle pulp, applying it to the affected areas.
An aqueous infusion of stinging nettle is an excellent remedy for male dysfunction.
The British make wine from stinging nettle leaves: it is tart and slightly viscous.

Video

Sources

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettle_dioecious https://nashzeleniymir.ru/nettle-dioecious#krapiva-dvudomnaya-opisanie. https://nmedik.org/urtica-dioica-l.html http://lektrava.ru/encyclopedia/krapiva-dvudomnaya/

Nettle (lat. Urtica) is a large genus of annual or perennial herbaceous plants that belong to the dicotyledonous class, order Rosaceae, nettle family.

When creating botanical nomenclature, Carl Linnaeus left a generic name for this plant, received from Pliny the Elder. The etymology of the name is associated with the Latin words “uro” and “ussi”, meaning “to burn” or “to be burned”, eloquently speaking about the ability of the plant to cause noticeable painful burns to a person when its stems or leaves are touched. Russian definition comes from two Old Slavonic words: “krapat” - meaning “to splash” and “okrop” - corresponding to the concept of “boiling water”. Thus, it turns out that nettle is a plant that burns like boiling water and leaves burns in the form of drops or splashes.

Nettle - description and characteristics.

Depending on the species, nettle can be either a monoecious or dioecious erect plant with one stem and several lateral shoots. The height of nettle varies from 0.55 m to 2 m. The edges of nettle leaves, located opposite each other, are solid, with light or deep serrations, and also deeply dissected into 3-5 parts. The stipules located at the base of the petiole are paired and quite often fused together.

The stems and leaves of nettle are colored in various shades of green, and their surface is in most cases covered with a huge number of stinging hairs. Each of them is a kind of ampoule containing acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, as well as formic acid, tartaric and oxalic acid. When it comes into contact with the body of a person or animal, the siliceous tip of the hair breaks off and penetrates under the skin, and along with it the contents of the “ampoule,” causing a chemical burn at the point of contact. Histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine cause pain and redness, while tartaric and oxalic acids, found in some types of nettles, are responsible for the duration of pain.

The branching inflorescences of nettle of the false-spike-shaped or paniculate type consist of small unisexual, less often bisexual, flowers.

Classification of nettles.

The genus Urtica consists of more than 50 species of nettles, some of which are recognized modern science as subspecies and synonyms. Below are the types of nettles with an indication of their growing area according to data from the website (www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=urtica):

Urtica andicola
Urtica angustifolia – Angustifolia nettle. Russia, China, Japan, Korea
Urtica aquatica
Urtica ardens. China.
Urtica atrichocaulis. Himalayas, southwest China
Urtica atrovirens. Western Mediterranean
Urtica ballotifolia
Urtica berteroana
Urtica cannabina - Hemp nettle. Russia and Western Asia from Siberia to Iran
Urtica chamaedryoides. Southeast North America
Urtica circularis
Urtica dioica - . Europe, Russia, Asia, North America
Urtica echinata
Urtica ferox – Ongaonga nettle tree. New Zealand
Urtica fissa. China.
Urtica flabellata
Urtica galeopsifolia – Nettle. Central and Eastern Europe, Russia
Urtica glomeruliflora
Urtica gracilenta. USA (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas), northern Mexico
Urtica haussknechtii
Urtica hyperborea. Himalayas from Pakistan to Bhutan, Mongolia and Tibet
Urtica kioviensis - Kyiv nettle. Eastern Europe
Urtica laetevirens – Light green nettle. Russia, Japan, Manchuria, Korea
Urtica leptophylla
Urtica lilloi
Urtica longispica
Urtica macbridei
Urtica magellanica
Urtica mairei. Himalayas, southwest China, northeast India, Myanmar
Urtica masafuerae
Urtica massaica
Urtica membranacea. Mediterranean, Azores
Urtica Mexicana
Urtica minutifolia
Urtica mollis
Urtica morifolia. Canary Islands(endemic)
Urtica orizabae
Urtica parviflora. Himalayas
Urtica pilulifera – Ball nettle. Southern Europe, Russia
Urtica platyphylla – Flat-leaved nettle. China, Japan, Russia
Urtica praetermissa
Urtica pseudomagellanica. Bolivia
Urtica pubescens – Hairy nettle. Northern Russia, central Asia
Urtica purpurascens
Urtica rupestris. Sicily (endemic)
Urtica sondenii – Sonden's nettle. Northeastern Europe, northern Asia
Urtica spiralis
Urtica stachyoides
Urtica subincisa
Urtica taiwaniana. Taiwan
Urtica thunbergiana - Thunberg nettle. Japan, Taiwan
Urtica triangularis

- Urtica triangularis subsp. pinnatifida

Urtica trichantha
Urtica urens - Stinging nettle. Europe, Russia, North America

Types of nettles that grow in Russia:

Urtica angustifolia – Nettle leaf
Urtica cannabina - Hemp nettle
Urtica dioica - Stinging nettle
Urtica galeopsifolia – Nettle
Urtica kioviensis - Kyiv nettle
Urtica laetevirens – Light green nettle
Urtica pilulifera – Ball nettle
Urtica platyphylla – Flat-leaved nettle
Urtica sondenii – Sonden's nettle
Urtica urens - Stinging nettle

Types of nettles, names and photos.

