Stinging Nettle
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When thinking of nettles, you may think of that stinging feeling after touching one - hence why it is called “stinging nettle”. Most of us would not think to consume something that causes a reaction on our skin like nettles do. However, nettle actually offers a variety of benefits for humans, which can be utilized in many ways.
Stinging nettle is a wild, blooming plant found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. It has been valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties since ancient times and remains a renowned herb today - both in the kitchen and in the herbalist’s medicinal cabinet.
Stinging nettle is full of bioactive compounds, which is what makes it beneficial for humans. Some of these compounds are flavonoids and tannins.
In today’s post, we will explore the benefits of the beautiful stinging nettle, which conditions it is especially good form, and how to consume it for optimal effects.
Benefits of stinging nettle
Nutrient powerhouse
Both the leaves and root of the nettle provides a wide range of different nutrients, that is essential for the human body. Some of these nutrients include vitamin A, C, K and several B vitamins as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Therefore, consuming stinging nettle can be an easy and effective way to provide your body with several essential vitamins and minerals.
Anti-inflammatory & full of antioxidants
As mentioned above, stinging nettle is a nutrient powerhouse and many of these nutrients acts as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants works by binding to free radicals in the body and neutralises them. Free radicals in the body can damage cells, cause inflammation, illness and aging. Therefore, the nutrients in stinging nettles may help to fight free radicals in the body and thereby fight inflammation.
Natural aid for arthritis symptoms
As mentioned above, stinging nettle has effective anti-inflammatory purposes. The condition arthritis is known to cause inflammation and pain in the joints. Stinging nettle has been shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
May detoxify the body
The many beneficial nutrients present in stinging nettle makes it able to detoxify the body and furthermore been known to gently cleanse the blood of toxins. Therefore, stinging nettle may be your go-to herb, when looking for a natural way to detox.
Healthy skin & hair
The health of your skin and hair is often a direct link to your body’s internal state. The many nutrients that stinging nettle contains, can be an excellent way to optimize your internal health and thereby experiencing an optimized health of both your skin and hair. Furthermore, nettle can also be used directly on the skin or hair, as long as it is processed to avoid the stinging sensations. You may find shampoos or skincare infused with nettle. Often times, nettle is added to skin- or haircare products for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help fight inflammation on the skin or scalp.
Rich in iron
As mentioned earlier, stinging nettle is rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially the mineral iron. Iron is an essential mineral, that your body needs to function properly. When dealing with an iron deficiency, stinging nettles can help restore the iron levels. The reason for this is, that stinging nettles also is a source of vitamin C, which can help with the absorption of iron. Therefore, adding stinging nettles to your diet can be a wonderful thing to do for yourself, especially if dealing with low iron levels.
If you would like to learn more about iron, you can read about the mineral here.
How to use stinging nettle
Nettle tea
Brewing a cup of tea with stinging nettles, is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of the plant. Simply boil water for one cup of tea (250 ml) and pour over 1-2 teaspoons of dried nettle. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes and enjoy your nettle tea - you can add honey and lime, if the nettle flavour is too earthy for you. You can also use fresh nettles from your garden.
Drink 1-3 cups daily for optimal effect.
- My favourite organic nettle leaf tea from Traditional Medicinals:
Making an herbal infusion is a great way to get all the benefits of stinging nettle. Infusions are much stronger than teas, and therefore also much more potent in their content of vitamins and minerals. I enjoy drinking nettle infusions while I am menstruating, as it helps restore my iron levels, that are dropping while I am bleeding.
You can see my recipe for herbal infusions here.
It is much easier to make infusions with loose leaf tea. I recommend this organic one from Frontier Co-op:
Hair- and skincare
As discussed earlier, nettle offers a variety of benefits both internally and externally. If dealing with inflammation or fungi either on the skin or scalp, skin- and haircare products containing nettle may offer you the help you need.
This award winning serum from Alpyn Beauty with niacinamide for smooth and moisturized skin contains nettle and is a great option for including nettle to your skincare! Alpyn Beauty is vegan, cruelty free and made with healing plants.
This anti-dandruff organic shampoo from Urtekram is a great option for people dealing with dandruff or an irritated scalp. Certified organic and made with clean ingredients.
Using a soap with nettle is an easy way to enjoy the wonderful benefits of the stinging nettle. This soap from Dr. Ancient is natural and vegan.
Essential oil
Essential Oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties and versatility. They are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood. Beyond aromatherapy, essential oils can support wellness in various ways such as added to skincare and household cleaners and fresheners as well as wellness support.
Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin and consult guidelines for safe use. These powerful extracts are a natural way to enhance your daily routine!
This natural and undiluted nettle essential oil from Devinez is a great option for a good quality essential oil with nettle.
Add to your recipes
Stinging nettle can be used in a variety of dishes. Once the nettle is cooked or blanched, it loses its stinging properties and becomes safe to eat. It has a mild, spinach-like flavour. Try adding it to your soup, pesto, smoothie or omelette.
Side effects
Stinging nettle is generally considered safe to consume - just remember to be careful when handling fresh nettle, as it can cause skin irritation.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9253158/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803312000978
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/4024331
The information presented on this website is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for licensed medical advice. This information may not be used to diagnose, cure, prevent, or treat any disease. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making adjustments to your self-care regimen, especially if you are taking medication.
