Ouch! It stings, but how good it feels! 😄
What is stinging nettle?
The most common species of nettle is the stinging nettle (urtica dioica).
It is also the most interesting from a medicinal point of view.
This herbaceous plant, which abounds in temperate zones, is well known to children for its stinging hairs.
Nettle contains the following compounds:
- Proteins.
- Fibers.
- Iron.
- Vitamin C.
- Magnesium.
- Phosphorus.
- Calcium.
- Aspartic acid.
- Potassium.
- Glutamic acid.
- Alanine.
- Linoleic acid.
- Histidine.
- Arginine.
- Zinc.
- Glycine.
- Leucine.
- Lysine.
- Alpha-linolenic acid.
- Phenylalanine.
- Proline.
- Tyrosine.
- Flavonoids.
- Phenol acids.
It contains all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantity to make it a complete source of protein.
How is nettle used?
All parts of the plant are edible, however the young leaves are the most nutritious.
When dried or cooked, the nettles lose their stinging power.
The leaves can be eaten:
- Raw.
- Cooked, like spinach.
- As a nettle tea.
- As a food supplement.
- As a component of medicinal remedy.
Benefits
The stinging nettle is particularly loved by the blood.
Medicinal uses
It is known for its action:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Depurative.
- Diuretic.
- Stimulating.
- Hypotensive.
- Tonic.
- Antioxidant.
- Immunomodulating.
- Antifungal.
- Painkiller.
- Antiviral.
For which diseases?
Stinging nettles have been traditionally used in case of :
- Cancer.
- Rheumatism.
- Diverticulitis.
- Arthritis.
- Diabetes type 2.
- Asthenia.
- Aerophagia.
- Diarrhea.
- Gout.
- Urinary disorders.
- High blood pressure.
- Anemia.
- Asthma.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Psoriasis.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Tiredness.
- Intestinal parasites.
- Hemorrhage.
- Bronchitis.
Emotions
Although urtica dioica has interesting properties, it cannot cure an illness on its own.
Behind most illnesses, there are emotional wounds.
By exploring my emotions, I can succeed in triggering the body’s natural self-healing process.
Conclusion
What are the benefits of nettle?
This perennial plant has many assets behind its stings.
Combined with emotional acceptance, it can produce interesting results.