Below is a description of several varieties of nettles:

- it's perennial herbaceous plant with a well-developed creeping root system. The erect, hollow inside stem, having a tetrahedral cross-section, is abundantly covered with simple and stinging hairs. There is an abundant amount of burning hairs in the nodes. The height of the stem ranges from 0.6 to 2 m. At the beginning of the growing season, the nettle stem has a simple structure, however, starting from mid-summer, numerous axillary shoots form on it. The leaves of stinging nettle, painted dark green, have an elongated ovate-lanceolate or oval-heart-shaped shape. Their length can reach 5-17 cm, while the width of the leaves is 3-7 cm. The edges of the leaf blade are cut with rather deep teeth. The length of the petiole is 1-6 cm. Paniculate inflorescences consist of small unisexual flowers of pale green color. Nettle fruits are elliptical or ovoid in shape, their length is 1-1.3 mm, width - 0.8-1 mm. The flowering period of this type of nettle begins in the first ten days of May and ends in late autumn. widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Eurasia, as well as in most countries of North Africa, China, South-West and Central Asia. Also introduced to the North American continent and Australia. In Russia, nettle grows in forest and forest-steppe zones, ranging from the European part to the Caucasus, Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Thanks to its horizontal branching root system, dioecious nettle is capable of forming extensive thickets in damp meadows, along the banks of rivers and reservoirs, on deserted abandoned lands, along roads and fences.

widespread in the Russian Federation, Germany, Poland, Romania, France and other European countries, as well as in North America. This annual plant with a powerful but rather short vertical root and a tetrahedral erect stem 15-50 cm high, the surface of which is covered with shallow vertical grooves. The small leaves of stinging nettle are dark green in color, reaching 1-6 cm in length and 1-4 cm in width, with a serrated edge, like the trunk, covered with numerous stinging hairs and a small number of simple hairs. The shape of the leaf blade can be oval or ovoid with a pointed nose. Unisexual small greenish nettle flowers can be either solitary or collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. The length of the petiole is 0.5-4 cm. Nettle fruits are ovoid in shape, their length is 1.5-2 mm, width - 1.1-1.3 mm. Ripe fruits usually have red-brown glands. Stinging nettle blooms from mid-May to late autumn.

grows in Germany, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, in other European countries, as well as in Palestine. It is listed in the Red Book and is distributed in the European part of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. This is a perennial monoecious plant with numerous lodging herbaceous stems no more than 1.2 m high. The leaf blades are dark green in color and have an oblong-ovate shape with a jagged edge. The surface of nettle leaves and stems is covered with sparse, stinging hairs. The paniculate inflorescence bears male and female flowers. The growing season of this type of nettle continues until the onset of stable frosts, down to -5 o C. Kiev nettle grows on swampy soils, in deciduous forests, along the banks of lakes, rivers and streams. Flowering lasts from early June to late July.

grows in East Asian countries, in China and Japan, in the Russian Far East, Commander and Kuril Islands, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. This perennial with a short vertical root and a rather tall erect stem and numerous thin lateral shoots. The height of the stem varies from 50 cm to 1.5 meters. The shape of the leaf blades can be ovoid or elongated-ovoid, their length varies from 4 to 20 cm, the width reaches 12 cm. The surface of the leaves, stem and side shoots of nettle is covered with stinging hairs. Paniculate or spike-shaped inflorescences, appearing in July-August, consist of very small flowers of a grayish-green color. Flat-leaved nettle blooms from July to October.

found in mixed mountain and riverine forests, along roads and in populated areas China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia. On the territory of Russia it grows in the territory of Chita and Irkutsk region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Altai, Buryatia and the Far East. This is a perennial herbaceous plant with a height of 15 cm to 1.2 meters with creeping rhizomes and an erect stem with sparse side shoots. The leaf blades are elongated-lanceolate or lanceolate (sometimes ovate-lanceolate), 4-12 cm long, 1-4 cm wide, with a serrate edge, painted in various shades of green. Inflorescences are paniculate, strongly branched. The whole plant is covered with many simple hairs, among which there are a few stinging ones. Nettle fruits are elliptical, ovoid or rounded-ovoid, fruit length 0.8-1 mm, fruit width 0.7-1 mm. Flowering of angustifolia nettle begins in June and, depending on the place of growth, can last until October. Can form hybrids with stinging nettle and flat-leaved nettle.

– grows throughout almost the entire territory of the Russian Federation, Central Asia, Mongolia and China. It is mainly found along roads, in vacant lots, railway embankments, and in populated areas. This is a perennial plant with a powerful, horizontal, non-creeping root system and an erect tetrahedral stem with vertical ribs. The height of the nettle stem can reach 70-150 cm. Quite large leaves are dark green, up to 15 cm long, three-dissected or tripartite (with pinnately dissected segments). The stems and leaves are densely covered with clusters of fine stinging hairs and a small number of simple hairs. Inflorescences consist of many small unisexual flowers. The length of the petiole is 3-8 cm, which is 2-3 times shorter than the blade. Nettle fruits are ovoid or elliptical in shape, fruit length is 1.9-2.5 mm, fruit width is 1.2-2.8 mm. The flowering period of this type of nettle lasts from early June to mid-August.

grows in European countries, in the south of Russia (in the Caucasus). This is a perennial plant with a creeping root system. The height of the tetrahedral erect stem, densely pubescent with simple hairs and a few stinging hairs, can reach 2 meters. Nettle leaves are arranged oppositely and have an elliptical or oblong-ovate shape. The leaf length is 6-14 cm with a width of 2.5 to 5 cm. The nettle leaf has a round or heart-shaped base, as well as a pointed tip. There are usually no burning hairs on the leaf blade. The length of the petiole is 1.5-5 cm. Nettle fruits are ovoid or elliptical in shape, their length varies from 1 to 1.3 mm, and their width is 0.7-1 mm. This type of nettle can be found in damp marshy areas, in lowlands and near rivers, in forests and bushes.

