Content
Nettle has long been considered a useful plant. It has medicinal properties, so it is used in alternative medicine. Dried nettle is an affordable medicine that you can prepare yourself. To do this, it is enough to collect the plant in a timely manner and properly dry it at home.
Medicinal properties
Dried nettle is valued for its high content of ascorbic acid, vitamin A, magnesium and potassium. Up to 2% of the composition is occupied by tannins, characterized by antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects. Greens also have a moderate antispasmodic, analgesic and antipyretic effect.
Infusions and decoctions of dried nettle strengthen the immune system and help with infectious diseases and allergies. Medicines based on this plant are taken internally to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, remove toxins, and fight parasites.
The roots, stems and leaves of dried nettle are used in non-traditional cosmetology. It is very beneficial for hair, as it enriches it with valuable microelements and protects it from the negative effects of environmental factors.
During the drying process, it is necessary to preserve the maximum of nutrients. Therefore, you need to follow the rules for harvesting plant raw materials.
Terms and rules of collection
It is necessary to cut the plant for harvesting before flowering. It is better to collect nettles for drying for the winter in the middle or end of May, when they have not begun to wilt due to hot weather.
In the southern regions, flowering occurs earlier, so collection can be carried out at the end of April
Nettles cut at the root quickly grow back. Therefore, you can collect greens before re-blooming, between the end of June and the beginning of August.
How to dry nettles
There are several simple preparation methods. The pre-collected grass is disassembled and washed thoroughly under running water. To prevent it from burning the skin, it is first doused with boiling water. In the future, use one of the dry nettle recipes to choose from.
In an electric dryer
The compact and convenient device allows you to quickly prepare dried fruits and herbs. The procedure is very simple and not labor-intensive.
Main stages:
- Electric dryer grates are filled with nettles.
- Pallets are placed inside the device.
- Set the temperature to 40-45 degrees.
- Dry for 4-5 hours, depending on the size of the leaves.
Pallets must be swapped every 1.5 hours
Some electric dryers have a preset mode for harvesting greens. In this case, you can use it.
In the oven
A great option for those who don't have an electric dryer. The only drawback is that you need to constantly monitor the temperature in the oven. Otherwise, there will be no beneficial substances left in the dried nettle.
Procedure algorithm:
- Place the collected leaves and twigs on trays or racks.
- Place in the oven.
- Preheat to 45 degrees.
- After 2 hours, take out the nettles, turn them over and leave for another 1.5 hours.
During heat treatment, the oven door must be kept open at all times.
The finished raw material must be left in a well-ventilated place, allowing it to cool. After this, the nettles are poured into a container and sent for storage.
Outdoors
The simplest option for drying at home. The greens should be laid out on a clean piece of fabric.
Suitable for these purposes:
- kitchen towels;
- cloth napkins;
- tablecloth made of chintz or linen;
- a large piece of multi-layer gauze.
Nettles are evenly spread on the fabric with branches
The workpiece is placed in a well-ventilated place outside. You can dry it on the balcony, opening all the windows wide and ensuring a constant flow of oxygen.
Drying in the fresh air lasts two to three weeks. During strong winds or rain, raw materials must be brought indoors.
In a convection oven
This device is quite suitable for harvesting greens. The prepared leaves are placed in the air fryer chamber and the airflow is set to maximum.
The lid of the device is not closed to ensure a constant flow of fresh air
Set the temperature to 45 degrees. The drying procedure lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. The dried leaves are then removed and allowed to cool.
In the Russian stove
A traditional method of harvesting greenery, which is suitable for owners of country houses. The only drawback of the method is that it is difficult to control the combustion temperature in a Russian stove, so you can accidentally spoil the plant material.
Correct drying process:
- Light up the oven.
- Let the fuel burn out.
- Place a piece of paper in a warm oven.
- If it hasn't started to char, you can add some greens.
- Heat treatment lasts a maximum of two hours.
- Periodically, the nettles are taken out and turned over.
It is more convenient to harvest nettles in small bunches
It is advisable that during drying, except for greens, nothing else is in the oven. Otherwise, the raw materials may absorb a foreign odor.
Storage rules
Dried nettle leaves are very fragile and turn into powder under mechanical stress. Stems and branches become stiff. It is advisable to store them in small dark glass jars with a tight-fitting lid.
Another option is canvas bags. The plant is stored in a suspended state so that it is not exposed to the negative effects of moisture.
The shelf life of dried nettle is 18 months. The amount of useful substances in the composition gradually decreases.
Harvesting technology and storage:
Conclusion
Dried nettle is a valuable plant material that is used in home medicine and cosmetology. You can prepare it yourself by collecting it in the countryside. Drying nettles is carried out in different ways, subjecting them to minor heat treatment. The dried plant, ready for use, is stored in a well-ventilated place for no more than a year and a half.
