Nettle: benefits, properties and application in medicine and cosmetology

Nettle is an amazing plant that has long occupied an important place in both folk medicine and cosmetology. Due to its rich chemical composition and many useful properties, it is used to treat various diseases, skin and hair care, as well as to strengthen the body. Its leaves contain unique substances that have a positive effect on health, stimulating the processes of recovery and purification. Let’s take a closer look at what makes nettle so valuable.

Nettle: description and composition

Nettle is a beneficial herb that is known for its medicinal and healing properties. It is widely used as a natural medicine that can treat many diseases. Due to its unique composition, nettle has a beneficial effect on the body, strengthening the immune system and improving overall health.

The leaves of this plant are rich in vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances that make nettle a universal remedy in medicine and cosmetology. Its healing potential is used to treat bleeding, inflammation, anemia and other health problems. Nettle deservedly occupies an important place among the most useful herbs, finding its method of application in both folk and traditional medicine.

Крапивы листья 1,5 г

Biological description of the plant

Nettle is a perennial plant of the nettle family, known for its stinging hairs. Two types are the most common: stinging nettle and stinging nettle. This herbaceous plant grows up to 1.5 meters, has toothed leaves and flowers collected in inflorescences. It grows in temperate climates on moist soils, most often near houses and in meadows.

Chemical composition of nettle leaves

Nettle leaves are a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals and biologically active compounds that determine its medicinal properties:

1. Vitamins:
   • Vitamin C: Found in high concentrations, it helps to strengthen the immune system and improves metabolism.
   • Vitamin K: Improves blood clotting and promotes wound healing.
   • Vitamin A: Supports healthy skin and vision.
   • Group B: participate in energy metabolism, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
2. Minerals:
   • Iron: necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the prevention of anemia.
   • Calcium: strengthens bones, nails and hair.
   • Magnesium: relieves muscle tension and participates in the cardiovascular system.
3. Organic acids:
   • Formic and acetic acids have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
   • Silicic acid helps strengthen connective tissues, hair and nails.
4. Chlorophyll:
   • It improves metabolic processes, stimulates tissue regeneration and promotes wound healing.
5. Phytoncides and flavonoids:
   • They have antioxidant properties, slow down the aging process and protect the body from free radicals.

This rich composition makes nettle a unique plant that is used for both internal and external use.

Pharmacological action and properties

Nettle has many pharmacological effects, which are confirmed by both folk and traditional medicine:

1. Anti-inflammatory effect:

Biologically active compounds in the composition of nettle reduce inflammatory processes. This is especially useful for diseases of the joints, skin and internal organs.

2. Hemostatic effect:

Vitamin K and other substances contribute to rapid blood clotting, which makes nettle effective for bleeding and nosebleeds.

3. Immunomodulatory effect:

The high content of vitamin C and phytoncides strengthens the body’s defenses, helping to cope with infections.

4. Antioxidant effect:

Flavonoids and chlorophyll protect cells from free radical damage, slowing down the aging process and improving the condition of the skin.

5. Stimulation of tissue regeneration:

Organic acids and minerals accelerate the healing of wounds, burns and inflammation.

6. Body cleansing:

Nettle stimulates the excretion of toxins and metabolic products, improving the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

These properties of nettle make it an effective remedy in the treatment of skin diseases, strengthening blood vessels, improving metabolism and maintaining the overall tone of the body. Its inclusion in the diet or use in cosmetics is a step towards improving health and external attractiveness.

Medicinal properties of nettle and its use

What does nettle treat in folk medicine

Nettle is one of the most versatile remedies of folk medicine. It is used for a variety of diseases, ranging from colds to joint diseases. Decoctions and infusions of leaves help relieve cough symptoms, promote the removal of phlegm and strengthen the immune system. This plant is indispensable during the recovery period of the body after infectious diseases.

Particular attention is paid to the ability of nettle to improve blood. It helps with anemia by enhancing hematopoiesis and increasing hemoglobin levels. A therapeutic and useful decoction of nettle is often used to stop bleeding, including uterine, pulmonary and hemorrhoidal, due to its hemostatic effect.

In addition, the plant is widely used for skin diseases. Due to its antiseptic and healing properties, it helps with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Nettle infusions effectively cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.

Benefits of nettle for blood

Nettle leaves play an important role in maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Due to its high content of iron and vitamin K, it helps to cope with anemia and improves blood clotting. This is especially important for people suffering from bleeding, such as nasal or postpartum.

Regular consumption of nettle stimulates hematopoiesis, increases the level of hemoglobin and the total number of red blood cells. This helps to eliminate the symptoms of fatigue, weakness and dizziness characteristic of iron deficiency.

Nettle also strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves their elasticity. It helps to normalize blood circulation and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Its action is aimed not only at the treatment, but also at the prevention of blood flow disorders.