- a perennial plant with a creeping root system, grows up to 1 meter in height. The nodes usually contain both burning and simple hairs. There are no hairs in the internodes. Nettle leaves have a narrow-ovate or oblong-ovate shape. The length of the leaf varies between 4 and 12 cm with a width of 1.5 to 4.5 cm. The apex of the leaf is pointed, the base is rounded, wedge-shaped. The leaf has 12-25 pairs of teeth. On the leaf blade only occasionally there are a few simple and stinging hairs, mainly located in large veins. The length of the petiole is from 1 to 6 cm. The nettle fruit has the shape of an ellipse or egg, the length of the fruit is 1-1.3 mm, the width is 0.6-1 mm. Sonden nettle grows in northern Europe, eastern Central Asia, and Russia. Usually this plant grows in forests and floodplains, meadows and near water bodies. It is very rare to find this type of nettle in cities or near roads.

Nettle light green (lat.Urtica laetevirens) is a perennial herbaceous plant that blooms from June to August. The stem, whose height is 40-100 cm, has stinging hairs. The pointed nettle leaves, serrated along the edges, have a broadly ovate shape. The upper inflorescences are long, staminate, the lower ones are short and intermittent pistillate. The fruit of nettle is an egg-shaped nut. Light green nettle grows in the Russian Far East, found at the foot of cliffs and in the shade of forests. Prefers broad-leaved, coniferous-deciduous and poplar forests.

nettle tree or ongaonga (lat. Urtica ferox - “fierce nettle”) grows exclusively in New Zealand. This is perhaps the only nettle with a woody stem, the height of which can reach 5 meters and a thickness of 12 cm. The stem with numerous branched side shoots and large leaves, 8-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, is densely covered with stinging hairs up to 6 mm long. The light green leaves have an elongated triangular shape.

grows in southwest China, northeast India, the Himalayas, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan, where it is found in partially shaded moist forests, along the banks of streams, on roadsides and mountain slopes, and also near human habitation. It is a perennial herbaceous monoecious plant with a stolon-like root system and an erect stem with sparse lateral branches. The height of individual specimens rarely exceeds 1 m. The leaf blades, painted dark green, have a heart-shaped, ovoid, sometimes oblong shape. The length of nettle leaves is 10-15 cm, width - 3-6 cm. Petiole length is 3-8 mm. Inflorescences are unisexual, paniculate type, 4-10 cm long, with small flowers of grayish-green color. The fruits are light brown in color and have an oblong-spherical or spherical shape. The flowering period of nettle lasts from May to August.

- a perennial plant with a straight or ascending stem, covered with a bluish coating, height from 20 to 75 cm. The leaves of ball-bearing nettle are quite wide (up to 9 cm), ovoid in shape, with a rounded base and a pointed apex. The inflorescences are collected in a spherical head. The fruit is a heart-shaped nut, no more than 3 mm long. This type of nettle is widespread in Crimea and the East Transcaucasian region. The plant loves landfills, roadsides, and is often found as a weed in cultivated crops.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Nettles.

It is common in Europe and Asia, Africa and Australia, and North America. It can be found in the CIS countries, India, China, Japan, the USA and Great Britain. People call nettle simply: “», « zhiguka», « Zhigilivka», « stinging zhigalka " The opinion of linguists about the etymology of the word is not clear. The first believe that the word " nettle " comes from Old Church Slavonic " kopriva " or "».

kropiva It is assumed that this name has common roots with the Serbo-Croatian name crap (boiling water) or Polish ukrop , and means " boiled water treated livestock feed " Others are sure that there is a lexical connection with the word “

A large amount of vitamins and useful substances makes nettle one of the most used plants in official and folk medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

Types of nettles

Today there are more than 50 varieties of nettle.

1 In the CIS countries the most common are: Stinging nettle
2 – a medicinal plant, with a large amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements. This is a perennial plant with a height of 1.5–1.7 m. The stem and leaves are covered with sharp but fragile needles containing formic acid. That is why touching it is often accompanied by burns.
3 Stinging nettle (monoecious) in its beneficial properties and appearance it is similar to the dioecious variety. However, it grows no more than 50 cm in height, and it is also annual. Yasnotka
4 - white nettle or “dead” nettle is common on the edges of the forest zone. Unlike previous species, the claret has very attractive white flowers and is an excellent honey plant. This type
5 nettle does not have stinging needles. Dried nettle flowers are used to prepare medicinal teas and as a medicine in the treatment of allergies and gastrointestinal diseases. Hemp nettle usually grows in the steppe zone in the form of large thickets. This variety has dissected carved leaves and has burning hairs. Considered a weed, it grows along roadsides. Plant height is from 1.5 to 2.4 meters. The stem and root of nettle hemp are used for the prevention and treatment of malignant neoplasms. Nettle Kyiv In appearance it resembles stinging nettle. Its height, unlike the dioecious one, does not exceed 1.2 meters. Outside of Ukraine, it grows in Western and Eastern Europe, as well as in Palestine. Listed in the Red Books of Voronezh and Lipetsk region

Russian Federation, as well as the Republic of Belarus. Nettle Kyiv is strictly protected by the relevant security authorities environment

in countries such as Hungary, Czech Republic.

