Nettle is a dioecious perennial herbaceous plant. For medicinal purposes, leaves, roots and seeds are used. Collect the leaves in June-August, tearing them off the stems (only from plants that blossom) from below. Root and seeds are harvested in autumn. Dry the leaves in the fresh air in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, in the attic. Store in a dry place in wooden or cardboard boxes and in paper bags.
Chemical composition.
Stinging nettle contains tar and tannins, mucus, lecithin, glycoside, which has skin irritant properties, enzymes (oxidase, peroxidase and chlorophylase), organic acids (formic and silica), mineral salts (15-20%), in which there is silica , iron, as well as potassium and calcium salts, reduction sugars and carotene (10 mg%), ascorbic acid (0.1-0.2 mg%), phylohinone (about 400 biological units per gram), sitosterol, xanthophyll, chlorophyll (5-7%). The stinging hairs of the plant contain histamine and acetylcholine.
It has been experimentally proved that the water extract of nettle leaves has a fairly pronounced diuretic effect. This property of the plant is confirmed in clinical conditions. Substances that increase urine output, there are flavonoids, glycolic and glycerol acids. Preparations of nettle excite the activity of the kidneys.
Nettle is very widely used in scientific and folk medicine, as a blood-restoring remedy for uterine, hemorrhoidal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and nasal bleeding.
Decoctions and infusions of nettle contribute to an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the number of erythrocytes. In clinical conditions it is proved, then the nettle for medicinal properties is not inferior to iron preparations, which are used in anemia. Its drugs normalize the digestive press, improve fermentation, regulating the composition and amount of flora in the intestine.
In addition, nettle refers to insulin-like factors. Under its influence, the amount of sugar in the urine is significantly reduced.
Nettle is used for urine stones, inflammatory processes in the urinary tract, hepatitis, atony of the food canal, rheumatism, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, inflammatory processes in the digestive organs, flatulence, hemorrhoids, hypovitaminosis.
It should be noted that preparations of nettle leaves, as a very rich in mineral salts, can make up for the lack of various trace elements in the human body, and thereby activate the action of many enzymes.
To activate the basic metabolism, increase the tone of the uterus, intestines, cardiovascular system and respiratory center, reduce the manifestations of atherosclerosis, to improve the work of the digestive system 1 tablespoon of mixture of nettle leaves and yarrow herb (10 grams) pour 2 cups of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes , filter. Drink broth for ½ cup at night.
With chronic inflammation of the kidneys and urolithiasis, it is recommended to soar 1 tablespoon of mixture of leaves and nettle roots (50 gr.) And licorice root (30 gr.) In 1 cup of boiling water. Drink this tea 3 times.
In chronic hepatocholecystitis, a powder of a mixture of nettle leaves, dill, sage and plantain, taken in equal amounts is used. Use 1 teaspoonful 3 times a day.
With severe hemorrhoidal pain take 8 g. nettle leaves and buckthorn bark for 1 liter of boiling water, boil for 10-15 minutes. Decoction drink on 1 glass 4 times a day.
Preparations of nettle dandruff increase the contraction of the uterus muscles, while reducing bleeding; contribute to the normalization of menstrual irregularities; have anti-inflammatory effect in cases of gynecological diseases.
Nettle is a blood-restoring remedy not only with internal, but also with external bleeding and accelerates the healing of wounds, since it contains a significant amount of phyloquinone, which promotes blood clotting and stopping bleeding. Infected wounds are quickly cleared of purulent discharge and faster healing takes place when sprinkled with nettle powder or apply fresh leaves to them. Decoction of the whole plant is used for rinsing and compresses with injuries. Dried and ground powdered nettle leaves are used for nasal bleeding, juice from fresh leaves is excreted by warts.
Infusion of nettle is widely used for rubbing the scalp to improve the growth and strengthening of hair. To do this, 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves is insisted for 1 hour in a glass of boiling water. Some of the infusion is rubbed into the scalp, and the rest of the amount is rinsed with hair after washing.
As a vitamin remedy 2 tablespoons of a mix of nettle leaves, black currant berries, dogrose and carrots (1 tablespoon each) are insisted on two glasses of boiling water. Drink this infusion for ½ cup 3-4 times a day. Prepare also compotes and kissels from 2 tablespoons of nettle leaves and 3 tablespoons of crushed berries of mountain ash.