Nettle leaf or the Nettle plant is considered as one of the less known super foods that have always been beneficial to the populace. Nettle leaf is also popularly called stinging nettle. It obtained the name because of its small and hollow stinging hairs present on its stems and leaves. However, steeping and cooking the leaves can render these hairs harmless.
Over the century, the leaves of the nettle plan have either been used as food or medicine. In Nepalese and Indian dishes, sautéing and steeping nettle leaves are popular. It is described to have the same taste as spinach. It is also used in cooking soup, which is a popular dish being served in the Eastern and Northern Europe. Being used as an ingredient for dishes is not the only way a Nettle leaf can be taken advantage of.
Nettle Leaf Benefits
A Cure for Arthritis – The leaves of the plant are commonly used in treating arthritis’ symptoms as well as those of rheumatism, gout, tendonitis, fibromyalgia and other conditions involving soft tissues of the body. The Nettle leaf can also be used in relieving joint pain by drinking a cup of stewed leaves of the plant. It does this through the diuretic action it is capable of. The action alkalizes and also releases uric acid in the joint of patients with gout, thus it eliminates pain.
Nettle Leaf Benefits for Women – Nettle is a great at combating fatigue and anemia. It supports the female’s hormonal system and the liver. Even pregnant women can benefit from the leaves since it prevents the possibility of bleeding. It strengthens fetus as well. It helps in promoting production of milk for nursing mothers. The symptoms of PMS are reduced with Nettle leaves. It does this by processing estrogen so that menopausal symptoms can be relieved while excess flow of menstrual blood is curbed. The leaves are used in the production of herbal tonics, which helps in removing fibroids and regulating menstrual flow.
Nettle Leaf Benefits
- Treat Allergies – The leaves of the plants have been long used as a homeopathic remedy and herbal treatment to provide allergy relief for hives, hay fever and asthma as well other known allergic dermatitis.
- Urinary Tract Support – Nettle leaves are very helpful in urinary tract and bladder function in men and women. The tea can act as a diuretic. It helps in breaking down the kidney stones and in increasing urination. It also shrinks an enlarged prostate and serves as a pelvic decongestant.
- Beneficial in Skin Conditions and Hair Loss – Drinking Nettle tea can relieve acne and eczema and help in getting rid of warts through topical application. Although the plant or leaves can cause a rash, it can relieve the itchiness it caused. Hair growth is enabled along with restoration of its original color.
If you have a Nettle plant within your property, you can stock on it for daily brewing. This way, if ever you are suffering from some of the health issues above, you can simply brew the leaves and drink it to be cured or relieved.