Despite its fairly wide distribution, stinging nettle
is listed in the Red Books of regional significance, for example, in the Voronezh and Lipetsk regions of the Russian Federation. Nettle is strictly protected by the relevant environmental safety authorities in countries such as Belarus, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. have a dark green color, a teardrop-shaped leaf with teeth, from 2 to 10 cm long;
Flowers are solitary or in the form of inflorescences;
staminate or pistillate. Typically the plant has from 6 to 12 stamens and a lower ovary. Fetus

may look like a nut or a box containing nettle seeds. There are annual and perennial species of nettle, monoecious and dioecious, medicinal and weedy, safe and even life-threatening ().

Australian nettle

Conditions for growing nettles

In order to grow nettles, it is necessary to provide it with optimal conditions, the main of which are:
Fertile soil - not heavy, medium moisture soil, without sand and clay. Shady area
, since the plant grows best in the absence of sunlight.

Soil pH should be around 5.6.

For rapid plant growth, it is recommended to immerse nettle seeds into the soil 1.5 cm. The sowing period is late autumn or early spring, since the planted seeds sprout their first shoots after a month, when the air temperature is at least +8°C.

It is important to sprinkle the sown surface with fertilizer: peat or humus. It is advisable to support optimal humidity earth before the first sunrise appears. When thickening, the seedlings must be thinned out so that the young plants are 5 cm apart from each other. For

normal height

and plant development, the soil must be kept moist. But do not allow it to become waterlogged. Otherwise, the roots may rot. Power circuit Nettle lovers are common diurnal nettle butterflies ( Aglais urticae) from the family

Nymphalidae

. They feed mainly on the shoots of young plants.

Peacock butterfly caterpillars also prefer nettles to all other plants. Even the most common grasshoppers are happy to feast on nettles.

Useful properties of nettle
Chemical composition and presence of nutrients	100 grams of blanched* nettle contains:	Main substances:	G	Minerals:	G
mg	87,67	Vitamins:	481	Water	300
Calcium	2.71	Vitamin C	334	Squirrels	0,5
Potassium	0,11	Vitamin K	71	Fats	0,388
Phosphorus	7,49	Vitamin B3	57	Carbohydrates	0,16
Magnesium	6,91	Vitamin B2	41	Alimentary fiber	0,103
		Iron	8,2	Vitamin B6	0,101
Manganese	Vitamin A	Calorie content	4,3	42 kcal	0,008
		Bor	4
		Vitamin B1	2,7
		Sodium	1,3

Titanium

Copper

In the stems and leaves of nettle discovered essential oil, sirotinin, porphyrin, pantothenic and phenolcarboxylic acids, flavonoids, glisodurgicin, histamine.

Nettle hairs filled with silicon, formic acid, and acetylcholine. contain linoleic acid and vitamin C. In the roots

the alkaloid nicotine was found.

The large amount of vitamin C explains the strong preventive and strengthening effects of this plant on the human body. Vitamin K relieves inflammation and improves blood clotting. Large amounts of B vitamins help fight certain diseases nervous system

(Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neurosis, etc.).

Calcium and phosphorus have a beneficial effect on the condition of bones and teeth. Potassium and magnesium take an active part in the full functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The sufficiently high iron content in nettles protects the body from iron deficiency anemia.

Secretin promotes the formation of insulin and lowers blood sugar levels.

Nettle allows you to actively fight toxins and bacteria, as well as the effects of radiation and oxygen deficiency, thanks to organic acids, chlorophyll, and silicon. What exactly is used and in what form? Most often used for treatment

nettle leaf

, which is harvested in May-June. Nettles are collected during the waxing moon, when the plant has special powers. The cut branches of the plant are dried for 2-3 hours, then the leaves are torn off.

Lay out in a well-ventilated area in a layer of 3 to 5 cm and dry. In dryers, the leaves are dried at a temperature of 40-50°.

The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years. Harvested from late autumn to early spring, flowers - in June-July, seeds - in the second half of August - September. For nettle juice, young leaves and stems of nettles are used before flowering. Medicinal properties of nettle

Nettle has many

healing properties

Some experiments have proven that nettle can normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and also actively affects carbohydrate metabolism.

Since ancient times, it has been prescribed to women for infertility. Nettle has also found use as a cure for impotence.

To do this, its seeds are mixed with a banana and consumed daily until libido is restored. Fresh juice from nettle leaves and seeds

help cope with osteomyelitis and dysfunction of food digestion, and are also used for an increased percentage of salts in the joints. Fresh juice is used to wipe ulcers from varicose veins, disinfect and heal diaper rash and affected tissue areas. The diuretic properties of nettle are used for kidney stones, ascites, and rheumatism..

In the treatment of arthritis, osteochondrosis, bruises, sprains, fractures, they are often used nettle oil

Plant leaves used in many medicines, as well as in vitamin teas, as a laxative or in tea for the stomach.

Tinctures and decoctions of leaves
nettles are effective:
for uterine, gastric, pulmonary, hemorrhoidal bleeding;
diarrhea and dysentery;
stomach pathologies;

boils; with fever; They are an excellent medicine for severe coughs. Also

decoction of rhizomes used in the form of compresses for diseases of the skin, oral mucosa, and sore throat.

Infusion of nettle inflorescences
use: with nettle fever;;
at
oncological diseases
for rheumatism;
to remove kidney stones;

as an expectorant or diuretic; for skin diseases.

Seed decoction used as an anthelmintic.

Nettle juice

« has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes, is used to improve food digestion, the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, and effectively removes toxins. The use of nettle in official medicine Prostaforton" And " Bazoton» - foreign-made preparations created on the basis of nettle roots and rhizomes have antitumor activity. "

Urtiphylline » used to treat burns, used to heal wounds. Extract from nettle leaves is part of the choleretic drug "

Allohol

Nettle is the most valuable raw material for production chlorophyll.

