The nettle is a plant known for its urticarias properties, which cause irritation to the contact with the skin. Beyond this defense method, nettle has excellent properties that can be used in traditional medicine to treat different conditions of the body. This is because this plant strengthens the immune system , improving the defenses that fight colds and other conditions. Its consumption can be through infusions or cooked like any vegetable. In this article by FastlyHealwe show you the uses and properties of nettle for health .
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Tips for consuming nettle
In the event that we decide to be the ones who collect wild nettles, we must take special care with their consumption . This is because they may have been infected by contact with grazing animal droppings, or they may have been sprayed with pesticides and other toxic components. Therefore, washing nettles thoroughly before consumption is the most important step that must be carried out. Likewise, we must remember that nettle causes skin irritation, since it contains a set of stinging hairs that cover it completely. To solve this small inconvenience, it is only necessary that we have gloves that avoid direct contact. This same stinging effect disappears a few hours after the plant has been harvested or once we have cooked it.
How to consume nettle
Nettle is a plant that can be used internally. For this we have the option of choosing its preparation in the form of an infusion or boiling it to consume it as if it were any other vegetable. In any case, we must avoid eating nettle directly without having cooked it, and in no case should we ingest the seeds, since they are very toxic.
Although the consumption of nettle is beneficial for health, we should not abuse this plant , since taking more than necessary could lead to heartburn problems, stomach pain and diarrhea. The recommended dose for an adult is between 8 and 12 grams of nettle leaves per day. Next, we explain all the uses and properties of nettle, so that you can get the most out of this plant.
Good for the digestive system
One of the main properties of nettle is to benefit the digestive system by stimulating secretions and movements that promote digestion, in addition to improving the function of the pancreas and the gallbladder. This regulatory function of the digestive system is due to its histamine content, which has the ability to increase the secretion of gastric juices. At the same time, nettle is rich in mucilage, a fiber that improves bowel movements. Therefore, it is considered a laxative that helps combat constipation or digestion problems. Nettle has diuretic propertiesand depuratives that stimulate urine secretion due to their potassium and chlorophyll content. Potassium makes the person feel satiated for longer, being of help in case of wanting to lose weight. The purifying effect makes nettle a good way to carry out a purifying diet and combat the problems derived from fluid retention.
In the case of wanting to treat diarrhea, nettle also has an astringent effect, obtaining the opposite effect to that mentioned previously. To do this, we must prepare an infusion with the root of the nettle, not with its plants.
In addition, it also has positive effects on the liver, since it strengthens its functions and facilitates recovery from liver diseases.
Helps stop bleeding
Another of the properties for which nettle is known is to stop bleeding, since it acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing the width of the blood vessels. Thanks to this hemostatic property, nettle can be effective in treating painful periods , bleeding that occurs outside of menstruation, or other problems derived from menopause.
Consuming nettle stops the production of the substance that causes inflammation and pain during menstruation. In the same way, it contributes to blood clotting due to its high calcium content, which is involved in this process. In these cases, the plant must be minced to obtain its juice, and take one tablespoon a day. If the bleeding is from the nose, a gauze pad should be soaked with nettle juice and placed inside the nose.
Fight jaundice
Jaundice is caused by a build-up of bile in the body related to liver disease. When the bile secreted by the liver is not destroyed, it remains accumulated in the blood, generating jaundice. Nettle is an effective way to treat jaundice and facilitate recovery from various liver disease problems. This effect is given by the content of the nettle in linoleic and oleic acids, beneficial when it comes to secreting the bile and helping the liver to function properly due to its sulfur content.
Avoid arteriosclerosis
Another of the uses and properties of nettle for health is to prevent arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the formation of atheromas in the arteries that make it difficult for blood to pass and pose a health risk. These atheromas are clots that are normally formed by excess cholesterol, which form in the walls of the arteries, narrowing the flow of blood and increasing blood pressure. Nettle is rich in chlorophyll , a substance necessary for plant photosynthesis that improves blood circulation. Arteriosclerosis is a condition that can become a serious problem, so a proper diet is very important. Taking a tablespoon of nettle juice a day will combat hypertension and improve circulation.
Other uses and properties of nettle
- Nettle increases the production of breast milk in the lactation period. One of the best ways to achieve this effect is by making nettle soup or an infusion of crushed leaves.
- This plant is very positive for people whose bones are regenerating or for those who have mineralization problems, due to its content of minerals and vitamins such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
- It is effective in treating stomach ulcers due to excess juices thanks to its content of linoleic acid, which blocks the creation of gastric juice. For this it is necessary to drink the oil of its seeds.
- It allows treating anemia , since nettle is a good way to administer iron to the body, in addition to promoting the creation of red blood cells because it has chlorophyll. The article on foods to combat anemia may also be of interest to you .
Nettle side effects
Despite all the uses and properties of nettle, we must take into account a series of precautions before consumption.
- It is a plant that produces hives on the skin , so it can cause itching, irritation, swelling, blisters and pain. Therefore, they should not be touched with the hands until hours after they have been picked up.
- By having diuretic properties, the consumption of nettle can increase urination. However, if you don’t drink enough water, the opposite effect can be achieved.
- Nettle can interact with other medications such as those for hypertension.
- Its consumption is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to its abortifacient and emmenagogue effects.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.