Content
Nettle is absolutely not contraindicated during pregnancy, but certain restrictions exist when taking it. The plant has a unique composition rich in vitamins. It can be consumed in the form of decoctions, soups, teas, and also externally for cosmetic purposes. Before starting self-medication, it makes sense to consult a doctor. There are also trimester restrictions. If in the second and third cases nettle will be useful to almost all expectant mothers, then in the first case it is highly not recommended to use it. The herb increases the contraction of smooth muscles and can cause miscarriages. Women with kidney pathologies, varicose veins, and bladder stones are also at risk.
Composition and value of the plant
Nettle leaves can be consumed during pregnancy provided there are no contraindications.The plant has a unique composition, is extremely beneficial, and has the following effects:
- stimulates metabolism;
- normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- removes toxins, cleanses the body;
- promotes milk flow during lactation;
- helps produce proteins, strengthens the immune system;
- rich in iron, which is necessary for normal pancreatic function.
It is the vitamins and iron in the composition that make nettle extremely beneficial for health. Teas can be an alternative to pharmaceutical vitamin supplements. They are natural and do not contain preservatives.
What are the benefits of nettle during pregnancy?
Nettle decoction during pregnancy, tea, soups will be useful in 2-3 trimesters. In the first case, especially if there is increased tone of the uterus, there is a threat of miscarriage, it would be better to refuse to take the drug.
The most common method of administration is tea. It can be consumed by pregnant women in the amount of three small cups per day. For taste, if you don’t like the natural one, add lemon, honey, and raspberries to the broth. It is optimal to brew the leaves not with boiling water, but with hot water at about 70 °C. 100-degree boiling water kills vitamins and microelements.
You can eat salads, soups, and nettle oils during pregnancy. The oil relieves neurological tension and pain well. Soups and salads are allowed in small quantities. Natural remedies are all medicines, sometimes even stronger than chemicals. They should be handled with care.
Nettle during pregnancy
It is quite possible to drink nettle during pregnancy, but you need to take into account the trimester and individual contraindications. At the beginning of the period, alternative treatment is not recommended.
Nettle during early pregnancy
Despite the rich vitamin composition and undeniable benefits, the plant should not be consumed in the first trimester unless absolutely necessary. Juice and infusions are equally dangerous. Nettle can cause spasms of the uterus and other smooth muscles and blood vessels. This is fraught with miscarriage. Doctors do not advise taking risks; there are gentler types of teas and vitamin supplements.
There are no restrictions for external use. It's time to make tonics for the face and hair with nettles. Rinsing curls is especially useful for those ladies who complain of hair loss with the onset of pregnancy.
Nettle during pregnancy in the second trimester
If there are no contraindications, complications, or threat of miscarriage, the expectant mother can use the infusion. Juice from fresh leaves and stems stimulates metabolism and activates digestion. The product also increases hemoglobin, which is reduced in many expectant mothers.
Nettle during late pregnancy
Pregnant women can drink nettle in the third trimester if there is no threat of premature birth. In general, the recommendations are the same as for the second trimester. You can use decoctions and juices to remove toxins, relieve swelling, and activate metabolism.
Nettle after childbirth
After childbirth, herbal tea is used to enhance lactation. Caution should be observed in case of kidney pathologies and varicose veins.Too often, tea is not drunk because the drink can change the taste of breast milk.
Is it possible to take nettles during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, decoctions are made from the plant or eaten. You can choose any method of use according to your taste.
Is it possible to drink nettle during pregnancy?
You can drink nettle during pregnancy in two ways. The first is a decoction or tea. The drink is prepared from fresh or dried leaves; it is important not to overdo the concentration.
The second option is juice from the leaves of a fresh plant. It is not so popular because decoctions and teas are easier to make. In terms of efficiency, both options are good.
Is it possible to eat nettles during pregnancy?
Fresh leaves can be chewed, added to salads, and used in soups. Usually, nettles are boiled before eating. There is only one limitation to use - the presence of pathologies of the bladder and kidneys.
Recipes and rules of use
It is not difficult to make healthy infusions and teas with nettles. Many people like leaf-based soup - it's a good summer option.
Nettle decoction
Decoctions help with various ailments. If you have a cough, take 20 g of herb, boil it for a quarter of an hour, add 200 ml of honey. You need to take a tablespoon six times a day.
If a pregnant woman is not gaining weight well, she lacks vitamins, or has poor appetite, you can try this remedy. Take a tablespoon of dry leaves for 200 ml of water, boil them for ten minutes, leave for an hour, and filter. The volume is divided into three doses.
This recipe is good for the heart. Cut off the tops of young plants with foliage, dry the material in the shade, and prepare a powder using it. Then pour five tablespoons of 0.5 liters of water and boil over low heat. Take half a glass of the decoction four times a day.
Nettle tea
Nettle tea is prepared from 2-3 tablespoons of a dry plant, pour in 0.5 boiling water, and leave for 30 minutes. Strain and drink warm or cold. This volume is enough for a day. You can add honey, lemon.
Nettle soup during pregnancy
Nettle soup is a tasty and healthy dietary first course. Ingredients:
- fresh herb plants;
- bulb;
- egg;
- carrot;
- three potatoes.
You can cook the soup in water or meat broth. Carrots and onions should be pre-passed. Boil the potatoes for ten minutes, add chopped nettle leaves, boil for three minutes, remove from heat. Crumble the boiled egg into plates.
For swelling
Tea from the plant is indispensable for swelling. The concentration of the active substance in the drink will depend on the processing method. The easiest option is to brew the herb just before use, like tea.
The drink is useful in the last months. The presence of potassium in the leaves of the plant prevents the development of hemorrhagic syndrome. Drinking the drink will be beneficial for both mother and fetus. You can brew the leaves in a cup or thermos.
Decoction is a more concentrated option. If tea can be consumed without restrictions (the main thing is that there are no contraindications), then before treatment with a decoction you should consult a specialist.The product is also used topically for the feet, added to water when taking baths.
Restrictions and contraindications
The plant should not be abused. Despite the useful, natural composition, constant use of decoctions can cause premature birth. It is also advisable to consult with the obstetrician leading the pregnancy before taking it.
Fresh leaves of the plant can contribute to the formation of bladder stones. For varicose veins, plant-based products are also not recommended; they thicken the blood and lead to blood clots. In general, any systemic disease is a reason to be careful.
You should also make sure there are no allergies. This can be done by taking a test dosage of the herbal decoction and carefully monitoring the reaction.
Also, after introducing nettle into the diet, you should stop eating other unusual foods. This will allow you to determine the source of problems if they arise.
At the same time, a decoction of nettles externally tones the skin, improves its appearance, and gives shine to the hair.
Conclusion
Nettle can be beneficial during pregnancy if you use the folk remedy wisely. The leaves of the plant contain many vitamins and microelements that will be useful to the expectant mother. It is very important to exclude contraindications and not exceed the daily dosage of the active substance. It is not recommended to use the plant in the first trimester; in 2-3 it will be useful. Sometimes an allergy occurs to nettle, you need to make sure that it is not present.The main ways to use the product are teas, decoctions, and nettle soup. Possible external use - for baths and baths, masks, lotions. After childbirth, nettle leaves will help improve lactation, but moderation and caution are also important here.