It has been proven that chlorophyll enhances metabolic processes and tones the body, especially the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs. Chlorophyll is part of the medicine for hepatitis.

Use of nettle in folk medicine

In folk medicine, almost all parts of the plant are used.

Nettle leaves:
to heal wounds - dry and grind to a powder, mix with pepper and petroleum jelly in equal parts. Apply the composition twice a day.
circulatory failure – 2 tbsp. l. leaves + a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Drink a glass three times a day before meals. if often from the nose there's blood coming out – 1 tbsp. l. + glass hot water
.
Cook for 10 minutes, strain. Drink 1 tbsp. about 5 times a day.
to get rid of gout and rheumatism - 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves + a glass of hot water, leave in a warm place for an hour.
Drink 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.

to relieve pain - nettle leaves + buckthorn bark (in a ratio of 1 to 1). 8 gr. mixture + liter of hot water, soak in a water bath for 10 minutes, leave for half an hour. Drink a glass 4 times a day.

for constant constipation - nettle leaves + yarrow + buckthorn (1 x 1 x 2). Pour 200 ml of hot water into a spoonful of the mixture and cook for a minute, leave for half an hour. Drink 1 glass before bed for 14 days in a row.
to get rid of hemorrhoids – nettle leaves + oregano + buckthorn (1 x 1 x 1). 1 tbsp. The mixture is brewed in one and a half glasses of hot water and heated for 5 minutes.
Leave for 4 hours. Take half a glass three times a day.

Nettle root:

when coughing, cut into small pieces and boil them in sugar.
Drink 10 g. several times a day.
for diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal pathologies, menstrual irregularities, use nettle tincture. For her take 2 tbsp. l.

crushed nettle roots and mixed with 0.5 l. vodka, then leave for a week. Drink 30 drops three times a day.

when coughing – a pinch + 2 tbsp. hot water, leave for 1 hour. Drink like tea.

Young leaves of the plant are used for salads, cabbage soup, and borscht.

Sauces are prepared from the leaves of stinging nettle, they are fermented, salted, casseroles, cutlets, fillings for pies, dumplings are made from them, and all kinds of teas are prepared. Nettle is included in some wines, liqueurs, and beers. The plant is widely used in dietetics as a means of helping to cleanse the body and reduce overall body weight. Nettle helps especially well if a person is gaining excess weight

due to disturbances in intestinal function, and is also prone to the accumulation of toxins and waste.

Fresh nettle salads help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Since nettle has a strong diuretic effect, it can be used to easily remove excess fluid from the body and get rid of swelling and extra pounds. Nettle teas help reduce appetite. To do this, nettle flowers are dried and tea is brewed from them. The calming effect of such teas is also important for

general condition

body. The antimicrobial properties of nettle are used to extend the shelf life of products.

Use of nettle in cosmetology

Nettle decoction can be used to cleanse facial skin from acne. Nettle infusions are also used for furunculosis, rashes and other skin problems.

Nettle for hair is one of the most effective means of restoring and strengthening hair follicles.
Here are some folk remedies:

To stimulate hair growth and shine - crushed leaves (100 g) + half a glass of vinegar + half a glass of water. Cook for half an hour. Rub into skin. Use twice - three times a week.

For dandruff and baldness, prepare a nettle infusion (1 tablespoon of leaves + 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours and strain). Use once a week.

Rinsing with nettle helps well in the fight against early gray hair, seborrheic disease and other hair problems. Other uses

In floriculture Nettle infusion is used to fight aphids and to prevent powdery mildew. Previously, this plant was actively used for

weaving industry large industrial production of fabric from nettle - cheviot. On the territory of the CIS countries there are also a large number of

small family-type enterprises engaged in the production of insoles, belts, nettle scarves and other wardrobe items. The plant is widely used in pharmaceutical, food and perfume industries . You can often find strengthening agents in stores..

Shampoo "Nettle" In animal husbandry

Nettle is added to the feed of domestic animals and poultry. And it is used to prepare vitamin flour, silage, briquettes, concentrates, granules, and used as green fodder in steamed form.

Unconventional uses of nettle

Since ancient times, nettle has been used as a talisman. It was believed that if you lay a nettle rug in front of the entrance to a house, evil would bypass the house. They believed that nettle leaves hidden under the insoles of shoes would protect their owner from dark forces.

Nettle leaves, placed in the corner of the children's room, helped the baby cope with all his fears, improved his sleep and health. Nettle branches were used to fumigate the room to remove the evil eye and damage. They used a nettle broom to sweep away all the evil spirits from the house. It was believed that the nettle amulet could enhance positive traits

character - courage, initiative, honesty and perseverance, protect the life of a warrior. A dry nettle leaf was used as an amulet.

The main thing is that the future owner of the amulet collects the leaves himself. Nettle is a legendary plant. There is a popular story that God gave nettles stinging hairs to treat people and animals with., « Nettles are found in many works of folk art.», « Songs, proverbs and sayings, fairy tales, riddles, express the whole essence of this burning plant. In folk art, nettle is compared to a bee, wasp, boiling water, fire, etc. After all, the main distinctive property of nettle is “».
burn sting prick
Interestingly, in ancient folk culture there is a song in which nettle is described as a talisman. The protective properties of nettle are also described in some fairy tales. For example, the heroine of Andersen's fairy tale " Wild Swans“To save the brothers from the spell, she wove them shirts from nettles. On the coat of arms of the ancient Russian village of Krapivna (Shchekinsky district, Tula region) you can see an image of this legendary plant. Since 2012, the annual “, purchase handmade items made from nettle fiber, attend master classes.
In 2004, the UK held a " National Nettle Respect Week" The goal is to popularize the beneficial properties of this plant.

