As Stinging Nettle is the hero of The Wild Nettle Co products, it’s only fitting that I share with you some more information about this power-house herb. There are benefits in every part of the plant from the root and leaves to the seeds.
Why is nettle one of the most popular healing herbs?
The benefits and uses of stinging nettles is extensive, among other things it can
- lower blood pressure
- lower blood sugar levels
- act as a diuretic
- boost hair health
- reduce pain and inflammation
- relieve skin conditions
- halt the enlargement of the prostate
- detoxify the liver
- help with allergy symptoms
- it’s an expectorant
- an antiseptic
- an astringent
- an hemostatic
Nettle is packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. The health benefits are vast.
Depending on the benefits you are wanting to extract from Nettles, there are various ways to use the plant, but for this post, I’m going to share uses of Nettle leaf, and outline them here to give you a better understanding of the humble but mighty Stinging Nettle
Ways to use Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf Tea
Simple nettle tea is one of the easiest ways to access the benefits. Use fresh leaves or dried leaves, place into a tea strainer (or coffee press), pour boiled water over the leaves, and leave to steep for 15-20 minutes.
Drink warm or cool to enjoy an ice tea. The fresh, grassy flavour is not unpleasant.
I prefer it cold, but the temperature does not affect the benefits.
Nettle leaf Supplements
Supplements are commercially produced and are fairly easy to find. They are available from most health shops or online retailers.
A traditional herbalist can make up supplements in capsule form from dried, powdered nettle leaf. 1-2 capsules taken per day with water would be enough to enjoy the benefits.
Incorporate nettle leaf into the diet
Another classic way to get all the lovely benefits is to incorporate the leaves into your diet. There are many recipes specific to nettle, for example, Nettle Soup, however many everyday meals can have nettle leaf incorporated into them.
Rinse and prepare the leaves in the same way you would spinach, in fact, the flavour is quite similar.
Incorporate nettle leaf into stews and soups, pesto and smoothies, even baked goods can be enhanced.
Almost any recipe containing spinach could be adjusted to include nettle leaf.
Nettle & cheese bread or scones are some of my favourites. I will be uploading all of my favourite nettle recipes soon.
Nettle tincture
A tincture is a herbal concentrate made by infusing fresh herbs in either alcohol or glycerine. Left to macerate, or infuse, for about 4-6 weeks, then strained.
A few drops of the concentrate can then be taken under the tongue daily. Although quite bitter in flavour, the tincture absorbs well under the tongue.
Preparations for topical use
Dried nettle leaf can be infused into oil to be applied topically to the skin and scalp. The benefits are drawn out of the plant matter to make a potent oil, and can be used in the preparation of skin and hair products.
I make nettle oil the old-fashioned way, and use the potent oil in my Nettle Hair Oil blend and to make up the popular Nettle Cream, Nettle Soap, and Nettle Shampoo bars.
In conclusion
I showed you a number of ways to get the benefits of powerful nettle leaf, depending on your requirements. There are a few links to beneficial products in there, but if you have any more questions please get in touch.
If you would like my FREE EBOOK – A guide to Stinging Nettle which highlights the various benefits of this magical wonder-herb, you can sign up here and I’ll send the link directly to your inbox.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, you may also like How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast with Nettle
xx Bronwyn
