Nettle: what is it for and how to use

Nettle, also known as urtigão, nettle or nettle, is a medicinal plant rich in vitamins and iron and can be used to aid in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, for example because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientific name of the nettle is Urtica dioica and can be found in natural products stores, handling pharmacies and free fairs. The proper parts for nettle consumption are the leaves, which are usually used to make teas, and the roots are usually found in capsule form.

What is Nettle?

Nettle is rich in vitamins A, B1, B5, C, K folic acid, iron, calcium, potassium and copper and is therefore suitable for several situations, such as:

• Helps treat rheumatism and arthritis;
• Stimulates appetite;
• Decreases the oiliness of the skin, avoiding the appearance of acne;
• Helps in the treatment of intellectual and physical fatigue;
• Prevents hair loss and combats dandruff;
• Leaves your nails stronger;
• Helps in the treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract;
• It may help in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but should be consumed in moderation;
• Promotes the release of sodium and urea in the urine, due to its diuretic property.

Thus, the properties of nettle include its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, diuretic, analgesic and appetite-stimulating action.

Nettle tea

Nettle tea is indicated to aid in the treatment of rheumatism, avoid fatigue and stimulate the appetite, and should be done with the dried leaves of the plant.
To make nettle tea, 4 grams of dried nettle leaves should be placed in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink at least 3 times a day.

Contraindications and possible side effects of Nettle

The consumption of nettle should be done according to the doctor's or phytotherapist's guidance, since excessive consumption of nettle can result in skin allergies, which cause a lot of itching and can be quite uncomfortable, and changes in the menstrual cycle in the case of women, and in the case of men.

In addition, nettle should not be consumed if the person has edema caused by heart disease or has impaired kidney function due to the action of this plant on the kidneys. In addition, it is not indicated for pregnant women, as it may induce premature labor or cause abortion, for example.