Stinging Nettle Leaf

GREENIT! STINGING NETTLE

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a highly nutritious, blood-purifying and diuretic herb that can be collected in spring and summer. It is rich in vitamins C, B and K, minerals (iron, calcium, silicic acid), flavonoids and organic acids, which help eliminate waste products, reduce inflammation and support metabolism.

Detailed characteristics:

• Appearance: A perennial, creeping rhizome plant, with a square, unbranched stem, 50–150 cm tall. Its leaves are opposite, serrated, oblong-heart-shaped or lanceolate. The leaves and stem are also covered with stinging hairs, which contain formic acid, histamine and acetylcholine, which cause a burning, stinging sensation (hence the term “hives” or urticaria in medicine). It is a dioecious plant (separate male and female individuals), with small, greenish-white flowers forming clusters in the leaf axils.
  • • Active ingredients: Essential oils (citronellal, citral), tannins, flavonoids (e.g. quercetin), caffeic acid, resin and saponin. Vitamins A, C, K, U and B. Minerals: iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium. Others: chlorophyll, tannins, formic acid, histamine, serotonin.
    • Possible beneficial effects:
      • Blood purification and metabolism: One of the best detoxifiers in spring, it increases the kidneys’ water excretion.
      • Rheumatism and gout: It effectively reduces rheumatic and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
      • Urinary tract diseases: Diuretic, reduces uric acid levels, used in case of urinary tract infections.
      • Anemia: It helps in case of anemia due to its high iron content.
      • Hair care: It is used against dandruff and hair loss, and also in the form of shampoos for oily scalps.
  • Possible applications:
  • • Internally (tea): It is an excellent blood purifier, detoxifier, diuretic, and also reduces uric acid levels, so it is also used to treat gout and joint complaints. It is also used to reduce allergy symptoms (hay fever).
    • Externally: It is used for hair care (against dandruff, hair loss), skin problems (eczema) and as a compress for joint pain.
    • Cuisine: Its young shoots can be prepared like spinach, cooked in soups or stews.
  • Collection and storage: 
    • Collection: From spring to autumn, it is worth picking especially the young shoots and the upper leaves (wearing gloves).
  Drying: In a shady, ventilated place, dry quickly. 5 kg of fresh leaves will yield approx. 1 kg of dried drug.