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Stinging nettle belongs to the nettle family (Urticaceae). Latin name Urtica urens. A unique plant that has many useful characteristics. It is used in various fields - from cooking to the treatment of complex diseases. You can easily grow nettles in your garden. However, first you should familiarize yourself with the beneficial and harmful qualities of this plant.
The culture multiplies quickly and forms a continuous carpet
Botanical description of stinging nettle
The appearance and characteristics of nettle depend on whether the plant belongs to a particular species. Stinging nettle has distinctive features:
- stemb. Erect, grooved, tetrahedral. The surface is covered with vertical shallow grooves. There are hard, stinging hairs along the entire length of the stem. Shoot height is from 15 cm to 55 cm.
- Root. Stinging nettle has a tap root system. The main root is vertical, powerful, but rather short.
- Leaves. Small, opposite, green in color. They are ovoid or oval in shape, pointed at the end, with deep straight teeth. Leaf length 2-6 cm, width 1-4 cm.Also covered with stinging hairs.
- Flowers. Axillary, small, green in color. They can be solitary or collected in inflorescences. Blooms from early May to mid-October.
- Inflorescence spicate. The length is equal to the leaf petioles or slightly shorter. The usual petiole length is 1-4 cm.
- Fetus. The capsule is multi-seeded, rarely a nut. The box can be juicy or dry. The width of the nettle box is 1.1-1.3 mm, length 1.5-2.0 mm. Fruiting in June.
In addition to the description of the plant, other important characteristics of stinging nettle should be noted. The maximum fruiting rate is 22,000 bolls per plant. The germination depth of nettle seeds is 1.5-2.0 cm. The period lasts from spring to mid-summer at a temperature of + 20-22 °C. It is considered a weed that thickens plantings of vegetable, garden and industrial crops. May reduce yield. The appearance of stinging nettle in the photo below:
It is easy to distinguish stinging nettle from stinging nettle by the shape and color of the leaves.
Where does stinging nettle grow?
The culture is widespread throughout European countries, North America and Russia. The habitat of stinging nettle is very extensive. The plant can be found in any latitude except the Far North.
It grows near housing, in vacant lots, along fences. Stinging nettle forms small clumps, but does not form large thickets. Loves well-cultivated soil rich in humus and nitrogen.
How poisonous are stinging nettles?
On the surface of the leaves and stems of the plant there is a huge number of hairs with a sharp end. Hairs are large cells that resemble a medical ampoule in shape. The cells are filled with a set of components:
- formic acid;
- oxalic acid;
- tartaric acid;
- serotonin;
- histamine;
- acetylcholine.
When the ampoule comes into contact with the body of an animal or person, the tip immediately breaks off. The contents penetrate the skin and cause a chemical burn. The duration of pain depends on the amount of tartaric and oxalic acids. Acetylcholine, serotonin and histamine are the cause of redness and pain.
The huge number of stinging hairs gives nettles a strong pungency.
Medicinal properties of stinging nettle
Despite the fact that the plant is not considered cultivated, it has many useful qualities. It is most valued for its medicinal properties. Stinging nettle contains vitamins, carotene, tannins, trace elements and amino acids that are very necessary for the human body. The plant is used as a choleretic, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Compositions containing hot raw materials:
- restore damaged tissues;
- cure diseases of the genitourinary system and intestines;
- improve the activity of the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Remedies with pungent herbs are used for diabetes, skin problems, diseases of the lungs and digestive tract.
The healing properties of the herb are preserved even when dried. Therefore, leaves can be prepared in the spring during flowering for the whole year. Rhizomes with roots are also used.
Procurement of raw materials should be done during the flowering period of the crop
Uses of stinging nettle
Culture has long been used in various fields. In addition to medicinal compositions, it is widely used in cooking, cosmetology, agriculture, and light industry. To increase milk production, the shoots need to be steamed and added to the cows' feed.Chopped greens in the diet of chickens increases their egg production. This is an excellent vitamin supplement for rabbits, piglets and calves.
The plant is also used in the production of environmentally friendly fabrics. They turn out light and strong. Nettle is used to make ropes and ropes.
The main component needed in the food, pharmaceutical and perfume industries is chlorophyll. It is made from stinging nettle.
Nettle greens are useful not only for people, but also for pets
In folk medicine
Nettle has received the greatest recognition in folk medicine. Not only the leaves of the plant are used, but also the rhizomes. Decoctions and infusions are used as antiseptic, diuretic, and hemostatic agents. To stimulate lactation, in the treatment of skin diseases (lichen, acne, furunculosis). In addition to the usual drugs, traditional medicine also recommends extraordinary methods of treatment. For example, nettle brooms for a bath for radiculitis or muscle pain.
The roots help in healing as an astringent and diuretic. The rhizome should be harvested in early spring and autumn.
The herb works very well in the prevention of vitamin deficiency, hypovitaminosis, and atherosclerosis. A decoction of the leaves works well in lowering blood sugar levels. Stinging nettle root is used to treat prostate diseases in men.
To prepare infusions, you can use not only fresh herbs, but also dried ones.
In cosmetology
In the beauty industry, a decoction of this herb is used to strengthen hair. The drugs are recommended for hair loss or the initial stages of baldness.After washing, hair should be rinsed in nettle broth, which will give it thickness and shine.
Another method of use is cubes with frozen infusion for wiping the face. This technique tones the skin well, makes it elastic, and smoothes out wrinkles. It is also recommended to include crushed young growth in cosmetic face masks.
In cooking
It is recommended to eat young shoots of stinging nettle. It is suitable for preparing green cabbage soup, soups, omelettes, and pies. It is very useful to add nettle leaves to salads and sauces. To enrich the body with vitamins in winter, you should prepare raw materials using:
- Drying. It is best to dry young shoots. Store in fabric bags. You can grind it to obtain a powder and add it when cooking.
- Frost. Plastic bags or plastic containers with a lid are suitable for this method. Crushed nettle shoots are frozen.
- Pickles. Place the washed raw materials in jars, sprinkling them with table salt. For 1 kg of grass you need 50 g of salt. Store only in the refrigerator.
Many chefs use shoots to enrich the taste of meat sauces.
Nettle dishes are not only healthy, but also tasty.
Restrictions and contraindications
Like any remedy, stinging nettle has not only medicinal properties, but also contraindications. The plant requires caution in use. This applies to cases of treatment of bleeding requiring surgical intervention. Patients with increased blood clotting and kidney problems should also use the herb with extreme caution. Varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis - these diseases can worsen with uncontrolled intake of the culture. The use of the plant is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Conclusion
Stinging nettle has many unique properties. Proper use will relieve many diseases, enrich your daily diet with nutrients, and help maintain healthy hair and skin. It is important to study the list of contraindications so as not to cause harm.
