Nettle Leaf
Latin name: Urtica dioica
Health Benefits of Nettle Leaf
Nettle is a very nutritious plant also known as Stinging Nettle. It strengthens and tones the entire system and is a very versatile herb. It can also be used in foods much like spinach, and it makes a tasty tea. Nettle is one herb you never want to be without. Health benefits include:
- Contains bitter compounds that help increase the flow of urine. This makes it a great herb for liver and kidney health. It increases the efficiency and function of these organs. For this reason it is often used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Like many bitter herbs, nettle is a blood purifier. This makes it a great treatment for anemia.
- Is widely known for stimulating hair growth, and can be used to restore natural color to hair when used in as a shampoo. It makes a great hair and scalp tonic.
- Contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues and stops bleeding. This makes it great for many inflammatory skin conditions.
- Has been used to treat inflamed prostate or “prostitis.”
- Because it is a great diuretic, it is good to treat water retention (edema) and also gout.
- Contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages. Nettle is the best herb for seasonal allergies and hay fever.
- Useful for growing pains in children.
- Alleviates the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
- Excellent reproductive tonic.
Nutritional Benefits of Nettle Leaf
- Contains good amounts of Vitamin C and A.
- Is very high in chlorophyll content.
- Contains many bio-available minerals such as iron, calcium, silicon, potassium, magnesium, protein, and dietary fiber.
How to Use Nettle Leaf
- Use in tea and tincture combinations. It makes a great tasting tea.
- It is great when added in small amounts to culinary dishes such as salads, meat dishes, stir fry, vegetables, to add nutritional value to the foods.
Fun Facts About Nettle Leaf
- YA good remedy for nettle sting is fresh bruised Yellow Dock.