Dangerous properties of nettle

When touching the stem, a person experiences a burning sensation and pain, thus a chemical burn from nettles may occur. Usually discomfort pass quickly, but in some cases can cause an allergic reaction.

A nettle burn usually does not pose a particularly great danger to humans, except for the burn of an exotic nettle tree Urtica ferox.

Contraindications to the use of nettle

Key points when using nettle as a medicinal drug is contraindicated:

If a person has high blood clotting, consuming nettle will lead to the formation of blood clots. Therefore, the plant is contraindicated for varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis;
in case of renal and heart failure;
for individual intolerance and skin allergies. In this case, the nettle burn causes a lot of trouble and does not go away. for a long time;
during pregnancy (especially the last months) - nettle can cause premature birth;
for bleeding caused by polyps, cysts, tumors of the ovaries and uterus;
for age spots on the skin and freckles (skin sensitivity to sunlight increases).

Attention!

It is not recommended to collect nettles near roads and garbage dumps.

The plant absorbs a large amount of harmful substances;
Stinging nettle is a herbaceous plant of the nettle family (lat. Urticaceae).
The botanical name is Urtica dióica. Popular name

- zhegala, zhigalka, strakiva, strekava, strekuchka, zhigachka, zhguchka, strekalka. Stinging nettle is a perennial with powerful roots and long horizontal branched rhizomes, reaches a height of 60-200 cm (with ideal climatic conditions

and at high density and height of plants at the place of growth). The entire plant is densely covered with stinging hairs. The shoot is elongated. The stem of stinging nettle is hollow, herbaceous in consistency, straight or ascending. The surface is covered with simple and stinging hairs. Cross section

ribbed (tetrahedral). The leaf arrangement is opposite.

The leaves are opposite, equilateral, long-petiolate, simple, entire, dark green in color. The shape of the leaf blade is oblong, ovate-cordate or ovate-lanceolate, less often elliptical - the length of the leaf is no more than twice the width: 8-17 cm long, 2-8 cm wide. The bases of the leaves are deeply heart-shaped (notch depth is up to 5 mm).

The apex is pointed and elongated. The edge is coarsely toothed or coarsely serrated. The leaf venation is palmate. Stipules are stem, free, oblong or narrowly triangular, up to 4 mm wide.

Leaf blades with pronounced punctate cystoliths. The leaves of stinging nettle are covered with stinging and simple hairs, but there are known forms without stinging ones and with relatively few simple hairs (located in this case mainly along the veins), and plants with bare leaf blades.

Stinging nettle blooms from May to October. Stinging nettle hairs have stinging cells containing a caustic liquid of a complex chemical composition. When you touch the skin, the end of the hair breaks off, the skin is punctured and liquid from the full hair enters the wound, causing itching and mild inflammation on the skin.

Stinging annual nettle should be distinguished from stinging nettle. Stinging nettle is commonly referred to by laypeople as stinging nettle, to distinguish it from the so-called dead nettle or white nettle.

Distributed throughout the temperate zone of both hemispheres: in Europe, Western and Minor Asia, in Transcaucasia, China, on the Indian subcontinent (and in the mountains of Nepal it climbs to a height of 3500 - 4000 m above sea level), found in North Africa from Libya to Morocco , introduced and naturalized in North America and Australia.

In Russia it grows in the European part and Western Siberia, and is introduced into Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Prevails in forest and forest-steppe zones.

Collection and preparation of nettles

Leaves are collected in May, June and July (August) wild nettle, which are carefully (with gloves) torn from the stem and then air dried. The whole herb is used to prepare nettle juice. The rhizome is dug up in spring or autumn, freed from the soil adhering to it and dried on air or with artificial heating (up to 40°C).

More often, they mow the plant with scythes and pick off the leaves after withering, when they stop stinging. Dry the raw materials in attics under an iron roof or under sheds with good ventilation, spreading them in a thin layer (3-5 cm) on paper or fabric.

Leaves should not be dried in the sun as they will become discolored. When overdried, they are easily crushed. Drying is completed when the central veins and petioles begin to break. Dry leaves are pressed and packed into bales of 50, and cut leaves into bags of 20 kg.

Store in dry, well-ventilated areas on shelves or shelves without access to direct sunlight. Shelf life up to 2 years. Seeds are collected when they are fully ripe.

Pharmaceutical properties of nettle

The medicinal properties of stinging nettle are due to its chemical composition: leaves contain vitamins K, C, B2, B6, carotene, a lot of chlorophyll, glycoside urticin, tannins, etc. As a result, nettle has the following properties:

hemostatic;
anti-inflammatory;
multivitamin;
antipruritic;
immunotropic;
stimulating regeneration (healing);
normalizing metabolism;
choleretic;
diuretic;
hepatoprotective;
blood purifying;
expectorant;
painkillers;
antiseptic;
anticonvulsant;
enhancing hematopoiesis (blood formation).

Nettle is included in the composition of the medicine "Allohol", which is used for diseases of the biliary tract. It is part of many herbal preparations, and as an independent drug is used for radiation injuries.

Stinging nettle is used in cooking; it contains silicon, iron, calcium, magnesium, as well as vitamins A, B, C, chlorophyll, used in medicine and cosmetology.

