Nettle: Healing Properties and Folk Remedies for Treatment

Nettle, known to many, is a valuable medicinal plant, as confirmed by both traditional and folk medicine. Since ancient times in Rus', nettle has been used to relieve back pain, treat osteochondrosis, joint rheumatism, hemorrhoids, as well as to combat dandruff and hair loss.

In Russian villages, nettle grew everywhere, and this did not bother anyone, as the plant was indispensable for our ancestors.

Nettle brooms were used in the baths, and fragrant soups were made from fresh nettle. It was used to make fabrics, weave ropes, and even to ward off evil spirits.

Folk healers used nettle year-round: fresh in spring and summer, and dried leaves were harvested in autumn and winter.

Why is nettle so valued? It has a unique vitamin composition: it contains four times more vitamin C than lemon, as well as carotene, pantothenic acid, vitamins K and B2.

Due to its chemical composition, nettle has numerous healing properties. It helps stop bleeding, heals wounds, has diuretic and laxative effects, and is used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent.

Nettle also stimulates the work of digestive glands and promotes increased milk production in nursing mothers. It can elevate hemoglobin levels and the number of red blood cells in the blood. Studies show that nettle broth can lower blood sugar levels.

In Russian villages, nettle was used to treat liver and bile duct diseases, as well as to stop various types of bleeding, including hemorrhoids and uterine bleeding.

There was a belief that nettle cleanses the blood, so a decoction of it was used to treat ringworm, acne, and boils.

Here are several popular recipes using nettle.

Strengthening Hair with Nettle

To strengthen hair, take 100-150 g of fresh or dried nettle, pour 1 liter of boiling water over it, and add 1 tablespoon of honey. Let it steep for an hour, then strain through cheesecloth. In a basin with warm water, add 2-3 cups of nettle broth and rinse your hair. Do not rinse off the broth, as once dry, the hair will become shiny and manageable. With regular use of nettle, dandruff will disappear, and hair will become thicker.

For more intensive treatment of dandruff and hair loss, use a more concentrated infusion: pour 100 g of leaves over 0.5 liters of boiling water, bring to a boil, and let it steep for half an hour. Mix the strained infusion with 0.5 liters of 4% apple cider vinegar. Store the finished solution in a glass bottle and use 2-3 tablespoons in a basin of water for rinsing hair daily for 10 days.

Treatment of Boils, Acne, and Other Conditions

To treat boils and acne, take 3 tablespoons of dried or fresh nettle leaves, pour 2 cups of boiling water over them, and let steep for 4 hours. The strained infusion can be used for rinsing and washing.

Contraindications

Nettle broth should not be taken internally in case of thrombophlebitis and during pregnancy. www.webzdrav.ru