Крапивы листья 50 г

Nettle for hair: strengthening and restoration

Nettle is a natural hair strengthening remedy that is suitable for all types. Infusions of its leaves are often used for rinsing after shampooing. This helps to make the hair stronger, give it a natural shine and eliminate breakage.

Stimulating hair growth is one of the main advantages of nettle. It improves blood circulation in the scalp, which provides nutrition to the hair follicles. Thanks to this, the hair becomes thicker, and its loss is noticeably reduced.

Another advantage of nettle is the fight against dandruff. Its antiseptic properties help to eliminate itching, irritation and excess oiliness of the scalp. After nettle treatments, hair becomes healthier and more resistant to damage.

Useful properties of nettle for the skin and body

Nettle has a beneficial effect on the skin, helping to cope with inflammation, rashes and acne. Its infusions can be used as a toner that cleanses pores and improves complexion. Masks made from crushed nettle leaves make the skin more elastic, slowing down the aging process.

For the body as a whole, nettle is a powerful source of vitamins and minerals. It strengthens the immune system, helping the body to resist viruses and infections. The plant also effectively removes toxins, improving the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Nettle helps to maintain overall tone and improve metabolism. Its regular use helps to increase energy levels, which is especially important during periods of increased stress. Due to its beneficial properties, nettle becomes an indispensable component both in self-care and in health promotion.

Nettle in cosmetology

Recipes for facial skin care

Nettle is actively used in cosmetology due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. For facial skin care, infusions and fresh leaves of the plant are often used. Nettle infusion can be used as a natural tonic. To prepare it, a tablespoon of dried leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water, infused for 20 minutes and filtered. This toner helps to cleanse the skin, tighten pores and eliminate inflammation.

To nourish and moisturize the skin, a mask made of crushed fresh nettle leaves is suitable. Mix a tablespoon of nettle mass with a spoonful of honey and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes. After the treatment, the skin becomes softer, more hydrated and radiant. Regular use of such products improves the overall tone of the skin and gives it a healthy look.

Use to strengthen hair

To strengthen hair and stimulate its growth, nettle is considered one of the best natural remedies. The infusion for rinsing is prepared from two tablespoons of dried nettle poured with a liter of boiling water. After infusion, the product is filtered and used after shampooing. Such a rinse makes hair shiny, reduces breakage and prevents hair loss.

Additionally, you can prepare a hair mask by mixing fresh nettle juice with egg yolk and a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture to the roots of the hair, wrap the head and leave for 30 minutes. This procedure strengthens the roots, saturates the scalp with vitamins and accelerates the growth of new hair. Regular use of nettle helps to maintain healthy hair and gives it a natural beauty.

Contraindications and precautions

Who is not recommended to use nettle

The use of nettle, despite its beneficial properties, has a number of limitations. First of all, the plant is contraindicated for people with increased blood clotting. Due to its hemostatic effect, nettle can increase the risk of thrombosis and other circulatory disorders. Also, it should not be used for bleeding caused by tumors, cysts or polyps of the uterus, as this can aggravate the condition.

Nettle is categorically contraindicated for pregnant women, since it has a vasoconstrictor effect, which can provoke an increase in uterine tone and lead to complications. However, in nursing mothers, the plant stimulates lactation, which makes it useful when breastfeeding.

In addition, nettle is not recommended for use in people with arterial hypertension due to its ability to constrict blood vessels. It is important to consult a doctor before starting to take it, especially if you have chronic diseases or a tendency to allergic reactions.

Features of the use of nettle in medicine

Nettle has pronounced pharmacological properties, so its use requires compliance with certain rules. For the treatment of various bleeding, anemia and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, infusions are most often used, which are prepared strictly according to the instructions. For example, 2 dessertspoons of dry leaves are poured with boiling water, infused in a water bath for 15 minutes, and then filtered and diluted to the desired volume.

The drug is suitable for both adults and children over 5 years old. For adults, the dosage is 1/4-1/2 cup of infusion, taken 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals. For children, the dose is selected individually depending on age. It is important to shake the infusion before use in order to evenly distribute the active substances.

The duration of the treatment course is determined by the doctor, based on the patient’s condition. Although side effects such as allergic reactions or digestive disorders are rare, precautions must be taken. You can store the prepared infusion for no longer than 2 days in a cool place to preserve its medicinal properties.

Nettle is a versatile plant with a wide range of uses, but requires a responsible approach to use.

Literature:

1. Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a functional bioactive food ingredient: Applications in food products and edible films, characterization, and encapsulation systems (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224424000979#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20previous%20studies,%2C%20%26%20Alava%2C%202016).
2. Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9253158/)
3. 6 Evidence-Based Benefits of Stinging Nettle (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle)

Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”