Common nettle used to be a permanent element of the home medicine cabinet and spring kitchen. Today it is becoming popular again as natural body support. Many people reach for it when planning a detoxification treatment, wanting to improve digestion or get rid of the feeling of heaviness. However, it is worth knowing how it works, who it can help, and who should be more careful when drinking it.
Common nettle is a plant that most Poles associate with childhood, mainly with its burning sensation when walking in a meadow. It is considered a weed because it grows almost everywhere – along roads, wastelands, gardens and rivers. However, in herbal medicine it is a real treasure.
Our grandmothers knew that very well young nettle leaves harvested in spring have the greatest power. They dried them for the winter, made infusions and decoctions from them, and even added them to dishes. Nettle was used to cook soups, make stuffing for dumplings, and add it to scrambled eggs and green smoothies.. In difficult times, it was a source of valuable vitamins and minerals.
Nettle was also used externally. Rinses strengthened the hair and reduced their oiliness, and the compresses soothed minor skin inflammations. In folk medicine nettle infusion was given when weakened and in case of problems with retaining water in the body.
Before using nettle, however, you need to get rid of the characteristic burning sensation. They are caused by the action of stinging hairs containing, among others: histamine and formic acid. Fortunately, they can be easily neutralized. Just scald the leaves with boiling water, blanch them for several dozen seconds or dry them thoroughly. Heat treatment causes the plant to lose its stinging properties and become safe for consumption.
For the kitchen, it is best to choose young, light green leaves collected away from busy roads and pollution. After scalding, they can be chopped like spinach and added to soups, pesto or omelets. Dried nettle can be used as a base for an infusion – the simplest and most popular form of its use.
Drinking nettle infusion is appreciated primarily for: diuretic effect. This means that it supports the removal of excess water from the body. That’s why it is often used by people who struggle with swelling, feeling of heavy legs or fluid retention before menstruation. Drinking the infusion regularly may be beneficial detoxificationi.e. cleansing the body of metabolic products.
Nettle contains vitamins A, C, K and those from group B. It is also a source iron, magnesium, calcium and silicon. Thanks to this supports the proper functioning of the immune system, good condition of skin, hair and nails and may help with iron deficiency.
Many people drink nettle on an empty stomach to stimulate their metabolism and support the functioning of the digestive system. Warm infusion can gently stimulate digestion and relieve the feeling of bloating. It also works like natural support for the liver and kidneyswhich are responsible for detoxification processes in the body. This drink is also recommended for everyone with mild intestinal problems. It may have a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa and support its regeneration. Also exhibits antioxidant propertieswhich is important in the prevention of numerous lifestyle diseases. Moreover, it also helps in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
People who lead a sedentary lifestyle, suffer from chronic fatigue, have problems with water retention in the body or want to support their metabolism can benefit from drinking nettle infusion. It is also a good solution during the spring equinox, when the body needs strengthening.
It is best to drink nettle infusion in the morning, on an empty stomach or between meals. Standardly recommended 1-2 cups a day. The treatment may continue 2-3 weeks, after which it is worth taking a break. Excessive consumption may lead to a too strong diuretic effect (and consequently to dehydration) and washing out of electrolytes.
How to drink nettle? Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of dried nettle leaves, cover and set aside for 10-15 minutes. Then strain. Drink the infusion warm or slightly cooled. You can drink it on its own or with lemon. It is important not to sweeten it with sugar if you want to support your metabolism.
What are the contraindications to using nettle tea? People with serious kidney diseases should not drink it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people taking diuretics, antidiabetics or anticoagulants also need to be careful. In case of chronic diseases, it is also worth consulting your doctor about drinking the infusion.
Nettle is not a weed, but rather a valuable herb with a wide range of uses. Drinking nettle infusion supports metabolism, helps remove excess water from the body and gently supports the intestines. The key is moderation and conscious use. If you are looking for a natural way to lighten and strengthen yourself in spring, it is worth giving your grandmother’s remedy a chance.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, drugstore.pl