Stinging nettle contains protein, so it is used in agriculture; it increases the egg production of birds and the milk yield of cows.

The use of stinging nettle in folk medicine

The fact that nettle has been used by man since ancient times is undeniable. Dioscrides, for example, indicates that nettle was widely used by the ancients as medicinal plant with amazing properties against many ailments. Avicenna devoted quite a lot of space to nettles in his “Canon of Medical Science”. He notes the numerous medicinal properties of nettle.

It also testifies that the ancients used nettle in food: they boiled it with meat, ate it with onions and eggs, drank a decoction of nettle leaves with bee honey, and prepared a drink - a decoction of nettles in barley water.

It has long been believed that nettle is a good tonic for older people. It allegedly activates all vital organs and increases the body's own defenses.

Nettle leaves are used to increase overall metabolism. They are an indispensable part of the fees (teas) of spring and autumn health courses.

The leaves and young shoots of nettle serve primarily for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiencies, which are most often observed in late winter and early spring. The method of use is the simplest - powder from dry leaves is added to the first and second courses.

In folk medicine, nettle is very widely used not only as a hemostatic agent for uterine, hemorrhoidal, pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal and nasal bleeding, but also as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, regulating the functional activity of the stomach and strengthening it (for dyspepsia, diarrhea).

In addition, stinging nettle has a blood purifying effect, for example, against dropsy and scrofula. Leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds are used for medicinal purposes. Root preparations are often more effective than leaf preparations.

Nettle root tincture. Pour 2 tablespoons of dry crushed root into 0.5 liters of vodka. Infuse in warm and dark place 7-10 days. Take 30-40 drops three times a day. To enhance the effect, 1/2 head of peeled chopped garlic is often added to the tincture. The tincture is used as a hemostatic and regulating agent for menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea, and fever.

For radiculitis, pain in the joints, rheumatism, furunculosis, rub the tincture on the sore spots.

Nettle leaf infusion. Place 10 g (2 tablespoons) of plant leaves in an enamel bowl, pour in 200 ml (1 glass) of hot boiled water, heat in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, filter, squeeze, add water to 200 ml.

The prepared nettle infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days.

Take the infusion 1/2–1/4 cup before meals 3–5 times a day as a hemostatic agent.

This infusion is best prepared using melt water.

For myositis, neuralgic pain, articular rheumatism, fresh nettle is used to sting sore spots.

Seed decoction drink 1 tablespoon for furunculosis; acne, various rashes.

To strengthen hair, if you are bald, rinse your hair with a decoction of nettle leaves after washing your hair.

For hair loss, rub a decoction of nettle leaves and burdock roots, taken equally, into the scalp. Pour 1 tablespoon of boiling water, boil for 5 minutes over low heat, leave for 45 minutes, strain.

Nettle for impotence: potency is well stimulated by taking 1 tablespoon of nettle seeds during the day, ground into a homogeneous mass with a ripe banana.

To enhance libido, mix 1 teaspoon of crushed nettle with egg yolk and onion. Eat this mixture 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.

To prevent ectopic pregnancy, it is recommended to take 1-3g of nettle seeds orally (nettle seeds help expand the lumen of the fallopian tubes through which the egg moves).

Nettle in cooking

Nettle salads
150 g nettle, 1 egg, 20 g sour cream, vinegar, salt.
Young nettle leaves are boiled for 5 minutes, crushed, seasoned with vinegar, and slices of boiled egg and sour cream are placed on top.

Contraindications for nettle

Nettle, and all other plants that increase blood clotting, should be consumed in limited quantities by people with a tendency to thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and also with an increased prothrombin index of blood. Nettle is also contraindicated during pregnancy and for persons suffering from hypertension.

The medicinal properties of stinging nettle have a wide range of applications. Urtica dioica is a wild herbaceous plant belonging to the nettle family (Urticaceae).

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a wild herbaceous plant.

Stinging nettle as a medicinal plant is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR, XI edition. The medicinal raw materials are the leaves, which are a source of vitamin K and have hemostatic properties.

The grass is widespread everywhere, except in the Far North. Grows luxuriantly in fertile soils rich in nitrogen. Solid thickets of nettle can be found in shady places, on the edges of forests, near housing and livestock farms, as well as in places where groundwater flows. It is a typical ruderal or weed plant that prefers landfills and cluttered areas. It is extremely rare in perennial grass crops.

Urtica dioica is a perennial dioecious plant up to 1.5-2 m high, with a straight, unbranched, tetrahedral stem. Male and female flowers are located on different plants. The leaves are petiolate, ovate-broadly lanceolate with a simple coarsely toothed edge. The leaf venation is pinnate. The upper and lower parts of the leaf blade are differently pubescent.

The inflorescence is represented by a simple axillary spike with small green flowers. Male inflorescences are erect on short peduncles, female inflorescences are drooping.

The leaves and stems are covered with many hairs - long, stinging and short, simple. Stinging hairs, similar to hollow capillaries, have a unicellular structure and contain stinging cells filled with a stinging liquid. The stinging mixture contains formic acid, acetylcholine, and histamine. When a stinging hair damages the skin, the contents of the stinging cells enter the puncture, and a nettle burn occurs. In this way the plant protects itself from enemies.

The main location of stinging hairs is the underside of the leaf blade, large leaf veins, petiole and stem.

The fruits are ovoid nuts with a high fatty oil content.

Stinging nettle as a medicinal plant is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR, XI edition

Gallery: stinging nettle (25 photos)

Medicinal properties

Exist historical facts that nettle was used for medicinal purposes back in the Bronze Age.

