Content
A nettle broom for a bath is an excellent way to combat not only rheumatism and radiculitis, but also an effective remedy against skin diseases. To get the maximum result, you need to accurately understand what materials can be used for the preparation, and how to properly make this bath “tool”.
What are the benefits of a nettle broom?
Nettle is widely used in cosmetology, folk medicine and cooking. In addition to dishes, decoctions, shampoos, medicinal ointments and tonics are made from it.
Formic acid, present in the plant, acts as an antiseptic, simultaneously providing a tonic and regenerating effect. Tannins and mineral salts have a positive effect on blood flow, normalizing blood pressure.
Nettle improves skin elasticity and stimulates collagen production
A nettle broom in a bath and steam room is used for the following health problems:
- rheumatism and radiculitis;
- gouty conditions;
- tuberculosis;
- arthritis;
- acne (boils, acne);
- eczema;
- severe hair loss, alopecia.
This remedy is especially recommended in the presence of chronic colds (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Using a nettle broom helps relieve fatigue, helps normalize the functioning of the nervous system, and relieves insomnia and stress.
How to make a broom from nettles
Making a broom from this most useful plant is very simple. But for this you need to know when and where to collect raw materials, as well as how to properly steam and dry the shoots.
Collection and preparation
The degree of therapeutic effect of the broom depends on the correct collection. They begin to collect nettles at the end of May, when the stems and leaves are filled with juice. Only young, strong shoots without inflorescences and seeds are selected. Cut the plant wearing protective gloves, preferably in the morning and only in dry weather. You should not go to harvest immediately after rain or in extreme heat, since in the second case the quality of the shoots will be worse, and the leaves will simply wither instead of drying.
The cut is made with a knife or scissors at approximately 7-10 cm from the ground surface. The cut shoots are carefully placed in burlap or any other dense, breathable fabric. It is not recommended to use film. When carrying, the edges of the material are wrapped so that the stems do not break.
How to knit nettle brooms
Bath brooms are knitted from nettles in much the same way as other varieties. The algorithm is simple:
- Each stem is cleared 15-17 cm in height of leaves.
- Dried shoots are collected in a bunch of 8-10 pieces so that the thickest stems are on the outside and the thinner ones on the inside.
- The resulting “bouquet” is tied in the area of the handle with thick twine at a distance of 5 cm from the cut.
Do not pull the string too tightly, otherwise you may break the dry nettle shoots.
Drying
A broom made from fresh nettles can be used already on the second day after collection, however, when storing for the winter, the raw materials should be well dried. 2-3 days after collection, the lower parts of the shoots are cleared of leaves, then laid out on newspapers, cloth or a clean floor so that direct sunlight does not fall on the material.
Nettles are most often dried under the roof or ceiling, in the driest part of the house.
The drying room must be dry and ventilated, only in this case the nettle will not begin to rot or mold. Prepared nettle shoots are laid out in 1 layer and left for 2-3 days.
After a while, the stems are tied with a thick thread or twine and hung from the ceiling of the room until completely dry.
How to steam with a nettle broom
Steaming with fresh nettles in a bathhouse is very good for your health. However, you can get the maximum therapeutic effect only by following the rules for steaming a broom. This process is different from traditional methods. A nettle broom should not be left in a container with boiling water, as in this case it will lose almost all of its beneficial properties.
The process of steaming nettles requires the preparation of two containers: with cold and hot water. Moreover, the temperature of the latter must be at least 75 °C.
First, the nettle broom is placed in hot water for 1.5-2 minutes, then in cold water for the same period of time. The steaming procedure is repeated at least 3 times, after which the nettle broom can be used for its intended purpose.
This method is suitable for those who will use this bath “tool” as a skin care product or for gentle steaming. People suffering from rheumatic pain should steam the broom differently:
- First, immerse it in hot water (80 °C) for 2-2.5 minutes.
- Then place in boiling water for 3 seconds.
- Steam the skin well and use the nettle broom as intended.
If we are talking about fresh raw materials, then it is enough to place it in hot water for 2 minutes, then pour it over with cold water, and use it during the washing process.
A nettle broom is not used for whipping
The use of this bath “tool” is more reminiscent of a massage. They start from the cervical region, then with light touches go down the back to the calves and ankles. The skin should take on a red tint. This procedure is characterized by a slight burning sensation, tingling sensation and warmth.
For rheumatism, nettle broom is used together with oak and birch. The first helps to warm up and open the pores, and the second has a direct healing effect. Steamed nettle leaves are often applied to the face or areas affected by acne. The procedure time is 2-3 minutes, the number of repetitions is 3 times.
Storage rules
Store brooms in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. Most often they are simply hung from the ceiling or on the walls.Do not store the material near fire sources or near heating devices.
The broom is stored for no more than 2 years
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite the large list of beneficial effects, you should not steam with a nettle broom for diseases such as thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Nettle has a powerful blood-clotting effect, so it requires careful use even among completely healthy people.
Also, a nettle broom is not recommended for use during pregnancy, the presence of ulcers, tumors, high fever and heart or kidney disease.
How to make a nettle washcloth with your own hands
A good alternative to a nettle broom for a bath can be a washcloth made from this plant. The raw materials for it are collected after the end of the long rains in September. After such intense saturation with moisture, the nettle skin is easily separated, then it is dried and rolled into a convenient sponge-twig.
Use only juicy, well-moistened grass for sponging
Conclusion
A nettle broom for a bath is a wonderful remedy for cleansing the body and treating many ailments, familiar to our ancestors. Using unprepared material will not only not bring the desired effect, but will also cause a lot of painful sensations.
