Known for its medicinal properties that are related to its use in the treatment and healing processes, the nettle is a plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. The parts of the nettle that are related to alternative treatments are: young leaves, rhizome and roots.

Its parts most commonly used for decoction are the young leaves, rhizome and roots. Its active ingredients correspond to acetylcholine, histamine, potassium nitrate, gallic acids, formic acids, carotene, sulfur, calcium, potassium, vitamin C, tannin, silicon and magnesium.

Depending on where the plant is identified, other names may be related to it. Among the main ones, we highlight wild nettle, tame nettle, larger nettle and red nettle.

Nettle: Care and precautions

Despite being a natural ingredient, before using this or any other species, it is good that the doctor is consulted. He alone has enough knowledge to certify that the ingredient will have all its beneficial actions absorbed by the body.

Nettle has toxic seeds, which can cause serious damage to health if ingested indiscriminately. With regard to the consumption of tea, not paying attention to dosages can represent other types of risks, these depending on the body of each patient.

Medicinal properties and benefits of nettle

The use of nettle is related to the treatment of many health problems, thanks to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-anemic, anti-diabetic, anti-hemorroidal, anti-syphilitic, anti-hydropic, depurative, diuretic, galactagogic, hemostatic and revulsive action.

Thus, it can be used against up to 23 health problems, they are: 1) hydrocephalus, 2) mycotic skin infections, 3) leukorrhea, 4) menopause, 5) hair loss, 6) psoriasis, 7) stinging, 8 ) had, 9) ulcers, 10) urticaria, 11) cold sore, 12) skin conditions, 13) amenorrhea, 14) anuria, 15) sciatica, 16) diarrhea, 17) dysuria, 18) edema, 19) enuresis, 20 ) epistaxis, 21) erysipelas, 22) wounds and 23) gout.

Nettle tea: how to make

In natural medicine, one of the easiest and most used ways to include nettle in any treatment is through the preparation of tea. To do this, just separate 200 ml of filtered water and a handful of plant leaves. Bring the water to a boil using a pot with a lid. Leave it until it starts to bubble.

Add the nettles to the boiling water and then turn off the heat. Leave the pot covered for 10 minutes. After this time, use a sieve to remove all the used plant so that only the liquid remains. The indication is that consumption does not exceed three cups a day.