In folk medicine, the stimulating abilities of the plant have long been known, medicinal properties and contraindications, such as use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For diabetes mellitus, varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, treatment with nettle preparations is also contraindicated.

In Europe, positive experience has been accumulated in the use of plant rhizomes as a source for drugs with antitumor activity. Such drugs are used in the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia using conservative treatment methods.

In Russia, rhizomes are not represented as medicinal raw materials in pharmacopoeias.

Stinging nettle leaves are part of the drug Allochol, a choleretic agent.

Medicines based on nettle leaves have hemostatic, hypotensive, analgesic, choleretic and diuretic properties. They are used in official and folk medicine in the treatment of skin, bronchopulmonary, neurological and gynecological diseases.

Enhances blood clotting. Helps increase hemoglobin content and the formation of red blood cells.

The leaves are part of herbal mixtures or single-component preparations.

In folk medicine, the stimulating abilities of the plant, medicinal properties and contraindications, such as use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, have long been known.

Stinging nettle (video)

Chemical composition

Systematic study of the properties of stinging nettle began in the 20th century.

Aboveground and underground organs of the plant are rich in various useful substances:

Ascorbic acid - fresh leaves contain from 177 to 600 mg%, dry leaves up to 48 mg%.
Vitamin K in an amount of 1.5-4 mg%, which is involved in the synthesis of prothrombin, necessary for blood clotting.
Carotenoids (betacarotene and xanthophyll) - 50 mg%, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carotenoids influence the formation of bones and teeth, especially in childhood. Marked them important role in stimulating the immune system, in the prevention of cancer.
Carotene - 10-20 mg%.
Chlorophyll - 5-8 mg%.
Tannins (tannins) have pronounced astringent, antioxidant, radioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Strengthens capillaries.
Flavonoids are plant aromatic phenolic compounds that have a wide spectrum of action: hemostatic, choleretic, diuretic, bactericidal, hypotensive.
Steroids were found in the rhizomes - sitosterol and ergosterol, which are part of the extracts used abroad for the treatment of prostate adenoma.
Isoprenoids are natural hydrocarbons that stimulate digestion and have a sedative effect.
Coumarins are phenolic compounds that exhibit antitumor and antimicrobial activity.
Organic acids (caffeic, malic, formic, oxalic, succinic) stimulate the secretory function of the stomach.
Lignans have stimulating, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective effects.
Phytoestrogens have a hormone-regulating effect. Nettle preparations can be used for the prevention and treatment of pathological menopause due to estrogen deficiency.
The seeds contain fatty oil - up to 33%.

proteins - 20%;
fat - 3-7%;
sugars - 25%;

The inclusion of nettle in the diet of animals increases their productivity and resistance to infectious diseases. To treat hypovitaminosis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, calves are given nettle infusions. Eating nettle seed increases egg production in chickens.

Nettle for prostatitis (video)

Herbal medicines from nettle

The procurement of raw materials is carried out during the period of greatest accumulation of biologically active substances:

leaves are collected shortly before flowering or at the beginning of flowering: when up to 45% of plants bloom;
shoots are cut to a height of 8 cm from the ground at the beginning of flowering;
rhizomes are dug up in early spring or autumn;
The fruits are harvested at full ripening.

The collection of leaves continues throughout the flowering period.

The raw materials are laid out loosely in a thin layer and dried with good ventilation. Store dried herbs in paper or fabric bags, cardboard boxes in cool, dry rooms. The shelf life of grass and leaves is up to 2 years, roots and rhizomes - up to 4 years.

The color of the leaf powder is dark green.

The aqueous extract of the leaves has antiulcer, antibacterial, and analgesic effects.

Juice and infusion of leaves reduce alcohol intoxication, stimulate performance, and increase immunity.

Preparing and drinking juice:

Grind fresh leaves and squeeze out the juice;
take 20 drops per 100 ml of water three times a day before meals.

The decoction is prepared in a water bath for 30 minutes. Pour hot water (250 ml) into 20 g of dry leaves or 300 g of fresh leaves. Take 3 times a day before meals.

Infusion of 2 tbsp. l. fresh herbs and 400 ml of boiling water are cooked in a water bath for 15 minutes. Consume as a drink or apply externally to treat skin diseases.

Making nettle oil for hair at home:

immerse dry or fresh leaves in vegetable oil;
leave for 10 days in a dark place at room temperature;
filter through cheesecloth and rub into hair roots.

Oil extracts or hydroalcoholic infusions from nettle leaves are used in cosmetic products. They are added to care products for oily and normal skin: shampoos, lotions, bath foams, tonics.

Young nettles are used for food: they are made into salads or added to green cabbage soup. Peasants mixed dry powder from nettle leaves with flour when baking bread in lean years at the rate of 4 parts cereal to 1 part nettle.

Fishermen store their catch in fresh nettle leaves: the fish does not spoil within a few hours.

Nettle fibers (bast) are located between the epidermis and the pith, forming bundles connected by pectin. Elastic and durable, they have natural antimicrobial and fire retardant properties. In the old days, ropes, yarn, and fishing gear were made from nettle fibers. Currently, stinging nettle is used as a raw material for the production of highly effective dressings.

An organic dye is obtained: yellow from the roots, and green from the leaves.

Nettle is a popular medicinal plant that has long been used in folk medicine. Plant raw materials, freshly collected or dried, are promising for use in medicine, the cosmetic industry, veterinary medicine and for animal feeding.