Most of us probably associate nettles with quite painful experiences. After all, who hasn’t been stung by nettles while walking in the countryside? The leaves have sharp hairs that pierce the skin and inject formic acid. Equipped with good gloves, scissors and a cloth bag, we can collect the young leaves to prepare them later at home. It’s worth it, because the nettle It has great nutritional and medicinal value.
Properties of nettle
Nettle is full of nutrients right down to the tips of the leaves. As a food, it is a vegetable with a remarkable nutritional content.
Nutritional composition of nettle (100 g):
- Protein: 7 g
- Calcium: 713 mg
- Potassium: 475 mg
- Vitamin C: 333 mg
- Vitamin B1: 200 mcg
- Vitamin B3: 800 mcg
Here you can see how to use nettles in the kitchen and, in the following video, different ways to take it.
6 health benefits of nettle infusion
1. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
Dried nettle leaves contain many flavonoids. These phytochemicals are responsible for the color of many fruits and vegetables. Grapes, green tea or eggplants contain many flavonoids. They are antioxidant compounds They eliminate free radicals in the body, which helps reduce inflammation and prevents tissue damage.
Flavonoids also have an analgesic effect. Therefore, Nettle infusion is popular as a home remedy for the relief of joint pain during severe rheumatic or arthritic flare-ups.
2. Helps with urinary infections
The active ingredients of nettle have a diuretic effect. If you suffer from an infection in the urinary system, nettle infusion can help you improve naturally, as Infectious bacteria are carried away by the urine flow.
3. Acts against belly pain
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the active ingredients in nettle can be effective for lower abdominal pain and gastric cramps. A cup of fresh nettle infusion can also be useful for back pain of menstrual origin.
4. Stimulates digestion
Nettles and the infusion made from dried leaves contain bitter substances, which stimulate salivation and promote digestion. Gastric juice production is accelerated in the stomach, while increased bile production ensures healthy digestion.
5. Acts against cellulite
Almost all women have cellulite, some more, some less. Orange peel has a largely genetic cause. However, Exercise and a healthy diet are useful ways to prevent and counteract it.
Nettle infusion can help thanks to its draining effect, as it ensures that stored water is transported out of the cells. In combination with a healthy, low-calorie diet, it can help tighten connective tissue.
6. Beneficial effect on the prostate
The active ingredients in nettle leaves are not only effective in treating conditions of the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, but also They can have positive effects on the prostate. Among other things, the prostate gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid in which sperm can move during ejaculation.
One study found that nettle extract improved symptoms in patients with benign enlarged prostate. As part of a holistic treatment for prostate diseases, nettle infusion can be a good contribution.
What needs to be done so that nettles do not sting?
We just have to leave them in the cloth bag where we have kept them for 12 hours. After that time they no longer sting. If you don’t want to wait, you can flatten them (with a rolling pin, for example) and in a few minutes they will be deactivated. They also stop stinging when cooked.
Nettle is safe, but you should not overdo it. More than 250 milliliters per day is not recommended, even if you have symptoms. Regular or even daily consumption is not recommended as it may cause stomach pain, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Scientific references: