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Hemp nettle is a herbaceous perennial, popularly sometimes called stinging nettle. The plant has a rich chemical composition, which is why it is widely used in folk medicine. The species is also used in cooking and industry.
Description of hemp nettle
The plant belongs to the genus Nettle and the Nettle family, order Rosaceae. Its main characteristics are:
- erect ribbed tetrahedral stem;
- rhizome thick, creeping;
- average height 1.5 m, under favorable conditions up to 2.4 m;
- flowers are small and unisexual;
- large, deeply palmately dissected serrated leaves with free oblong-linear stipules, up to 15 cm long, dark green in color;
- branched and long inflorescences;
- fruit is a nut, elliptical or ovoid in shape, length up to 2.5 mm, width up to 2.8 mm;
- short and stiff, stinging hairs on stems and leaves;
- flowering occurs in June-August;
- fruiting in late summer.
Hemp nettle has many densely arranged flowers, but they look inconspicuous
The photo of hemp nettle shows its main difference from other species of this genus - the shape of the leaves.
Distribution area
In nature, hemp nettle is distributed throughout Russia, especially in Western Siberia. It also grows in Central Asia, China and Mongolia. The perennial prefers slopes and weedy places. It can often be found along roads. Hemp nettle thrives in wastelands, steppe and forest-steppe zones.
The plant is unpretentious, so you can grow it at home without any problems. Hemp nettle feels good in a pot, but it needs a large container. Caring for the crop is simple - loosening the soil, watering, weeding.
Composition and value of the plant
Hemp nettle contains a lot of valuable elements. It contains the following substances:
- vitamin K;
- ascorbic and pantothenic (B5) acids;
- tannins;
- carotene;
- lecithin;
- starch;
- macro- and microelements, including iron, calcium, sulfur, manganese, potassium;
- ammonium carbonate;
- formic acid;
- flavonoids, including diosmin;
- essential oil;
- protein substances;
- gum;
- glycoside;
- secretin (peptide hormone);
- chlorophyll;
- phytoncides.
The chemical composition of this species is close to the related stinging nettle. Most of the vitamins are concentrated in the leaves of the plant.
One of the interesting elements in hemp nettle is formic acid. It is found mainly in hairs on leaves and stems. It is this element that causes pain when touched because it has an irritating effect.
Hemp nettle contains a lot of starch. In terms of its content, the plant is close to peas.
Medicinal properties
The valuable elements in hemp nettle give it healing powers.The plant has the following properties:
- hemostatic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- wound healing;
- diuretic;
- anthelmintic;
- antipyretic;
- vasoconstrictor.
Preparations from hemp nettle are used for uterine and intestinal hemorrhages, enteritis with an acute or chronic course. The plant helps normalize carbohydrate metabolism. It is also used for other problems:
- fever;
- rheumatism;
- radiculitis;
- anemia;
- diarrhea.
Different parts of hemp nettle have healing properties - roots, leaves, stems
Features of application
There are several areas of application of hemp nettle - traditional medicine, cooking, manufacturing. Each direction has its own characteristics.
In folk medicine
In folk medicine, the roots and leaves of hemp nettle are mainly used. You can prepare these parts of the plant yourself. In each case there are certain deadlines. Leaves should be collected during flowering, when the maximum amount of valuable elements is concentrated in them. Root harvesting should be planned for early spring or autumn.
Hemp nettle leaves treat anemia, uterine and intestinal bleeding, enterocolitis in acute or chronic forms. In such cases, use powder, juice, infusion or liquid extract. These drugs also have a diuretic effect and are multivitamin compounds.
Nettle infusion is effective for colitis. You need to prepare it like this:
- Grind hemp nettle leaves. Dry product can be used.
- Measure out 3 tbsp. l. raw materials with a slide.
- Brew the leaves with two cups of boiling water.
- Leave for an hour.
Take the prepared infusion half an hour before meals 3-4 times a day. For one dose, 1-2 tbsp. l. facilities.
Nettle infusion for bleeding is prepared according to the same algorithm, but you need 1 tbsp per glass of boiling water. l. dry leaves. Drink the product four times a day, 60 ml.
If you need to make up for a vitamin deficiency or stop bleeding, you should take nettle juice. It is made from fresh leaves. Drink the product 1 tsp. three times a day.
For hypovitaminosis, an infusion of dry hemp nettle leaves is also effective. You need to brew 3 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for an hour and drink ½ cup three times a day half an hour before meals. This remedy also helps with diabetes and anemia.
Hemp nettle leaves are used to treat various skin lesions - wounds, burns, ulcers. The healing effect of the plant is due to the content of phytoncides and chlorophyll.
For pain accompanying radiculitis, rheumatism and other pathologies, use fresh shoots. They need to pat the affected areas. The stems can be connected to birch branches and used as a bath broom.
In the west of the Irkutsk region, hemp nettle is used for malignant tumors. The roots of the plant are used to make an infusion:
- Grind the raw materials, add a glass of water to each tablespoon.
- Place the product in a boiling water bath and hold for 15-20 minutes.
- Leave for half an hour at room temperature.
- Strain.
This remedy should be taken before meals, 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day. You can add celandine herb to the infusion - 1 tsp. per glass of water.
Hemp nettles should be harvested in dry, clear weather.
Hemp nettle leaves help with hair loss and dandruff.In these cases, the raw material is used with coltsfoot leaves, preparing an infusion for external use. The algorithm is like this:
- Grind dried nettle leaves, measure 1 tbsp. l.
- Prepare the coltsfoot in the same way, but take half the volume.
- Brew the leaves with 0.3 liters of boiling water.
- Leave for an hour.
- Strain.
Use the resulting infusion after washing your hair to rinse and rub into the skin. There is no need to dry your hair after treatment. Repeat the procedure three times a week for a month.
Hemp nettle has minimal contraindications. Internal use during pregnancy is prohibited due to the risk of premature birth. In rare cases, the plant causes an allergic reaction.
In cooking
In cooking, hemp nettle can be used to make soups and salads. Young leaves of the plant, which are rich in vitamins, are added to such dishes.
Hemp nettle can be used to make a seasoning. The algorithm is like this:
- Prepare a solution - dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. sea salt.
- Dip nettle leaves into the liquid and soak for several hours.
- Dry the raw materials and keep them on ice cubes for several hours.
- Dry the leaves completely. You can use a dryer or oven.
Store the seasoning in an airtight glass container.
An unusual use for hemp nettle is making wine. This direction is used mainly in England. From 40 kg of leaves you can get 3 liters of drink. Only the upper parts of the plant need to be collected. One of the recipes is:
- Wash 2 liters of nettle leaves, add water, and place on the stove.
- After boiling, cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Strain the raw materials.
- Dissolve 0.5 kg of sugar in liquid.
- Add lemon and orange juice, thin strips of their zest and ginger (1 cm of root), 0.1 liter of strong black tea.
- Dissolve wine yeast according to instructions and add to other ingredients.
- Leave the container with wine for five days, the temperature should be stable.
- Strain the mixture and install an air valve.
Fermentation takes approximately three months. After its completion, the wine must be bottled. The drink should be clear.
To remove the sting, place the nettle in boiling water for a few minutes.
In industry
Hemp nettle is used in various industries. It contains chlorophyll, which is valued in several areas at once - the production of food paint, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes.
It is also possible to use hemp nettle fibers in the production of paper, rope, and burlap. At one time, in the Nerchinsky region (Trans-Baikal Territory) they tried to cultivate this plant, including as a fodder crop. This direction was abandoned because the output of the drags is not so large.
Conclusion
Hemp nettle is a herbaceous perennial with stinging stems and leaves. Its different parts have healing properties and are used in folk medicine. The plant is added to various dishes, seasonings, sauces, and wine are made from it.
