NETTLE LEAF

Nettle strengthens and invigorates the whole body. It is a special remedy for children's eczema and is beneficial in all forms of this condition, especially nervous eczema. As an astringent it can be used for epistaxis or to relieve the symptoms of bleeding wherever it occurs (eg uterine bleeding).

Nettle (Urtica dioica) The common nettle may not be as popular, but it had many practical uses in the past, as a dietary and medicinal herb. The name Urtica was given by Pliny, because of the burning we feel when we touch it. It is said that Roman legionnaires rubbed themselves with nettles to keep warm when they were about to fight in the dead of winter, especially in the northern regions of Europe. Later, in the same way, they also treated the pains of rheumatism. Its decoction, drunk in the spring, has remarkable tonic properties, while nettle pies are considered a great delicacy. It is a perennial plant, with upright shoots that reach 1.5 meters. The whole plant is hairy. The hairs contain histamine and formic acid, which are released on contact and cause a burning sensation on the skin. Its greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring. The male flowers are on separate plants from the females. There are several species and varieties of nettle. The shoots, together with their leaves, fresh or dried, are used both in cooking and for the preparation of infusion, extract, lotion or ointment. Its roots, fresh or dried, together with its leaves, give a decoction with which the scalp is massaged. Both annoying dry skin and hair dandruff are treated with this. The plant contains vitamins A, B, and C, iron and other minerals. The high content of vitamin C ensures increased absorption of iron, therefore, the juice of the plant helps to treat iron deficiency anemia. Nettle also has diuretic and antirheumatic properties, while also stimulating circulation.